Ale Cry 126 - Spring 2020

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Ale

FIGHTING FOR DRINKERS’ RIGHTS IN THE HEART OF LANCASHIRE SINCE 1973

Cry

issue 126, Spring 2020 03 05 08 11

Pub of the Season: Red Lion Valley of the Trains Preston Parade South Ribble Scene

13 16 19 21

Longridge Libations Historic Preston Pubs: Part 9 Chorley Chatter Ale Cry Visits… Samlesbury

24 George Lee Memorial Trophy 26 Walking With A Purpose 28 Central Lancs CAMRA A–Z

CENTRAL LANCASHIRE BRANCH

Chairman’s Welcome

Branch Contacts Chairman DAVE BELL t: 07900 565281 e: chairman@centrallancs.camra.org.uk

Membership Secretary POST VACANT e: membership@centrallancs.camra.org.uk

Treasurer DAVE WOOLCOCK e: treasurer@centrallancs.camra.org.uk

Secretary & Webmaster GORDON SMALL t: 01772 746118 e: secretary@centrallancs.camra.org.uk

Pubs Officer RICHARD LANGFORD t: 07974 799224 e: pubsofficer@centrallancs.camra.org.uk

Pub Protection Officer POST VACANT

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elcome to our Spring 2020 edition of Ale Cry. Wow, 2020 already. I think back to all the hype about the new millennium and the parties and events around New Year’s Eve 1999 and it seems like yesterday. I can’t quite believe how it was all 20 years ago. It seems incredible to me that today I might be standing at the bar next to someone who wasn’t even born at the turn of the new millennium. Doesn’t time fly? I’m sure that the older you get, the faster it goes.

It is now February when I write this and it will be March by the time you are reading it. I’m happy that another “Dry January” is over. If you did it, then I admire your self control and determination. I did it once, several years ago. I don’t know why really.

Anyway I will never do it again. Never Ever.

It was the most miserable month of my life, one that seemed to go on for ever and ever and as each day dragged by I slowly lost a little bit more will to live. As the inevitable heavy session of February 1st passed by in a haze I thought about the missed opportunities during January. Opportunities to try new beers; opportunities to meet more friends and socialise; opportunities to spend more time enjoying a pint and a chat in a great pub, of which we have many in our branch area.

It is for these reasons that I now much prefer “Tryanuary”. If you have had a go at Dry January and felt like I did, I encourage you to do Tryanuary next year instead. It is much better, for you as well our pubs. We are lucky to have some fantastic pubs in our area but they all need our support all year round and January is a particularly difficult month for many of them.

CAMRA was a sponsor of Tryanuary 2020 to encourage more people to support pubs during January. Tryanuary is a nationwide campaign to support the beer industry throughout January. Rather than

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swearing off pubs for a month, participants are encouraged to try new venues, new breweries and new beers in order to help businesses during what can be a challenging month for retailers. CAMRA national director Ash Corbett-Collins said: “We are delighted to support this great initiative. January is a difficult month for the brewing industry and pubs, with people trying to atone for overindulgence during the festive period. This puts additional strain on what is already a quiet month.”

Tryanuary organiser Mike Hampshire said: “We’re delighted to have CAMRA as a major sponsor this year. Both campaigns have a lot of common goals, not least of which is support for pubs. I think our combined efforts can help raise awareness even further of how difficult January is and that moderate beer consumption can be part of a healthy lifestyle all year round.”

Remember, just like dogs, a pub is for life not just for Christmas. I hope to see you down the pub soon and often.

As ever, if you have any thoughts, comments or feedback, please get in touch with us via email, you will find a contact list in this magazine, or better still, come along to one of our forthcoming meetings or events. Please also remember to visit our website www.centrallancs.camra.org.uk for all the latest information and local news and if you are on Facebook, please search for CAMRA Central Lancs and like our page. In addition, you can now follow us on Twitter, search for CAMRA Central Lancs.

We also produce a monthly newsletter which is emailed to Branch members on the 1st of each month. If you are not receiving this, it will be because we do not have an up-to-date email address for you. Please get in touch and let us have your email address and we will add you to our list of recipients.

Kind Regards DAV E B E L L

Branch Chairman

e: pubprotection@centrallancs.camra.org.uk

Cider Officer EDD FLETCHER e: cider@centrallancs.camra.org.uk

Social Media Officer STEWART GRIEVE e: socialmedia@centrallancs.camra.org.uk

Ale Cry Editor ADRIAN SMITH t: 07495 448555 e: editor@centrallancs.camra.org.uk

Social Secretary ALEX CALDERBANK t: 07401 020754 e: social@centrallancs.camra.org.uk

Young Members CATHERINE BEVAN e: youngmembers@centrallancs.camra.org.uk www.centrallancs.camra.org.uk @CAMRA_CentLancs CAMRA Central Lancashire Branch camra_central.lancs All material copyright © Central Lancs CAMRA No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this magazine are those of the individual authors and are not necessarily endorsed by the Editor, Branch Committee or CAMRA nationally. Central Lancs CAMRA accepts no liability in relation to any advertisement or article and recommends the reader make their own enquiries. It should also be noted that inclusion of an advertisement in this magazine should not be deemed an endorsement of quality by Central Lancs CAMRA. Design & Layout: Stewart Grieve Design Ltd e: stew@stewartgrieve.co.uk www.stewartgrieve.co.uk Printed by: Printplus, Cocker Avenue, Poulton-le-Fylde, FY6 8JU t: 01253 299620 www.printplusgroup.com

of Pub season Spring 2020 the

Red lion wheelton

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e are delighted to announce that our Pub of the Season for Spring 2020 is the RED LION in Wheelton, near Chorley. The pub has been owned by Phil & Sue Entwistle since 2014, although they have only taken over the direct running of it in the last couple of years. Phil will need no introduction to many of our readers, having been the licensee of the Top Lock from 1999 until 2018, during which time it was a Good Beer Guide regular and also a George Lee Memorial Trophy winner.

The Red Lion is in the centre of the village, and very much part of village life. The pub comprises a large main room with a bar across the bottom and a second drinking area at the back of the pub and up a few steps. Phil has always been passionate about real ale and there are 8 handpumps on the bar. Under normal circumstances you would expect to find Hawkshead Iti and Lakeland Gold plus either Timothy Taylor’s Landlord or Boltmaker on the bar.

In addition there should be a stout or

porter and a stronger beer (5.5% ABV or above) plus up to three changing guest ales. These are likely to be from breweries such as Mallinsons, Oakham, Phoenix, Rudgate, Salopian and Saltaire, and usually pale, hoppy beers under 4.2%ABV or so. Phil owns a number of pubs in the North-West, but this is his local and the beer quality is uniformly excellent.

The pub opens at 9 am every day, so if you fancy a pint early doors, this is where to go. Good value hearty pub grub is served daily from noon through to 9 pm (8 pm Thursday). The pub is family friendly although dogs are not allowed in. There is plenty going on, with a quiz on Monday, Curry night on Tuesday, Live Music on Thursday and Chippy Tea Night on Friday.

The Red Lion has never before won a branch award, so it’s good to put this right at long last. The presentation night is set for 21st May from about 7.30 pm onwards with the presentation itself at about 8pm.

Why not come and join us – it would be great to see some new faces.

ST T E R E SA’S

ADRIAN SMITH

PENWORTHAM • REAL ALE • CIDERS • BIG SCREEN TV • SKY SPORTS • BT SPORTS • FREE WI FI • POOL / SNOOKER • LARGE FUNCTION ROOM • LAGERS • SPIRITS • WINE • GIN BAR • SOFT DRINKS

OPEN

MON–THUR 7–11 • FRI 7–12 • SAT 4–12 • SUN 2–9

34 QUEENSWAY, PENWORTHAM, PRESTON PR1 0DS TEL 01772 743523

St Teresa’s Parish Centre, Penwortham @TeresaCentre @stteresasparish

www.centrallancs.camra.org.uk

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THE VALLEY OF THE TRAINS

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any of our readers will know and love the Lake District, with its beautiful scenery (and some wonderful pubs as well). Most visitors to the Lakes go to Bowness, Ambleside or Keswick. Even off-season, the streets of these small towns will be thronged with tourists and on most days, the summits of the more popular fells will be busy. However, if you make the journey to the western side of the National Park, you will find a very different Lake District, and that is where this issue’s out-of-branch excursion is bound.

The Western Fells are altogether quieter, more rugged and remote than the Central area. 1 The more adventurous traveller may attempt entry to this area via the mountain passes of Hardknott and Wrynose. These lead into the upper end of the Eskdale valley, amid glorious and remote mountain scenery. We will take the ‘easy route’ round the coast and start our exploration at the other end of the valley – in the former Roman port of Ravenglass.

The valley is well-served by The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, essentially a tourist attraction, but the only public transport in the valley, and for this feature I have used the railway as the means of accessing the pubs.

You could of course drive up the valley, but the train makes an ideal relaxing method of transport. There are 8 pubs in total, spread throughout this peaceful valley – all of them serving real ale and worth exploring. As you would expect in a tourist area, all the pubs welcome children, walkers (and their muddy boots) and (with the exception of the Pennington) dogs.

