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.
Category Archives: Lancashire
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.
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.”
Micropub Adventures 