Getting these “best of” posts out before midnight every day, on top of my incredibly busy days, is so stressful.
I almost just picked five from Preston tonight; Black Horse, Old Vic, New Conti (for music), Vinyl Tap, Blue Bell, before remembering that Blackpool Jane would never speak to me again,
But I will start with that fine city, and a bona fide classic.
Yes, it’s gorgeous, but the people make the Black Horse.
And, sorry Stockport, I reckon this is the best place in the world to drink Robbies.
And Plum Porter.
Anything Preston can do…
I’m no big fan of small pubs,but Lancashire is so dominated by micros these days you have to pick one.
Well, there’s not actually Boddington’s in the Cask & Tap, though if there was it would probably be the best Boddies. As it is the Wilde Child was quite wonderful,
the atmosphere charming, the seating comfortable, the Bass memorabilia only serving to wish they’d give Burton’s finest a try.
Only one problem. It does sell some highly dubious reading material under the counter…
Rivington – Rivington Brewing Co.
I’m not a fan of brewery taps, either, but Rivington sits in one of the best locations in the country (see also : Wincle), with folk sitting on milk urns alongside the reservoir.
The beer is exceptional, and Mrs RM would have great fun checking-in these on Untappd on a sunny day.
Oh, and outside loos, too, of a fashion.
What’s not to like ?
Continuing the (almost) theme, I’ve never been that enamoured with “ale shrines“, pubs excitedly boasting “more than a dozen regularly changing beers you’ve never heard of“.
I remember nearly two decades ago the Taps had a reputation for cask almost on a par with the Harp or the Wellington.
Well, the folk in the Taps on a Saturday night weren’t your typical CAMRA mob.
No sirree.
But I’ve experienced few better pub atmospheres, and that pint of Dizzy Blonde even better than the Plum Porter.
Which leaves one up in the far north in the Arnside and Silverdale Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which it certainly is.
This left an impression on me 17 years ago, but for photos I’ve had to raid Pubmeister. His rates are reasonable.
Duncan writes;
“It’s still quirky. The current Guide states “to ring the pub you need to ring twice”; presumably they won’t answer the first time. It’s the sort of pub where small groups of men sit in silence for several minutes then say “I’m not sure Dave but I think it’s 6 by 12” while across the floor beside a vast fireplace a couple were discussing a restaurant that scored a hygiene rating of zero.”
I really must go back before it’s too late.
Right, over to you for the sixth. Something in Accrington, perhaps ?
retiredmartin 
I’d put in a word for the two Sam Smith’s pubs in North Blackpool, the Bispham Hotel and the (currently closed) Victoria at Cleveleys. Also the Saddle in East Blackpool is worth a shout.
It’s strange, though, that Lancashire, although similar to Staffordshire in some ways (large area of conurbation stripped out, mixture of post-industrial towns and attractive countryside), has nothing like the number of unspoilt, characterful rural, village and small town pubs.
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Thought about the Bispham, but for some reason (😉) I don’t seem to have any good photos of it.
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How can you ignore Chorley or Lancaster? You also seem to have missed East Lancs, the best example I can think of in that neck of the woods no pun intended is the Swan with Two Necks, Pendleton. The Bispham was okay in my early CAMRA days but now well past it’s sell by date, a good pre-emptive is across the road the Cask (sister pub the Cask in Layton).
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Been writing about Chorley non-stop for last 2 days so certainly giving that attention !
Never really warmed to Lancaster since Yorkshire House closed (more my style of pub), but did like the Bobbin.
You’re right about Pendleton; you certainly need a visit to Clitheroe and around to get a sense of Lancashire. Haven’t been to the Swan for too long to include it realistically.
Cheers
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Lancaster is a cold-feeling city remarkably lacking in high-quality pubs.
I’ve been to the Swan at Pendleton twice and on neither occasion was I remotely impressed. Far too foody.
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Have you ever been to the Limeburners Arms at Nether Kellet? Its hours are such that it’s very difficult to plan a visit if you just happen to be in the area.
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One visit, 2007 I think. It was fantastic, great beer too, but as you say with very limited opening hours even back then.
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