Starting in Ravenglass at the main car park, there is a short street leading down to the water. It is not quite seaside, but an estuary where the three rivers in the area – the Mite, Esk and Irt, join together. Almost immediately we find our first watering point, the aptly named INN AT RAVENGLASS. Previously a private hotel named the Holly House, the name was changed a few years ago. There is a small bar with a slate floor and an even smaller lounge up a few steps. An open fireplace serves both areas, making this a welcoming introduction to the village. A small seating area to the front with picnic tables affords the visitor views across the estuary to the sand dunes and up the coast, while railway enthusiasts can watch the trains on the mainline (Barrow – Carlisle) as they rumble across the viaduct over the river. It is west facing and a real sun

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© Christopher Glover

trap on a summer’s afternoon. There are 5 handpumps, offering a changing selection of mainly local beers, usually with one dark ale available.

About halfway down the ‘main street’ is the PENNINGTON ARMS HOTEL. This was at one time the only pub in the village and, like the Inn at Ravenglass, is owned by (and named after) the Pennington family who own the nearby Muncaster Castle, with its Grade I listed building, magnificent gardens and a world-renowned owl sanctuary. The hotel was much run down and closed for a number of years, but in recent times has been brought back to life as an up-market hotel/ dining establishment. At the rear of the main building is a public bar, which has the feel of a city centre hotel bar, quite plush, but pleasant enough, with up to three real ales available – again usually from local breweries.

The third pub in the village is actually the old station building on the north-bound British Rail platform. The RATTY ARMS is owned by the same company as the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, and the name is derived from the railway nickname L’all www.centrallancs.camra.org.uk

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Ratty. It was converted to a pub towards the end of the 1970s and for a long time was the only place in the village that served real ale.

There is a long bar and plenty of seating in the main room, while a narrow extension on the platform side provides additional seating – with views across the railway to the hills beyond. The pub has a reputation of great value home-cooked food and serves up to 5 changing real ales.

So having been ‘well-lubricated’ in Ravenglass, it’s time to catch a train up the valley. The Ratty is a 15” gauge tourist railway that has been in existence since the 1870s. Originally built to a 3’ gauge to serve the iron ore mines in Upper Eskdale, it was converted to its current gauge in 1915 and since 1960 has been owned by a private company and operated as a tourist railway with a Preservation Society providing much volunteer effort. In recent years considerable investment has taken place, making the railway an attractive place to visit and the premier tourist attraction in the Western Lakes. Leaving Ravenglass, the railway runs alongside the River Mite and out onto Barrow Marsh, affording great views up the valley with a backdrop of high fells. Leaving the marsh behind, the railway hugs the northern slopes of Muncaster Fell and after winding for some way through the trees, comes out into more open farmland as it approaches the main intermediate station of Irton Road.

Leave the train here to visit our next pub, which is a short walk, up the lane leading to the station and turning left onto the main valley road. The BOWER HOUSE INN is a charming coaching inn that dates back to the 1750s. Typical of many Lakeland pubs, it is white painted with a slate roof. A narrow passage leads past the hotel reception and the dining room, and having ducked below one of the low beams, comes out into the bar. It is a large square room with the bar in one corner, an open fire and a cosy feel. There are 5 handpumps on the bar, serving mainly Cumbrian ales.

RAVENGLASS

PRESTON 3 A595 RAVENGLASS

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busy, and in most parts without a pavement) until you arrive at the bridge over the railway adjacent to The Green station. Another 5 minutes from here and you arrive at a road junction where the valley road takes a left turn to head up the narrow road that eventually leads to the famed Hardknott Pass. The KING GEORGE IV stands at the road junction, in a commanding position looking up the valley. With a flagged floor, wood beams and an open fire, this is a classic country pub with a central bar serving two distinct drinking areas, plus a large extension which is mainly set up for dining. There are outside drinking areas at the front and the rear. There is a

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© Bower House Inn

Hawkshead Windermere Pale, Cumbrian Legendary Loweswater Gold and Timothy Taylor Landlord are usually available with one or two changing guests. A modern airy extension is used as a dining area and beyond is a lovely garden, with plenty of seating and room for children to play.

The next pub is at the other end of the village and can be reached either by a 20 minute walk or a 5 minute train ride. Whichever way you chose, head back the way you have come and if catching the train turn back up the lane to Irton Road station. The railway bends to the right on leaving the station and crosses from Mitredale into Eskdale, skirting the village and stopping at The Green station. Alight here and head up the lane to the valley road.

If you chose to walk, simply carry on past the lane to Irton Road station and through the village (take care, as the road is narrow and quite

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changing selection of real ale available with up to 6 beers available at any time, usually from Cumbrian breweries.

Return to The Green station for the final leg of the train journey.

The line winds up the valley, through a cutting and along a ledge, separating the valley farms from the fern clad fellside above. Stay

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of seating and the large and well appointed beer garden is the best one at this end of the valley.

The last pub in Eskdale is about a mile further up the valley. Head back to the Brook House Inn and you can either turn left and walk up the main road, or take the more attractive route straight ahead towards St Catherine’s church. A footpath leads alongside the River Esk up to Doctor Bridge where you can rejoin the main road. The HARDKNOTT BAR & CAFE is then a short walk away. Originally called The Woolpack, this is the last pub this side of the passes and is a curious affair. The exterior hints of a typical Lakeland pub with white painted stonework and a slate roof. Part of the interior is very BOOT

7 © Gareth Thornley

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on the train to the terminus station, Dalegarth, then continue on foot up the valley road. Your next pub is in sight from the station and only a couple of hundred yards away. The BROOK HOUSE INN has been run by the same family for the last 20 years or so and has twice been winner of the Cumbria branches Pub of the Year in that time. The bar is housed on the left side of the building, a comfortable room with a log burning stove, and is deservedly popular with visitors and locals alike. Normally up to 6 real ales are available with Cumbrian Legendary Ales Langdale being the only permanent beer. In addition to the beer, the pub is renowned for excellent food and a superb selection of malt whiskey.

If you turn left off the valley road, a short walk into the village of Boot brings you to the BOOT INN. This is the only pub in the valley that is brewery tied, having been bought by Robinsons of Stockport some years ago. There are 6 handpumps, with a changing range of Robinsons beers and normally a real cider. This used to be a tiny pub, but a large conservatory has provided a decent amount

traditional and exactly what you would expect with wood beams and ‘old fashioned’ furniture. The lower bar matches this but the upper level is decidedly modern and would not look out of place in a city centre hotel.

There is no issue with the beers however, with 10 handpumps serving (usually) up to 6 changing real ales and 4 real ciders. This is supplemented by some excellent food and there is a large grassed area to the front with tables for the good weather.

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7 © Hardknott Bar & Cafe

The 3 pubs in Boot all participate in the Boot Beer Festival, which takes place towards the end of June each year, with additional pumps appearing on the bars, a wide range of beers available, live music and even a minibus to link the pubs together.

So there you have it. 8 miles of lovely scenery, steam trains and 8 excellent pubs offering 40+ handpumps and a wide selection of beers. It is possible to visit the area on a day trip from Preston (there’s even through ticketing on the Ratty), but it would be rushing it and you would miss much. A weekend would be ideal if you wish not only to visit the pubs but also to explore all that the area has to offer. Summer is just around the corner – what are you waiting for?

ADRIAN SMITH © Boot Inn

www.centrallancs.camra.org.uk

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PRESTON PARADE

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he long lead time of this article from me writing it and you reading it (approx one month) means there is the possibility that what I have written has changed and is no longer the case.

Up to two weeks ago I was going to start with the news of the ‘second coming’ (actually third) of Richard to the OLD BLACK BULL on Friargate and his plans

for improving things at the pub. Then, in the last week of January came the news that the Funky Owl Group, who had been operating this Greene King owned outlet, had got into difficulties there and had lost the lease. Therefore, I will start with the news that the Bull is now operated by John Simmonds, who has several pubs, and Roberta Stanley has moved from the Dog and Partridge nearby to become the manager of the Old Black Bull. Plans are afoot to restore some pride to the pub and attract people back to what was once a very popular place to go. They have started off with three real ales, which on my first visit were Timothy Taylor’s Boltmaker, Naylor’s Gold and Hawkshead Windermere Pale. This will increase to five real ales, and as they are allowed to get beers free of the Greene King tie, it is promised they will be interesting. It is open from noon and it is planned to stay open till 2am all days. They will have Sky and BT sports to attract the fans and also have live music Friday and Saturday nights.

You will have worked out from the above that a vacancy arose at the DOG & PARTRIDGE. This has been filled by the landlady of the Station on Butler St. who has installed her sister Gillian Walsh as the tenant there. The pub is tied to Star Inns and Bars, who will supply all the beers, but as you will read later in this article, this does mean that interesting beers are available to those who request them. Initially, Taylor’s Landlord, Theakston’s Best Bitter and Marston’s Wainwright are on sale. One of these will become a permanent on the

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bar with the others varying. The plan here is for the pub to major on food during the day, when they will be serving home-cooked dishes from noon up till 7pm. The casual drinker will of course be welcome. The pub will then remain open till midnight (2am weekends) with live music Fri and Sat. The lower room towards the back will become a ‘lover’s corner’ with a singles night on the first Saturday of every month with free disco and buffet. They will have Sky Sports.

The other positive news is that Gavin Corless, the bar/ cellarman at the MARKET TAVERN has been retained after Wings and Beer pulled out of their lease with Star Inns and Bars, who own the pub. Paul Butcher, the landlord of the Stanley Arms on Lancaster Rd has stepped in, initially for three months, to run the pub. Gavin, under the previous management, had introduced a more ambitious policy of ordering unusual beers which had seen an upturn in the number of people visiting the pub looking for beers from far and wide. It was feared that his ability to obtain these types of beer would be curtailed under Star Inns.

However, it turns out that their guest list is far more extensive than we had imagined, with some very exotic beers available to a conscientious landlord who would spend the time to look them up and order in good time. We are lucky Gavin is being allowed to order beer from this list and he has said he will ensure there will always be something on the bar to please the discerning drinker.

