02/05/25-03/05/25 – Fylde Coast

I cover various micropubs and bars across Blackpool, St Anne’s and Lytham, detailing their unique characteristics and offerings. Albert’s Ale Micropub stands out for its cosy atmosphere and newly introduced “Tapas” menu. Raleside Brewhouse features a live train departure board and collaborates with local brewers. The historic Rhythm & Brew Room pays homage to Blackpool FC, while Shickers Tavern focuses on live music. Cask and Tap offers a minimalist interior with an impressive beer selection. New establishments like Lytham Hop House and Bierhaus emphasise community and good beer. Each venue showcases a selection of cask and keg beers, promoting local breweries.

12/04/25 – Lancashire Beer & Buses / Leyland

The “Lancashire Beer & Buses” event, put together by the Merseyside Transport Trust, provided a delightful day out, taking attendees to different village pubs starting from Burscough. Kicking off at the historic Hesketh Arms in Rufford, everyone got to savour a variety of cask ales in a warm and inviting setting. The adventure then moved on to The Legh Arms, celebrated for its charming rustic feel, and continued to Tarleton’s The Cock & Bottle, where tradition meets a modern twist. Next up was The Vestry, a cosy micropub, followed by Hop Vine, known for its homemade brews. The tour wrapped up in Leyland, where participants explored micropubs like The Market Ale House and The Golden Tap, each offering its own unique atmosphere and locally crafted ales.

11/04/25 – Preston

Today, I’m checking out some of the standout pubs in Preston, kicking things off at The Black Horse. This historic Grade II spot has been around since 1898 and is famous for its stunning Victorian architecture and great ales. Next up is Guild Ale House, a beloved micropub that’s won awards for its craft beers. The Orchard is another gem, known for its friendly community vibe and live music. The Moorbrook brings a touch of Victorian charm, serving up craft beer and delicious wood-fired pizzas. If you’re looking for a cosy atmosphere, Vinyl Tap has a music theme that makes it a great hangout. PLAU is notable for its rich history and unique décor. Other places worth visiting include Chain House Brewing Co, Hopwoods Tap House, Wings & Beer Co, NIKO, and Winckley Street Ale House, each offering a diverse range of beers and lively atmospheres.

18/01/25 – Skipton and Barnoldswick

Skipton and Barnoldswick are steeped in history, with Skipton Castle standing as a key landmark and a lively market scene that dates back to the Domesday Book. You can check out local spots like The Boathouse Bar, Hickey’s & Friends, and Wax and Taps, each with its own vibe and selection of beers. Barnoldswick, with its industrial roots, features places like The Barlick Tap and Chewies that focus on local brews. The Beer Engine and The Narrow Boat, along with other pubs in Skipton, really capture the community spirit while offering a variety of ales. All in all, exploring these towns showcases their rich history and vibrant beer culture.

26/10/24 – Ulverston (and Blackpool)

After exploring the new Nuclear Submarine in Barrow-in-Furness, I ventured to Ulverston, known for its Laurel & Hardy connection. My first stop was The Mill, a historic pub with Grade II listing and a selection of eight cask ales, including “Apprentice” from Wibblers Brewery. I then visited Gather Beerhouse, a cosy craft ale venue offering friendly service and unique pizzas, where I sampled a flavourful sour beer. My final Ulverston visit was the Devonshire Arms, an old pub featuring local cask ales. Concluding the day in Blackpool, I checked out Railside Brewhouse.

26/09/24-29/09/24 – Fylde Coast

The three-day exploration of the Fylde Coast included visits to various breweries, micropubs, and pubs in locations such as Cleveleys, Blackpool, and Lytham. Highlighted establishments featured diverse selections of cask and keg beers, showcasing unique flavours and atmospheres.

11/08/24 – Lytham

oday, I find myself in Lytham on the Fylde Coast, renowned for hosting the prestigious Royal Lytham and St Annes golf course. My day commenced with visits to the “Lytham Windmill” and the “Lytham Lifeboat Museum.” Following these explorations, I proceeded to three nearby establishments for beer, beginning with two that were new to me: the “Lytham Bierhuis” and “Northern Monkey,” before concluding my journey at “The Craft House.”

05/05/24 – Preston – Ashton-on-Ribble and Penwortham

Headed out to Preston today but instead of the centre I went onto the outskirts visiting the Ashton-on-Ribble and Penwortham areas. Started in the Ashton-on-Ribble area, home of Tulketh Mill which was an Edwardian former cotton-spinning mill. Started here with “The Tap End”. I then headed over to Penwortham, with a long street of pubs, restaurants and independent shops. Started here visiting “1260 Craft & Crust”, and onto “Tap & Vine”, “No 16 on the Hill” and “GINjarALE”

03/05/24-04/05/24 – Blackpool and Cleveleys

Another trip over to the Fylde Coast, starting with Blackpool visiting “Shickers Tavern”, a new opening for this year and “Thirsty? Alehouse”, which has reopened with new owners after a period of closure. Saturday takes me up to Cleveleys for another new opening “Wobblinn”.

04/05/24 – Beer and Buses – Stalmine, Knott End and Preesall

A Saturday evening out with the “Fylde Tramway Society” heading out from Blackpool further out to visit pubs at 3 different villages, these being Stalmine, Knott End and Preesall. The bus used is owned by “Fylde Transport Trust”, Blackpool Corporation 529. A Leyland PD3 which entered service in 1968 and was withdrawn in 1980. A beautifully restored bus which returned to the road in 2008.