I spent the day pub-hopping around Hest Bank, Morecambe and Heysham, soaking up the vibe at each stop. From the cosy, chatty feel of The Crossing and Little Bare to seafront places like Tide & Tap, Embargo and the old-school Palatine, everywhere felt welcoming and relaxed. I met brilliant landlords, friendly locals and even popped into a family-run gin distillery. The spots ranged from tiny former shops to a grand old hotel, but all kept things easygoing and unpretentious. With buses linking the towns and great cask ale all day, it turned into a cracking little tour of Lancashire’s independent pub scene.
Category Archives: Lancashire
23/01/26 – Lancaster
I kicked off my Lancaster wander at The Tite & Locke in Lancaster Railway Station — a cool little spot mixing old railway character with modern pub comfort. Their Cascade from Lancaster Brewery was an easy start. Then it was over to Merchants 1688, all stone arches and history, for a punchy IPA. Accidental Brewery & Micropub came next, tiny and friendly, where a cherry sour really stood out. Stonewell Tap was lively and full of character, pouring a juicy Verdant Brewing Co DIPA. I wrapped up at The Sun Hotel & Bar with a smooth, relaxed pale. Proper good evening all round.
10/01/26 – Rawtenstall and Burnley
I spent the day hopping between Rawtenstall, Waterfoot and Burnley, calling in at a mix of micropubs, taprooms and craft bars. Everywhere felt friendly and relaxed, often set in old shops or historic buildings that have been given a new purpose. I drank some cracking beer along the way, mostly cask, with plenty of choice wherever I went, and had some really nice chats with the people behind the bars. It was an easy, unhurried day, moving between places, settling in for a pint, and enjoying spots where conversation comes naturally and time just seems to drift.
29/11/25 – Blackpool
I visited a handful of Blackpool’s best spots in one relaxed wander, starting at the Tipsy Seagull, a bright, easy-going little pub where it was far too simple to settle in for longer than planned. Cask and Tap was next, with its smart metallic décor and excellent choice of beers, before a quick bus ride took me to the friendly, no-frills Cask in Layton. Rhythm & Brew Room added some proper history, Raleside brought a modern feel, and Shickers Tavern kept things ticking along with live music. A stroll through Christmas By The Sea added a dose of festive warmth, and I ended the day at Albert’s Ale — cosy, characterful, and the perfect finish.
08/11/25 – Chorley and Adlington
I had a great time exploring the pubs around Chorley and Adlington. In Chorley, I dropped into spots like The Bob Inn, Flat Iron, Ben’s Tap, Shepherds Hall Ale House, Riley’s Taproom, The Shed & Garden, Baaa 38, Ronnie’s Bar, Nelipots, Inn the Dog House and Malt ’n’ Hops. Each place had its own vibe — friendly people, good beer and plenty of character. Then I headed over to Adlington, where I visited The Old Post Office, Inn the Dog House and The Retreat. Every stop was relaxed, welcoming and full of great local brews — the perfect way to spend a day out.
18/10/25 – Lancashire Beer & Buses – South Ribble
The South Ribble Beer & Buses day paired classic buses with pubs across Leyland, Penwortham, Bamber Bridge and Lostock Hall amongst others. Free vintage services ran lunchtime into early evening, creating a relaxed, community feel while linking more than twenty venues pouring quality cask and craft beer. The Merseyside Transport Trust, founded in 1970 to preserve regional bus heritage, ran this event with lovingly restored vehicles. Highlights included Hopworks, Bar 47, Beer Box, Withy Arms, venues along Liverpool Road in Penwortham, and welcoming stops in Lostock Hall and Leyland. A friendly route for real-ale fans, transport enthusiasts, and anyone up for a wander.
27/09/25 – Rochdale and Littleborough
I spent time exploring Rochdale and Littleborough’s pubs, each full of history, character, and great beer. From the Victorian charm of the Cemetery Hotel and the lively Flying Horse, to the mill-turned-brewery Twisted Mule and award-winning Baum, every stop offered something unique. I enjoyed cosy micropubs like The Pint Pot, Our Gracie’s, and The Lucky Duck, alongside landmarks such as Moody Blue and Bull on the Brow. In Littleborough, I discovered the heritage-rich Red Lion, welcoming Hare on the Hill, and scenic Moorcock Inn. Along the way I met passionate brewers, sampled local ales, and experienced true community spirit.
20/09/25 – Preston Pub Festival
I had a great time at the Preston Pub Festival, checking out loads of different pubs around the city. Each place had its own vibe, from the old-school charm of The Old Vic and The Black Horse to the laid-back feel of the New Continental and the modern buzz at Plug & Taps. The beers were brilliant too – highlights for me were Portergeist from Theakston, Arable Pastures from Fell, and Eating Fresh Fruit from Rivington. I even stumbled across some hidden gems like PLAU and Winedown. Overall, it was a fun weekend of good pubs, good beer, and good company.
23/08/25 – Wigan
Wigan’s pub scene is a proper mix of old and new. Places like Wigan Central, The Three Mills, and The Swan & Railway nod to the town’s railway and industrial past while serving quality ales. The Anvil, Tap ’n’ Barrel, and Wigan Brewhouse Taproom carry on the local brewing tradition with cosy atmospheres and interesting pints. Newer spots like Real Crafty and Gin on the Lane add a modern twist but still keep that community feel. All in all, every pub offers a warm welcome where locals and visitors can enjoy a drink and a bit of Wigan’s culture.
03/05/25 – Farm Yard Brew Co
Here I share my experience on the “Farm Yard Beer Bus,” travelling to Farm Yard Brew Co, a craft brewery in Cockerham, Lancashire. Founded in 2016 by Steven Holmes, the brewery evolved from traditional farming into brewing, rebranding in 2021. It focuses on quality and sustainability with eco-friendly practices. The on-site taproom features a rustic design and serves food from the vendor ‘Marrow,’ which offers locally sourced dishes. A variety of beverages are available, including cask ales and craft beers.
Micropub Adventures 