There is still a CAMRA discount. The pub opens at 11am and is usually open until 11pm (midnight at weekends) but could close early midweek if there is no custom.

We must ensure that this three-month probationary period is a success, or we could lose an important outlet for real ale.

Another new outlet for real ale is the WELLFIELD on Adelphi St/Plungington Road. An Amber Taverns pub, it now has two handpumps and is free of tie. Lancaster IPA was on sale on my visit, of good quality and at an outstandingly reasonable price of £1.95 a pint. This is the price for all cask ale and other ones they have tried are from Cheadle brewery, Cross Bay and the

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GOOD

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10 craft beers and lagers 2 cask ales and real ciders Select Gins & quality spirits Fine wines Outdoor German style seating Free Wifi Background music

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occasional Marstons brew. John Hammond is the manager and his opening times are 10am–11.30pm Mon–Fri, 11am–1am Sat, and 11am–11pm Sun. It is family friendly until 7pm and traditional games like pool, darts, cards, and dominoes are played. The pub itself is one roomed with a raised area to your left. There is seating around the walls as well as tables and chairs. It is a good locals’ pub with all sports shown, occasional live music, Karaoke on Friday and Sunday nights, and a quiz on Tuesday.

Here is the news on the three micros planned for Preston. By the time you read this, the one opposite the Black Bull in Fulwood should have just opened. To be known as The CRAFTY BEGGARS ALE HOUSE, it is the brainchild of Phil Binks. As mentioned in the last issue, he plans to sell cask ales sourced predominantly from the North-West area. Unfortunately, as these notes are typed at the end of January, we can’t report on what these are, or what it is like at this time, so you will have to wait for our report in the summer issue. By then, those who have visited it will know all there is to know about it. The next to open should be the TULKETH TAP ROOM, at the top of Tulketh Brow near the Lane Ends. Wayne Martin, one of the two people behind this venture has said that they are hoping to open around the end of March and that there will be ten beer lines, split between cask and keg.

They have had their initial plans approved and are getting things done, but they reckon they are about a month behind the Crafty Beggars. The third micro is the TAP END on Blackpool Rd, along from the Lane Ends. Sanderson’s Micro Pubs are the company behind this enterprise, having been incorporated in September 2019. Their aim is to eschew the things you see in traditional pubs such as TVs, jukeboxes, music, darts and pool tables in favour of a more conversational atmosphere. As always, when we have more details, we will let you know. Finally an apology from me for there being no Riley’s Rambles in this issue. I have done one, but, due to insufficient room for my article, you will have to wait three months to learn about the pub scene in Brighouse.

PAU L R I L E Y

Located at Preston Market, Earl Street.

Open everyday from 1200 till late.

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PRINCE OF WALES COWLING

@powcowling 01257 260815

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Masons Arms Most Improved Pub of the Year 2018

· · · ·

98 HARPERS LANE, CHORLEY PR6 0HU

4 rooms 2 bars 6 rotating cask ales Gin and wine bar

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Ciders, lagers and spirits Fresh snacks daily Open everyday Free wifi

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Sky, BT & Racing Dog friendly Family friendly Monday night quiz

LIVE MUSIC

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7 rotating cask ales Craft beers and lagers 3 real ciders Large range of Belgian ales Wines & Prosecco

 Live

Music

 Quiet  Yard  Dog  Free

Lounge

of Ale

friendly Wifi

 Family Open everyday from noon till late 56 Lancaster Rd, Preston.

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friendly

SOUTH RIBBLE SCENE

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n the last Ale Cry I suggested that there ‘could easily be three or four new real ale outlets opening in South Ribble before the end of the year’. In the event in the run up to Christmas there were four new bars that opened in the area, while there have also been another two bars that have appeared in the early part of 2020.

Opening on November 23rd was the TAPS & WINE BAR, a new bar housed in the former Conservative Club premises on Chorley Road in Walton-le-Dale. An establishment with an impressive line‑up of cask ales and keg beers, it has six handpumps and has been selling beers from a variety of breweries including Bowland and Farm Yard Ales.

Next to appear on December 11th was 1260 – CRAFT & CRUST, the first of three new bars that will be in close proximity on Liverpool Road in Penwortham. The 1260 – Craft & Crust is a bar and pizzeria, created within the former Booths Supermarket premises.

However for those visiting purely for drinking purposes there are three handpumps with beers from Abbeydale and Cross Bay being amongst those initially found.

Two days later the WA BAR & BISTRO opened on Spinners Square in Bamber Bridge. Located in the former ‘Gone Fishing’ shop premises, this is the long-anticipated fourth piece of the jigsaw for the growing Withy Arms pub estate. Previous reports were that it was originally to have been a micropub to be called the Weavers Arms, but this venture was not able to go ahead due to them having planning permission problems. The WA Bar & Bistro is selling one handpumped beer WA Bitter, which is also available at the other Withy Arms outlets.

On December 19th the GIN JAR ALE opened in Penwortham. Like the 1260 – Craft & Crust it is a unit located in the former Booth’s Supermarket premises, but in size it is much smaller than its neighbour.

Incidentally the name may be a little misleading as the Gin Jar Ale is certainly not just aimed at gin drinkers. For the real ale drinker there are three cask ales available on handpump, with beers from Ossett, Timothy Taylor, and Wily Fox being amongst

those initially available.

Into 2020, and opening on January 24th was the LOSTOCK ALE micropub, located on Hope Terrace in the Tardy Gate pedestrianised shopping area of Lostock Hall. Like the Taps & Wine Bar, this micropub has a great range of beers with six handpumps as well as there being an impressive number of keg lines. The day before the official opening there was a VIP Night with former World Superbikes champion Carl Fogarty the guest of honour and with Crankshaft Brewery’s Foggy Gold being the featured beer.

Due to open in February, just ahead of the appearance of this Ale Cry, is the NO. 16 – ON THE HILL, the third of the three new bars close together in Penwortham. Located at the corner of Liverpool Road and Priory Lane in the recently vacated Bread & Butter premises, this was originally to be called Bar 1260, but sensibly there has been a name change to avoid confusion with 1260 – Craft & Crust.

Last issue I featured the pubs of Longton.

Latest news from this part of South Ribble is that the BLACK BULL has recently undergone a major refurbishment, while the nearby RED LION is also pencilled in by owners Star Pubs & Bars for a ‘major refurbishment which apparently will make it become the go-to destination pub in the area’.

That’s it for news, but as in previous editions of Ale Cry, I have again looked at an area of South Ribble with pubs which are rarely getting a mention in these pages. It has previously been well recorded that there are plenty of good real ale pubs in Leyland town centre, but what of the half dozen pubs in the Seven Stars and Earnshaw Bridge areas?

I started off at the DUNKIRK HALL, a pub which certainly fits the bill as being one not featured for quite some time in this magazine. A grade II listed former

farmhouse, it did once have a period as a Good Beer Guide regular, but for a great many years now it has been overlooked.

On a Saturday afternoon the pub was fairly busy, and appeared to be both child and dog‑friendly. There were three handpumps on the bar, but only one beer was available on the day, Greene King Abbot Ale. Crossing Schleswig Way I next headed down Leyland Lane and looked in at the CROFTERS ARMS. This was a pub not expected to be selling real ale, and this proved to be the case. Back a short walk to the SEVEN STARS, where WhatPub had suggested that I might be more successful.

In the event the pub was busy, but there was no real ale and no sign of a handpump.

With two failures I was confident that there would be something of interest at the nearby TH’OWD SEVEN STARS on Slater

Lane. This was a pub that a few years back as the Old Original Seven Stars had looked destined for demolition. It was taken on by the Holt Pub Company, and following a major refurbishment was re-opened in May 2018, and was immediately a rejuvenated success with a good range of real ales from local breweries. Another busy pub, there were four handpumps, although only two were in use at the time of my visit. The beers available were Beer Brothers True Brit and Nightjar Cut The Mid Drop The Bass.

Following this I had to do a bit of walking, calling in at the BROADFIELD ARMS on Leyland Lane, and then the WHEATSHEAF further down Leyland Lane. In both places there was no real ale, and there was no sign of any handpumps. The situation at the Wheatsheaf was especially disappointing.

Admittedly I had not been there for quite some time, but on all my previous visits there had been at least one handpumped beer available.

With only two pubs out of the six selling real ale it had not been a very successful day. Sad to say that the Seven Stars and Earnshaw Bridge areas have certainly declined as a destination for the real ale drinker. Of course what I should have done was call in at the CRANKSHAFT BREWERY TAP on Boxer Place, where I would have been guaranteed a choice of two handpumped Crankshaft Brewery beers.

G O R D O N S M A L L www.centrallancs.camra.org.uk

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CAMRA GOOD BEER GUIDE 2020

THE WHEATSHEAF Spendmore Lane, Coppull, Nr Chorley, Lancashire

PR7 4NY

3 ever changing Cask Ales – including Prospect, Bank Top, Blackedge, Martland Mill & Coach House

FREE HOU SE

• Free entertainment: Jukebox — Monday Pool — Monday –Thursday Quiz — Wednesday 9:30pm • Friday/Saturday night live music • Sunday — Chase the Ace 12noon–5.45pm • Beer garden • Dogs & muddy boots welcome • Carling Premier & Strongbow Dark Fruits now being served.

