January 2024. Chorley.
January is always a tricky month for pub tickers. Obviously there’s the temptations of Dryanuary and the desire to proclaim your worthiness with photos of yourself at home in Wakefield with a nice cup of cocoa. And if you do bin off Dryanuary, will the weather, rail unions, and micro opening times play ball with your plans ?
Tickers have been eyeing up Chorley for a while, three (3) new Guide entries, decent rail links,
pies and curry, womens underwear…
Chorley market was briefly considered as a venue for the GBG tickers AGM, but images of middle-aged blokes getting lost in the knickers section brought back memories of that Father Ted episode and we have reputations to uphold.
I knew Ben’s Tap was at the market, but it took me ages to find it, tucked aways near the Bob’s,
and the Balti mix and the briefs. That bar on Norwich market was similarly elusive last month.
So, in the drizzle, I actually turned to Blackpool Jane’s blog for help, just as I noticed Ben back into the market from outside.
Look, marked it for you.
There’s now a lot, a huge number, of small bars in central Chorley, but Ben’s brews his own beers, which is one up for alliteration.
I thought I’d start an ambitious day sensibly with a half, and immediately regretted it as I handed over £2.60 to the charming barmaid.
“No ! £1.60, it’s only £1.60 !”
Yes, I drink their lovely crisp pale (3/3.5),
listen to their excellent soundtrack,
use their upstairs room to phone my mum,
admire their art,
use their heat and light, and hand over £1.60.
No wonder pubs are struggling.
retiredmartin 
I can’t think of a funnier show than Father Ted. What with Mrs. E doing a perfect re-enactment of Mrs. Doyle’s trying to get down from a window ledge, but on rocks around a beach pool, and ending up hurling herself into the water in her winter coat and all…
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We watched the “My Lovely Horse” episode the other night. Genius (as is the IT Crowd).
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We can’t resist the temptation to use Father Jack’s very limited vocabulary at every opportunity.
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Limited but comprehensive.
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The monosyllabic solution to 96.73% of situations.
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Your ‘Golden GBG Completion’ trophy, on the mantlepiece obviously, but is there a squeaky floorboard in front of where it sits, just in case Si’ Unctious should visit?
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Excellent bar and Chorley itself is a favourite destination of mine. The Chorley Live music event is always worth a look.
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You might have mentioned the music event before.
I think all Chorley lacks, with the pubs so good, are more things for visitors to do. When we stayed in the Premier inns 15 years ago the canal walks around Wheelton were a highlight.
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Have you been up to Rivington and the old Terraced Gardens? Fantastic views from up there, way across to Blackpool and the Lakes.
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“Rivington Terraced Gardens” https://www.rivingtonterracedgardens.org.uk
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“Astley Hall, Coach House & Park” https://astleypark.co.uk
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