OPENING TIMES

Monday – Thursday from 3pm

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Friday from 2pm

Saturday & Sunday from 12pm

LONGRIDGE LIBATIONS

T

here has been some good news from Longridge recently so I thought it was time for another update. Longridge lies 8 miles to the North-East of Preston and is extremely well served by the Number 1 bus from Preston Bus Station. This service runs between Preston and Longridge every 10 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays and every 30 minutes in the evenings and on Sundays. Even better, the service runs late into the night on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Longridge is a great day or night out and has really improved over the last two or three years. If you haven’t been for a while, please go soon and see for yourself.

At the top of Berry Lane, the DOG INN sits in a commanding position overlooking the town. This beautifully refurbished, historic inn is now being run by Alex Coward (from the Alston Arms) and Kelvin Beardsley, following the recent departure of previous manager Dan Prince. There are currently five hand pumps providing a range of changing beers from smaller local breweries and beyond. There is now a Cask Beer Club on Thursday evenings where all cask beer is available for £2.60 per pint.

Heading down Berry Lane, the DURHAM OX is on the left. Licensee Irene runs a traditional town centre pub which is a great place to go for a warm welcome, conversation or to watch live sport. At least two cask beers are available along with other traditional pub drinks and snacks.

Continuing down Berry Lane LONGRIDGE CONSERVATIVE CLUB offers great real ale from four hand pumps, one of which is dedicated to Wainwright, but you may also find ales from breweries such as J W Lees and Bowland. Non-members are welcome and it’s well worth calling in.

Next on Berry Lane is the TOWNELEY ARMS. This pub was closed for part of 2019, but has now reopened and is becoming popular again. Real ale is available with Wainwright and Sharp’s Doom Bar on offer on my latest visit. Live music and other

events feature regularly.

Across the road, the TAP AND VENT serves four rotating cask ales and a real cider alongside craft beers and lagers from all around the world. It was the first micropub to open in Longridge and has proved extremely popular. A great atmosphere and decent real ale awaits in here Lower down but still on Berry Lane BILLY’S WINE BAR can be found close to Booths. As the name suggests this is more of a wine bar than a pub, although two hand pumps serve real ale, typically from local breweries such as Bowland and Lancaster.

Towards the bottom of Berry Lane, it is now just over 12 months since Applejacks Greengrocers became Longridge’s latest micro-pub, APPLEJACKS MICROBAR. Opened in February 2019 by owners Tom and Gill Jackson, the bar is open during the day for coffee and cake; beer is available from noon. There are three handpumps with beers everchanging from smaller independent breweries. Keen to continue to develop and grow the business, Tom is now planning to open a function

room upstairs with its own bar to cater for up to 30 people.

Hopefully, this should be available to hire for functions soon. A warm welcome awaits at this great family run bar. A discount of 50p per pint of cask ale is offered to CAMRA members on production of a valid CAMRA card.

At the bottom of Berry Lane, the FORREST ARMS on Derby Road offers two permanent beers, Bank Top Flat Cap and Timothy Taylor’s Knowle Spring. The pub remains a popular place to watch live sports.

Heading out towards Chipping, the ALSTON ARMS lies on the left hand side on Inglewhite Road. Another of Alex Coward’s ventures, this traditional country pub serves food alongside real ale from the four hand pumps on the bar. Outside, there is a timber frame barn with sliding

www.centrallancs.camra.org.uk

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doors which open onto a beer garden.

A perfect place to chill out on a warm, sunny day.

Back into Longridge, on Derby Road, a warm and friendly welcome awaits at HOPPY DAYS. A haven for real ale fans, this real ale house was opened in 2016 by Peace Townsend, who really knows her stuff and the beer is always top quality.

Hoppy Days has five hand pulls, all rotating to offer a variety of strengths and beer styles including a dark beer. Three real ciders are normally available along with a range of bottle beers and wines. The quality of the ale is superb at this CAMRA multi-award winning Real Ale House. One not to be missed.

Close by, also on Derby Road, is the BULL AND ROYAL. Another of the traditional pubs to be found in the town, the Bull is popular with its regulars and the beer is of decent quality. Being a Thwaites pub, typically available are beers from their range such as Thwaites Original, Lancaster Bomber, and Wainwright.

Just round the corner, lies ST WILFRID’S CLUB where the cosy, comfortable clubroom has four hand pumps serving changing beers typically from breweries such as Bowland, Moorhouses, Lancaster and J W Lees. There is always something going on here with snooker, darts, dominoes, quizzes, bingo and Country and Western to name just

a few. If you haven’t been in before, give it a try. Non members are welcome.

On Preston Road, the good news is that the OLD OAK has reopened following a period of closure. It is great to see this traditional local back up and running. I understand that it has been reopened by Alex Coward, making this his third premises in Longridge. On the beer front, the regular, Wainwright is supplemented by one or two changing guest ales. The pub has supported pool and darts teams, hosted quiz and games nights, parties and other events including live music previously and it will be great to see it back at the heart of the community.

Slightly out of town, the CORPORATION ARMS on Lower Road (at Hothersall) continues to provide excellent food and quality real ale. Four hand pumps offer ales from local breweries such as Bowland and Moorhouses, as well as others from further afield given the pub’s free of tie status. The quality of the ale, like the food, is consistently good. The pub also host an annual beer festival, typically in May. Finally, news of a new Brewery in Longridge. White Rabbit Micro Brewery is

based in the town and was set up by keen local brewers Dave Seed and Phil Holt. It all started with Phil being bought a basic home brew kit for a birthday present.

After joining the Home Brew Club which was meeting at Hoppy Days, the two lads met Haydn and Angela Williams from Crankshaft Brewery in Leyland and with their help, tried their hand at all grain brewing. Using a big electric tea urn for a boiler and an adapted cool box as a mashtun, Dave and Phil gradually learned their craft. Eventually they decided to convert Phil’s garage and install a 100 litre set up. Now, White Rabbit are at the point of becoming commercial and are currently sorting out the relevant HMRC registration.

I have tried some of their beers and they are very promising. Look out for White Rabbit Beers in a pub near you soon. I wish the lads every success.

DAV E B E L L

THE POTTERS ARMS BROOK STREET, CHORLEY

Central Lancs Community Pub of the Year 2019

Three Bs Doff Cocker Black Sheep Best Bitter + Guest ales from local breweries

Don’t miss Tuesday All cask ales £1.99 A real pub with darts, dominoes, pool, and a real fire

Stephen and Denise have been glad to welcome good beer lovers for over 25 years at the POTTERS.

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FREE

THE

OLD VIC SUNDAY NIGHT QUIZ WITH CASH JACKPOT

Serving breakfasts, lunchtime specials and all traditional pub food. Also sandwiches, salads and delicious home made pies.

Private area available for Parties and Functions • 7 Handpumps revolving up to 25 cask ales including many local brewers each week • Sky/BT showing all major sporting events

• New enlarged covered and heated outdoor area with large screen TV • Live music every weekend • Real fire

• Included in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide • Upto 20 gins on our new gin menu • Live train arrival and departure times shown

Fishergate, Preston Opposite Preston Railway Station 01772 828519

www.centrallancs.camra.org.uk

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HISTORIC PRESTON PUBS

PART 9 Deepdale

I

n the latest instalment of our look-back on the closed pubs of Preston in the Ribbleton Lane area heading out towards Deepdale. These pubs would have provided slim pickings for the real ale enthusiast, as most of them did not sell any real ale for a number of years before they finally closed their doors.

We start our tour this issue outside the prison and head out of town along Ribbleton Lane. In the 1950s, this road would have provided a pub crawl to challenge the most dedicated ale drinker. Before we reach the first of our featured pubs, there are 6 that closed in the early 1960s – in order the OLD OAK, FORESTERS ARMS (later known as the THIRD DUKE OF LANCASTER’S OWN), the ANCHOR’S WEIGHED INN, the ALBERT HOTEL, and finally the NEW SUN and BIRCHALLS ARMS (which were opposite each other). 4 of these pubs sold the ubiquitous Matthew Brown ales, the other choices being Tetley and Chesters. All these buildings have been swept away and replaced with modern industrial units. Despite all these missing pubs, it is only a short walk until on the right hand side we find our first featured closed pub – the FOX & GRAPES, which was situated just opposite the junction for Deepdale Mill Street. A former Chesters’ pub, it had come onto the ownership of Whitbread by the time

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our photo was taken. There was once a bowling green behind the pub, which would have had wonderful scenic views of the old gas works that were behind the pub. The pub closed in 2013 and remains empty and boarded up.

At this point we will leave Ribbleton Lane and head up Deepdale Mill Street. Just before the railway bridge, on the corner of Peel Hall Street stood our next pub, the DUKE OF EDINBURGH. A completely unremarkable Matthew Brown pub of pretty standard

design, this pub was serving three real ales as late as 1989. According to the branch’s Preston Real Ale Guide of that year, you could get Matthew Brown Mild and Bitter and Theakston Best Bitter on handpump.

However the pub closed the following year and has subsequently been demolished (interestingly this is the only one of the 7 pubs in this issue that is no longer standing).

Further up this road at the junction with St. Georges Road was our next pub, the DEEPDALE HOTEL. A Matthew Brown pub, it

was by some distance the closest pub to to the Deepdale Stadium and used this fact heavily in its advertising. Between 1913 and 1917, the landlord was Peter McBride, who had been a goalkeeper with Preston North End, playing 443 games for the club up to his retirement in 1912. It appears he had a reputation as being ‘quite aggressive’, and it

is reported that during one match, when the opposition’s striker scored his third goal, McBride raced out of his penalty area and shook him by the throat. The pub had long since ceased serving real ale when it closed in 2013. The building still stands and it is understood that it to be converted into an Islamic teaching centre.

Back on Ribbleton Lane, just a few yards further along from the Fox & Grapes and on the same side of the road was the DERBY INN. Another of our Matthew Brown pubs, it stood on the corner of Geoffrey Street.

It was a small pub with a narrow frontage and nothing notable seems to have happened there. Real ale had been withdrawn by the late 1980s and there is no evidence that it was ever reinstated before final closure in 2010. On the opposite side of the road was the BOLD VENTURE, another of the casualties from the early 1960s.

Here we take a short detour and turn right down Geoffrey Street and then left into Cemetery Road.

A few yards along, on the corner of Wilbraham Street stood another Lion pub, the CEMETERY ROAD HOTEL. In common with most of the pubs from this brewery, real ale had long been discontinued when it closed in 2000 and was converted into a private house.

If we head back to Ribbleton Lane and turn right, it is a short walk to the traffic lights where our next pub, the SKEFFINGTON ARMS

could be found at the junction with Skeffington Road. The unusual name is thought to have been in honour of Admiral Skeffington Lutwidge, a naval commander who died in 1814.

(By a strange coincidence, Lutwidge lived at Holmrook in West Cumbria – which is only a few miles from the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway which features in another article in this magazine.) This was yet another Matthew Brown pub and according to our records had not served real ale for many years when it closed in 2013. The hanging sign and lettering still adorn the pub, which now has a rather dilapidated air about it.

Continuing our walk along Ribbleton Lane, we eventually come to the OLD ENGLAND HOTEL. This was a large detached building comprising a fairly basic tworoomed pub with a beer garden.

It was purpose-built in 1853 by its first licensee James Walmsley, who advertised it locally as a ‘baiting house’ for people travelling to Longridge, Chipping or Clitheroe.

Baiting was a nineteenth-century word indicating the provision of food or rest for people or animals.

Like many of the local pubs it had once sold beer brewed on the premises, but at some time the pub had come under the ownership of Boddingtons and in our guide to the 1992 Preston Guild it was still selling real ale in the form of their bitter.

The pub closed in 1999 and sits empty, although there was at one time plans to turn the site into a car park.

ADRIAN SMITH All the excellent photographs used to illustrate this series of articles come from the Jim Holderness collection, and we gratefully acknowledge this and being able to use them. In part 10 we will be looking at the North Road area and would welcome any contributions from readers who frequented any of the closed pubs in this area.

www.centrallancs.camra.org.uk

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QU TH

U

IZ NI

?

RS

GHT

Central Lancs Community Pub of the Year 2018

M D AY 9 P

A warm and friendly atmosphere with great beers, wines & spirits, welcoming customers and a beautiful beer garden awaits you at…

THE BLACK BULL INN

of Penwortham

Enjoy a wide range of drinks • Cask Ale — Two permanent house ales (Theakston’s Best &

Robinsons’ Dizzy Blonde), a rotating CAMRA LocAle Lancashire guest ale, plus two national guest ales • Lagers — Birra Moretti, Amstel, Kronenbourg 1664, and Fosters • Guinness • Extensive range of gins, vodkas, and malt whiskys • Range of wines and prosecco • Low/non-alcoholic drinks available FREE • Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate • Award winning beer garden

In CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide 2012–20

GOOD

BEER GUIDE

W 2020 T E’R IN I E

Enjoy all the big sporting occasions, as well as the horses, on the 3 large HD screens indoors, and a garden screen in good weather

Dogs are welcome!

… but no children - sorry

On Stagecoach route No 3 – Pope Lane

Opening times Monday–Thursday 12–11 • Friday 12–Midnight Saturday 11–11.30 • Sunday 12–11 20p off a pint for CAMRA card carrying members

@BlackBullPenwor black.bull.penwortham

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ISSUE 126 SPRING 2020

Telephone 01772 752953 mail@blackbull-penwortham.co.uk

83 Pope Lane, Penwortham, Preston PR1 9BA www.blackbull-penwortham.co.uk

13/11/2019 10:53

Chorley Chatter

I

t seems to have been fairly quiet in the Chorley area of late although there are five new licensed outlets of varying types – all of which CAMRA would classify as pubs. While this is great news in some ways, the fact that only one of these serves real ale is rather disappointing, although of course Chorley already has plenty to offer the real ale enthusiast.

Two of these new ventures are housed in the new Market Walk extension in the centre of the town. The OASIS BAR & RESTAURANT is part of the Escape leisure complex next to the cinema. A bar and dining establishment attached to a 6 lane bowling alley and 18 hole crazy golf course is a great idea, but sadly there is no real ale. Close by is the CALICO LOUNGE, which is described as a cafe bar. A smart interior is set up predominantly for dining, but while drinkers are made welcome, once again there is no real ale served. The 10 keg taps do serve a stout from Bath Brewery and Brew Dog Punk IPA, but that is as good as it gets. The dining side seems extremely popular with a decent and varied menu, so you can’t help but think that they have missed a trick with the real ale.

On Market Street, the former Yorkshire Bank building has reopened as the VAULTS, a stylish town-centre venue run by Toastie Taverns. The bar is bright and cheerful with a continental café feel and there is a function room upstairs. There are two handpumps hidden away slightly at the far end of the bar. It has been reported that Marston’s beers have been on sale, but availability appears to have been sketchy and the absence of pump clips hasn’t helped. Let us hope that these are just early teething troubles and that things settle down in the months to come.

The fourth new venue is in Astley Village just along from the Astley Park Inn. The LITTLE INN ON THE PARK is in the parade of shops adjacent to the Hallgate car park. Formerly a Chinese Restaurant this opened in December 2019. Although its size would merit it being yet another micropub in the branch, sadly once again there is no real ale. Just the other side of the car park is Astley Hall and it is pleasing to note that BARRICA WINE have moved into a unit in the courtyard by the cafe. Having been sharing the Beer Brothers premises since the closure of Botany Bay, the new venture opened at the start of February and we wish Jane and her team well here. Although this is predominantly an excellent off-licence, featuring a good range of craft beers from local breweries as well as some quality wine and other artisanal goodies, they have taken the opportunity to add a couple of draught beers for consumption on the premises. Both the beers on sale initially are from Beer Brothers, with Interstellar IPA and PR1 lager being served. There is an upstairs room with tables if you fancy trying it out and a promise of outdoor seating when the weather improves.

In the last Ale Cry, we mentioned the possibility of a new micropub opening on Collingwood Road, but this application was subsequently withdrawn. The other proposed micropub in the area was on Spendmore Lane in Coppull, but this was turned down at planning stage. Reading the objections that were logged with the council, it is clear that many people have no idea what a micropub is or how one operates!

The SHEPHERDS’ HALL ALE HOUSE has been closed for a few days recently to allow for a refurbishment. What has emerged can best be described as the pubs’ more sophisticated older brother.

A new bar counter and bar back affords more working space for the staff and more sitting space (at the bar) for customers and even includes a cleverly concealed piano in case anyone fancies a sing-along. The lower walls now have embossed panelling, the upper walls are presently bare and the collection of pump clips has been removed. With improved lighting and recovered seating, it has become a much more sophisticated venue, without losing what made it so popular in the first place. There are no changes to the draught beer range, but the extra fridge space has allowed them to expand their selection of craft beer and wine. There is still some finishing off to be done, but this refurbishment gets an enthusiastic ‘thumbs up’ from the writer.

ADRIAN SMITH

S T E WA RT G R I E V E D E S I G N LT D GRAPHIC DESIGN FOR PRINT With more than 15 years experience I offer friendly graphic design services with a keen eye for detail. Designs ranging from flyers, brochures, catalogues, and books are all assured the same commitment and creativity, guaranteeing projects exceed expectations.

w w w.stewar tgrieve.co.uk stew@stewar tgrieve.co.uk 07761 335 847

www.centrallancs.camra.org.uk

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Cann Bridge Ale House

We are a microbrewery based in Leyland creating traditional ales inspired by Leyland and its engineering heritage.

Available to the trade in bottle and cask Available to customers direct from the brewery shop

Higher Walton’s only micropub 3 handpulls serving an ever rotating selection of the finest cask ales House Bavarian Lager plus bottled ciders 4 rotating craft keg beers 20+ gins

Bespoke beers available for special events and corporate gifts

Winners of George Lee Memorial Trophy 2019

Call or email to order or for our current cask and bottle availability. 07827 289200 enquiries@crankshaftbrewery.co.uk

Wines and Spirits Dog friendly Live music every Sunday

BREWERY TAP NOW OPEN

20p/pint CAMRA discount Thurs to Sun on cask ale

17E/17F Boxer Place, Leyland PR26 7QL

CRANKSHAFT BREWERY

47 Cann Bridge Street, Higher Walton PR5 4DJ Cann Bridge Ale House

CannBridgeAleHs

Beer made and bottled in small batches in Leyland

cannbridgealehouse

Crankshaft Brewery

EST 2015

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Fri 12noon – 9pm Sat 1pm – 7pm (winter) Sat 12noon – 9pm (after 29th March)

Leyland, Lancashire PR26 7QL

www.crankshaftbrewery.co.uk

@crankshaftbrew

ALE CRY VISITs… Samlesbury (and more)

W

e have not been on an official branch trip to Samlesbury since 2013 and a lot can change in that period, so for our latest Ale Cry investigative trip, we decided on revisiting this area to the east of our branch and show our faces to the landlords of the pubs in the area.

Samlesbury is probably best known for three things: Samlesbury Hall, its aerodrome and its massive brewery built

by Whitbread back in 1972. The brewery now belongs to Inbev and churns out a large amount of various canned and keg beers such as Boddingtons and Bass Pale Ale. At one time it even brewed Real Ale and we had a brewery visit there. That, of course is no longer the case, and the brewery played no part in our evening’s entertainment and we hardly gave it a glance as we passed it.

Incidentally, the area’s name is probably derived partly from the Roman name for the River Ribble, Belisama.

As our first pub in Samlesbury involved going up Church Brow in Walton le Dale, we decided it would be a good opportunity to call in to the newly opened bar on the

Chorley Road junction – the TAPS AND WINE. This proved to be a wise decision as the micro is certainly a good place to visit with a varied range of beers and a comfortable atmosphere. Housed in the former Conservative Club, it was only opened in November by husband and wife team, Sean and Debbie O’Hagen. There is a bright airy lounge with leather seating, plus tables and chairs and an upended wooden barrel table. A notable feature is the bar which Sean built himself out of the two snooker tables from the original club. Even the rests and bridges have been put to good use as hooks to hang your coats on. On the bar are six handpumps with five of them constantly changing, plus the old standby, Wainwright. On our visit the five other beers

FULWOOD & BROUGHTON CRICKET CLUB Tel: 01772 863003

were Triple Hop (4% at £2.90) and Ruby 100 (5.2% at £3.00) both from Big Clock brewery, Bowland Hen Harrier, Pomona Pale and Farmyard Brewery’s collaboration with the Preston Beer Girls, Jeans and Nice Hop. There are also 15 keg and craft lines and of course fine wine and gins. Food consists of crisps and pork scratchings. In the winter months it opens at 5pm–11pm Mon–Wed, noon other days, shutting at 11pm Thurs, Sun and midnight Fri, Sat. Once he has got settled, Sean’s next project is to do the outside area for the summer, when he should be open early all days, and then do up the upstairs as a function room.

We then set off for Samlesbury, up Church

WHITE BULL

Cordially invite you to

BEER FESTIVAL IX Quality local and regional cask ale, cider, and continental lager. Gin and Prosecco bar.

SESSIONS THURSDAY

7 MAY

6.00 – 11.00PM

FRIDAY (BANK HOLIDAY)

8 MAY

1.00 – 11.00PM

SATURDAY

9 MAY

1.00 – 11.00PM

FREE ENTRY

Enjoy your great beer, delicious food, excellent choice of gin, chilled prosecco, exciting cricket and the sunshine.

REAL ALE

FRIDAY: BIG BASH CRICKET SATURDAY: F&BCC 1ST XI v LEYLAND

MANY THANKS TO ALL OUR FOOD & DRINK SPONSORS AND BEER FESTIVAL SPONSOR

Stanways of Lytham PRESTON ROAD, LYTHAM ST. ANNES, LANCASHIRE. FY8 5BG T: 01253 794700

www.stanways-of-lytham.co.uk

SCHEME

VA I

A

Junction of Garstang Road & Lightfoot Lane

DISCOUNT LAB

LE HE

RE

4 changing real ales Food Tuesday–Saturday 12–6 Entertainment every Saturday evening 10% discount for CAMRA members

This pub offers CAM RA members a discount.

Find out more: www.camra.org.uk/ discountscheme

CAMRA Real Ale A6 Sticker

May 2019.indd 1

05/06/2019 12:45

FREE

135 Market Street, Chorley PR7 2SG

(01257) 232745

www.centrallancs.camra.org.uk

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Brow and Cuerdale Lane to eventually arrive at the NEW HALL TAVERN at the crossroads with Roach Rd. This pub also has been under new ownership since November and the Landlord is now Tim Wright. Another comfortable pub, the bar area is divided up by wood and glass panels providing separate dining areas, with old photos and prints giving a glimpse of the history of the area.

The kitchen has been refurbished and home cooked food is available Mon–Thur noon– 3pm, 5–7pm, Fri–Sat noon–8pm and Sun noon–7pm. There are generally three real ales on the bar, sourced from the Enterprise Inns beer list and on this occasion there was Moorhouses White Witch (3.9% at £3.50) and Hobgoblin Gold, (a Black Sheep seasonal having recently run out). Tim informed us that he intends to make Rat Brewery’s White Rat a semi permanent beer, which should please a lot of people. It has a large car park to the rear and often is used as a convenient stopping place for visiting football fans, as it is quite near the M6 junction. The pub is open noon–11pm, later at weekends.

It was soon time to move on and we made our way to the NABS HEAD near Samlesbury Bottoms, where Spring Lane meets Nabs Head Lane. In 2013 when we visited, we handed out our award for pub of the season to this pub and the recipient is still the landlord there, Mike now having been in charge for 7 and a half years. A welcoming pub with a real wood fire it is a friendly village local in a picturesque setting with fine views over the countryside.

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There is a central bar with an L shaped lounge used by diners and a tap room behind the bar. It is a Thwaites tied house so the beers are all produced at their brand new brewery at nearby Mellor Brook. Two beers were available on the night, Original at 3.6% and Samlesbury Gold (a badged version of the TBC, Thwaites Best Cask) at 3.8%.

There is a third handpump which usually has the seasonal beer on it. An extensive food menu is available noon–2pm all days at lunchtime with evening service starting at 5pm through to the following times: Mon 8pm, Tue 7pm, Wed and Thur 8.30, Fri and Sat 9pm. On Sunday it is served all day from noon to 7.15pm. The food finishes earlier on Tuesdays because there is a quiz that day from 8pm. The pub itself is open noon–2.30pm weekdays opening up again at 5pm, with evening closing being 10pm Mon, 11pm Tues–Thur, 11.30pm Fri (except Bank Holidays when they are open throughout).

At weekends they are open throughout noon–midnight (10.30pm Sun).

We eventually moved on, with the intention of going to the BLUEBIRD as it is now called, on the A59. Previously known as the Boddington Arms, it has been bought by Lees Brewery and now sells a selection of their beers. I and many on the minibus had not been there yet and were looking forward to experiencing it. Somehow or other, the driver’s satnav took us a different route there and we ended up driving past the FEILDEN’S ARMS at Mellor Brook. We decided to call in and what a good decision that proved to be.

The pub is a Star Inns owned outlet but is being managed by the Bridgehouse Pub Co. of Keighley who now have 10 pubs in East Lancs. Their remit is to put local pubs back into the heart of the community and they aim to re-establish the Feilden’s back to its former glory as a traditional local’s local with a warm welcome to all who venture near. I think they might succeed, especially as the four cask ales on the bar were their own beers brewed in Keighley and very good they were too. We could choose from Blonde and Aired Ale both at 4% and £3.00, Christmas Pud Porter or Holy Cow at 5.6%. The pub is very spacious and has ensuite bedrooms at reasonable rates for people to stay and enjoy the delights of the Ribble Valley and environs. It has room for conference meetings etc and is obviously set up to take advantage of the clientele of the nearby Samlesbury Aerodrome. It also does food.

As time was tight, a decision was made to stay there and leave the Bluebird for another day. Some of us were disappointed not to find out what the Bluebird has to offer, but the beer was so good in the Feilden’s and it would be a good excuse to run a trip past the Bluebird in the future.

As we returned to Preston we passed the Bluebird and, near it, saw the plot where the once magnificent Myerscough Arms stood, now demolished. At one time this Robinsons pub was a thriving establishment that, besides beer, served food and had accommodation. A onetime pub of the season, with warm fire, wood panelled walls and a nice outdoor drinking area, it is no more. That is a warning to us all. Use it or lose it.

PAU L R I L E Y

www.centrallancs.camra.org.uk

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the George Lee memorial Trophy

T

he George Lee Memorial Trophy has been the branch’s premier award since 1982 and takes its name from a former licensee of the Moorbrook, who became the branch’s first treasurer. It is awarded annually to the pub, individual or organisation that has done the most for real ale over the previous 12 months.

Custom has dictated that the voting for this takes place at our Christmas Social, which this year was held at the Black Horse in Preston. There were 3 candidates this year, with the unlucky ones being Jeremy Rowlands (CONTINENTAL/FERRET/PLAU) being nominated for his overall contribution to the beer scene over a number of years and BEER BOX/BRIG & BARREL for their reinvigoration of the real ale scene in Bamber Bridge in the last year. We are delighted to announce that the winner was Dan Taylor of the BLACK HORSE in Preston, for his commendable stewardship of this Grade II listed pub and for his efforts to increase the beer range available to drinkers beyond the standard Robinson’s fare.

Dan came to the Black Horse in the summer of 2016, and took what was already considered a pretty decent pub to the next level.

The pub has won the award once before, back in 1986, when the real ale scene in the branch was very different to what it is today.

For a brewery tied pub to be selected ahead of notable free trade outlets speaks volumes for the esteem in which this pub is held by the local branch and its members. It is a combination of things that appeals, the character of a classic design combined with a great selection of beers, served the way they should be. Before Dan took over, the range of beers here was almost exclusively Robinsons’, which admittedly isn’t to everybody’s taste, although I’ve always been rather partial to a well-kept pint of Unicorn.

Following negotiations with Robinsons, Dan is now able to source half his beers from Titanic brewery, who do beer swaps with other breweries. This gives him the opportunity to showcase beers from other breweries and in different styles to the standard range. It is unusual for tenants of tied houses to get the opportunity to do this, so we must be grateful for Dan’s persuasive skills and for the brewery seeing that this approach is going to be beneficial to the future of this superb pub. While some licensees seem determined to sell their favourites irrespective of the wishes of the customers, Dan has taken a different approach. When our own Paul Riley pointed out that he preferred beers 4%ABV and below and there often wasn’t much available here, Dan introduced the (unofficial) ‘Paul Riley pump’ to ensure there is always at least one low gravity guest ale available. Not that Dan doesn’t stock beers that he likes: the pub is one of the few regular outlets for Robinsons’ Old Tom and when Titanic Plum Porter Special Reserve became available, Dan got hold of as many barrels as he could, so that the beer has been almost a permanent fixture on the bar during the winter months.

The architectural splendour of this pub has been the subject of a number of articles in various CAMRA publications in recent years. The Autumn 2017 edition of Ale Cry featured a detailed article on the pub, with excellent photographs from David Toase and we have again used in the cover montage. The current edition of Britain’s Best Real Heritage Pubs by Geoff Brandwood features the magnificent ceramic bar on the cover, while his Real Heritage Pubs of the North-West has a picture of the snug on the back cover. As far back as July 2005, the CAMRA Beer Magazine featured an article on the pub on it’s cover – a copy of which can be seen, framed, in the right-hand front bar of the pub. Rather than go into this in detail again here, I would direct our reader to Ale Cry issue 116, page 16–17, which is available online at https://issuu.com/ clcamra/docs/alecry_116.

By the time you read this, the presentation of this award will have taken place (it is scheduled for 20th February 2020) and the

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trophy should be hanging in the bar somewhere, although there is limited space on the walls and it is a rather large shield!

In all likelihood, the Black Horse will be the last recipient of the current trophy as all the 40 shields are now engraved with the names of previous winners.

Looking back at these pubs, it is interesting to see how fortunes have varied. Some have closed, some are pale shadows of the pub that won the trophy and some have gone through lean years before once again coming to the fore as truly great real ale pubs. What happens with the GLMT is a decision for the branch to make over the summer, but I’ll close with a final ‘thank you’ to Dan Taylor and his team at the Black Horse, Preston, George Lee Memorial Trophy winners 2020.

ADRIAN SMITH

M I C R O P U B

L O N G R I D G E

• 5 Rotating, Hand-Pulled Real Ales • 3 Natural Still Ciders • Bottled Beers • Wines + Spirits • Juices, Sodas + Snacks Open Hours: Monday : 4-8pm Wednesday : 4-9pm Thursday : 4-9pm Friday : 4-10pm Saturday : 2-10pm Sunday : 2-8pm

TRADES HALL CLUB

Branch Club of the Year 2018

Bamber Bridge

3 Handpumps for real ale Other drinks at bargain prices inc. San Miguel and Warsteiner.

CAMRA members welcome.

(Discounted prices on production of valid membership card)

Membership available all year round.

154c Station Road, Bamber Bridge, Preston, Lancs. PR5 6TP http://www.trades-hall.co.uk

Acts on every Saturday.

Bingo every Wednesday and Saturday.

TWISTED WHEEL BREW Co Immortalised in the Kinks song of the same name Big Black Smoke is a rich and warming porter. Smooth and creamy with treacle helping to produce a hint of smokiness in the finish. Hopped with Phoenix, Bullion and Brambling Cross

As well as All Nighters Northern Soul also had Sunday Sessions. Therefore we give you an ultra pale, full bodied and well hopped pale ale. Hopped with Green Bullit, Dr Rudi and Rakau from New Zealand.

SEASONAL SPECIAL A full bodied and well balanced American style ale. Deep golden brown in colour with delicious hints of toffee, caramel and biscuit.

Hopped with Mount Hood, Warrior and Cascade.

EWER BR

Y

We’re a family-owned and family-run micro-brewery nestled down a pot-holed farm-track in Standish, Greater Manchester.

Our state-of-the-art 10 barrel brewery is aided by award winning head brewer Jon. At Twisted Wheel brew Co. we’re all passionate about producing great quality beer to challenge the perception of the beer enthusiast and everyday drinker alike.

Inspired by one of the key styles of Northern Soul bowling shirts and baggy Oxford trousers.

Ten Pin Bitter is the classic easy drinking Amber Bitter. Hopped with First Gold, Endeavour and Jester.

20 th MARC O

PE

STANDISH HALL FARM, OFF BEECH WALK, GREEN LN, STANDISH WN6 0YQ 01257 427832

H

N D AY

www.centrallancs.camra.org.uk

Ale Cry

25

Walking with a Purpose

Longton loop

L

ongton lies on the westerly edge of the Central Lancs CAMRA area in South Ribble and is a town that covers a wide rural area. The land is relatively flat and low-lying so whilst this walk is not too challenging you will find a pair of wellies or good walking boots advisable, as the paths are often waterlogged at this time of year.

The walk begins at the DOLPHIN INN at the end of the aptly named Marsh Lane; free parking can be found on the roadside opposite the pub. To the left of the pub you will find a stile 1 and a footpath leading alongside the pub garden taking you north through a clay pigeon shooting range, a satisfying start to the walk crunching over spent clays. A metal kissing gate soon comes into view and then it’s on towards Pilot’s Cottage. You’ll reach a wooden gate 2 from where you can see the cottage ahead; fifty metres or so along the path be sure to turn left at the marker 3 and cross the stile making your way along the edge of the field with the hedge to your right until you reach Grange Lane.

Climbing over the stile turn right towards Westlands Farm and just before the entrance follow the footpath sign to the left 4, which then leads you around the main farm and between some outbuildings and cow sheds.

Take the track through a small copse of trees on your right to bring you out on a service road from where you can see the path marked 5. Walk down the field with the farm to your right and cross the next stile heading straight ahead away from the farm with the hedge/trees now on your left.

The path takes you past a stone water trough and a line of windbattered trees down to a stile in the corner of the field. Follow the direction marked on the stile, as the path is not obvious at this point, heading to another stile and the electricity pylons beyond. At this stage Longton Brook runs along to your right, which you soon cross over via a small footbridge now walking along with the brook to your left-hand side 6. The housing to the north of the town (Seven Sands and Arkholme Drive) is now visible ahead and the path leads you to the right, keeping the housing to your left and then down a short footpath onto Back Lane. Look to the right and a short distance away is the pathway, clearly marked leading you through the estate 7 and back to the centre of town. You’ll emerge opposite Blundell’s Hardware shop with the Golden Ball to your right … other

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pubs are also available including the Red Lion, Wilkins & Pye and the Black Bull just a short detour away but the award-winning GOLDEN BALL lies directly on our route and is a welcoming place for walkers and their four-legged friends (winner of the 2019 Lancashire Tourism Awards – Dog Friendly Business). Cask Marque accredited with four regular real ales on offer as well as food often sourced from local producers this may prove a tempting stop-off for food or refreshments.

To the right of the Golden Ball is Marsh Lane and the walk continues along this road past the Methodist church and post box to the next sign at the entrance to Padway Nurseries.

To your left as you made your way down Marsh Lane you’ll have seen a road called The Maltings, aptly named, as this is a housing estate built on the old W & R Wilkins brewery site, one of

1

Useful Information Distance: approx.

4 ½ miles (extended walk 6 ½ miles) OS Map: Explorer 286 Blackpool & Preston Dolphin Inn Marsh Ln, Preston PR4 5JY 01772 612032 Golden Ball Inn 150 Liverpool Rd, Longton, Preston PR4 5AU 01772 613527

two breweries operating in the town in the 1800s. A short distance further down the road you’ll pass Dale Lane, again to the left, which was the original entrance to the brewery yard of the James Pye & Sons Longton brewery in the mid-1800s 8. Interestingly, both the Golden Ball and Dolphin along with the Fleece in nearby Penwortham were Wilkins Brewery pubs.

Further information regarding the breweries can be found at https:// issuu.com/clcamra/docs/ alecry_117_web pages 6–7.

STANDARD ROUTE (4 ½ miles approx.) – Rather than taking the marked footpath you can now just continue straight down Marsh Lane for just under a mile back to the Dolphin.

EXTENDED ROUTE (6 ½ miles approx.) – Proceed up the path and around the nurseries, walking alongside the large greenhouse and

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Defunct Breweries Ale Cry 77 (Autumn 2006)

I

n the early 1900’s the then small village of Longton was an interesting place for the beer drinker, with two rival breweries being situated just yards apart on Marsh Lane. Like Matthew Brown, both had come into existence around 1830 when there had been an important change in the country’s beer duty laws. The smaller of the two breweries was JAMES PYE & SON, based at the Longton Brewery and with a company trademark of a Boar’s head on a platter. Unfortunately, Pye’s was to survive only until 1905, when it was taken over by

Walmesley’s of Preston, with the Smithy Inn at Much Hoole being one of about 10 pubs which were selling their beers.

The loss of Pye’s meant that neighbouring brewers and maltsters W&R Wilkins were able to expand, and over the years they were to build up an estate of over 20 pubs. Wilkins Brewery pubs were thick on the ground in Longton and the surrounding villages, with the Golden Ball being the brewery tap. In 1952 Wilkins Brewery was taken over by Salford-based brewers Groves & Whitnall.

GOLDEN BALL

down towards the brook. This is actually the Tarra Carr Gutter, a small tributary of the River Douglas.

(At this point there is also an option to turn right after the bridge which leads you down to Hall Carr Lane where, if you turn right and then first left back onto Marsh Lane this quickly takes you back to the Dolphin.)

For those continuing on the extended route continue straight ahead, up to and crossing over Hall Lane and heading up through several fields until you come out on Hall Carr Lane. Turn right and walk along the road between the remains of an old railway bridge that once carried the West Lancashire Railway line and down towards a bend in the road where the path takes you off to the left 9, over a stile and across fields until it comes out on Station Road.

Here you turn right and walk down past a number of properties until you near the Douglas River and as the road turns to the right your path is marked at the stile adjacent to metal fencing 10. From there the path takes you down a farm track and alongside the river for a short distance, walking along the raised flood defences and heading back to the end of Marsh Lane and the Dolphin, which by now should be clearly in view and providing additional motivation (should you need it!) to spur you on your way to the finish.

The Dolphin Inn has been an almost permanent entry in the Good Beer Guide since 1975 and offers a great range of cask ales and pub food; enjoy by the side of a roaring fire to help recharge the batteries after what has hopefully been an invigorating stroll through Lancashire countryside.

RICHARD LANGFORD

LONGTON

DOLPHIN INN

WALMER BRIDGE

www.centrallancs.camra.org.uk

Ale Cry

27

CAMRA CENTRAL LANCS BRANCH AND ...

AN UPDATED A-TO-Z

M

any years ago Ale Cry included an A to Z of CAMRA West Lancashire branch (as we then were). Times change, and here I present an updated A to Z for CAMRA Central Lancashire branch in 2020.

A is for ALE CRY. Easily the best magazine produced by CAMRA Central Lancashire branch.

B is for BREWERY BAR. A comparatively recent innovation in the branch area. Bar facilities are now provided on site by the Beer Brothers Brewery at Walton Summit and by the Crankshaft Brewery at Leyland. There are also bars at the Brindle Distillery and

at the Rivington Brewery, and all being well we will soon have the Withnells Brewery bar at Artisan House in Chorley.

C is for CLUB OF THE YEAR, an award that was introduced in 2015. Winners have been St Gerard’s Parochial Centre in Lostock Hall, Bamber Bridge Football Club, Broughton & District Club, and the Trades Hall Club & Institute in Bamber Bridge.

D is for DISTRIBUTION CRAWLS. With the production of each Ale Cry, the branch organises a special outing to help with the distribution. The first Ale Cry Distribution Crawl was in 1995, and 25 years later they are still popular as socials for active branch members.

E is for EMALE. This is the branch email newsletter which is sent out at the beginning of each month to those local CAMRA members who have an email address registered with CAMRA HQ. It has proved very successful as a great way to keep members up-to-date on pub news and on branch matters.

F is for FACEBOOK. The branch has been on Facebook since 2013.

We also have presences on both Twitter and Instagram.

G is for GEORGE LEE, the branch’s first Treasurer and former landlord of the Moorbrook in Preston. Since 1981 the George Lee Memorial Trophy has been the branch’s premier award, presented annually to the pub or other organisation that has done the most for real ale in the previous year. The current holder is the Black Horse in Preston.

H is for HERITAGE. Two pubs in the branch area have been recognised as having historic pub interiors of national importance.

The Black Horse in Preston is renowned for its tiled bar and mosaic

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flooring, while the Horn’s Inn at Goosnargh has that very rare feature of seating behind the serving area. The Horn’s has been closed for over two years now – will it ever re-open?

I is for INTERNET. The branch’s current website came into being in February 2012, and since then it has attempted to keep members informed of the branch’s activities as well as important local news.

The website also includes a directory of all pubs and clubs in the branch area, news of upcoming beer festivals, access to back copies of Ale Cry, and much more.

J is for JD WETHERSPOON. There are four Wetherspoon pubs in the branch area. The Grey Friar in Preston opened in 1996, the Sir Henry Tate in Chorley in 2006, the Leyland Lion in Leyland in 2011, and the Twelve Tellers in Preston in 2015. With the company slowing down on its expansion, a fifth Wetherspoon pub would seem unlikely to be appearing anytime soon.

K is for KEG. Once a dirty word in CAMRA circles, it is fair to say that many of the modern keg beers are a world away from the chemical rubbish foisted on the drinking public by the Big 6 in the 1970s when we were formed. Good quality craft keg beer has its supporters within the branch, although there are others who refuse to drink it. (Their choice – but also their loss. – Ed) L is for LOCALE. In 2009 the branch introduced a LocAle scheme to support local breweries. At the time there were no real ale breweries in the branch area. Now we have the following active microbreweries – Beer Brothers, Brindle Distillery, the Chain House Brewing Company, Crankshaft, Priest Town, the Rivington Brewing Company, and Withnells.

M is for MICROPUBS. A phenomenon of recent years.

The branch’s first micropub was the Market Ale House in Leyland which opened in December 2013. These days it is difficult to precisely define exactly what comprises a micropub, but by my count there are now more than 30 micropubs in the branch area.

N is for the NATIONAL BEER SCORING SYSTEM (or NBSS for short). This is the means by which CAMRA members can express their view on the beer that they have sampled in a particular pub. Most importantly the scores received for pubs in the Central Lancashire branch area can have a large bearing on whether they will become a Good Beer Guide entry.

O is for ORIGIN. The branch came into being at a meeting held at the Moorbrook, Preston, in June 1973.

Although no re-location was necessary, in January 2012 the branch changed its name from CAMRA West Lancashire branch to CAMRA Central Lancashire branch.

P is for PUB. Despite the proliferation of micropubs in the branch area there are still plenty of traditional pubs to be found. At the time of writing the branch’s Pub of the Year (the Moorbrook in Preston), and the branch’s Pub of the Season (the Red Lion at Wheelton) are both traditional pubs.

Q is for QUALITY. Each year the branch chooses a selection of pubs to go in CAMRA’s national Good Beer Guide. The Black Bull at Mawdesley (currently closed), the Dolphin at Longton, and the Royal Oak at Whittle-le-Woods are all pubs that have appeared in at least 30 editions of the Good Beer Guide.

R is for REAL ALE TRAIL leaflets. With the apparent demise of Local Beer Guides, the production of Real Ale Trail leaflets looks to be the way forward. In 2018 the branch produced a Chorley Real Ale Trail, and last year we produced a Preston Real Ale Trail as well as an updated version of the Chorley leaflet. The plan is that more Real Ale Trails will be produced in future.

S is for SOCIALS. Throughout its existence the branch has held regular socials, and these days branch meetings that were once held monthly are now basically meet-up socials when we are always pleased to see new faces.

T is for TEN YEARS AWARD. CAMRA Central Lancashire branch is looking at introducing a new award to recognise pubs that have been in the Good Beer Guide for 10 consecutive years. Interestingly the Royal Oak at Whittle-le-Woods was once rewarded by the branch for being in 25 consecutive editions of the Good Beer Guide.

U is for UTOPIA. Every pub selling a range of real ales. Every pub selling beer in perfect condition. Every pub selling full pint measures. Every pub open when you visit. Does this sound like the Central Lancashire branch area?

V is for VOUCHERS. One of the benefits of being a CAMRA member is that you receive vouchers that can be used in certain pubs to obtain a discount on the price of your beer. In the Central Lancashire branch area these 50p vouchers can be used in certain pubs owned by Amber Taverns, Stonegate, and Wetherspoons (see the branch website for more details).

W is for WHATPUB? which is effectively CAMRA’s on-line national real ale guide. For CAMRA members and non-members alike this is the place to go on the internet to find out more information about individual pubs.

X is for XMAS. The Christmas Branch Meeting is one of the more important events in the CAMRA Central Lancashire branch year. At this meeting local members are able to vote for the George Lee Memorial Trophy award winner, as well as being able to participate in the popular Christmas Quiz.

Y is for YOUNG CAMRA. Like many other CAMRA branches Central Lancashire is rather lacking in young members. Despite this the size of the branch membership has been virtually unchanged for several years now. Perhaps CAMRA members are joining at a later age now than they used to?

Z is for ZENITH. It has been hard to find a Z, but local brewers Withnell’s describe their Blonde Summit beer as ‘a zenith of a blonde combining top malts and peak hops’.

GORDON SMALL

www.centrallancs.camra.org.uk

Ale Cry

29

Branch Diary

CAMRA

REAL ALE

DISCOUNT SCHEME

Monday 9th March Committee Meeting at Leyland Lion, Leyland (7.30)

A

LAB

LE HE

RE

This pub offers CAM

Thursday 26th March Social at Lostock Hall – starting at Anchor

members a discoun t.

Member Discount scheme Find

Monday 6th April Committee Meeting at Twelve Tellers, Preston

All over the country, hundreds of pubs to card carrying CAMRA members. These pubs deserve your support and listed below are the ones in our branch area that we believe are offering a discount.

Thursday 16 April Ale Cry Distribution Crawl – Standish / Wrightington area Minibus from Chorley & Preston th

RA

out more: www.camra.org.uk/ disc ountscha are offering discount eme

CAMRA Real Ale A6 Sticker

May 2019.indd 1

Ancient Oak, Cottam

20p per pint, except Mon when discount is for all customers

Anderton Arms, Fulwood

20p per pint, except Mon when discount is for all customers

Applejacks, Longridge

50p per pint

Baker Street, Preston

10%

Monday 4 May Committee Meeting at Ale Station, Chorley (7.30)

Bamber Bridge Football Club

20p per pint

Bay Horse, Euxton

10%

Thursday 21st May Spring POTS Presentation at Red Lion, Wheelton (7.30)

Black Bull, Fulwood

20p per pint, except Mon when discount is for all customers

Black Bull, Penwortham

20p per pint

Monday 8th June Committee Meeting at Black Bull, Penwortham

Bob Inn, Chorley

20p per pint

Broughton Inn, Broughton

20p per pint

All meetings start at 8pm unless shown.

Cuckoo’s Nest, Chorley

10p per pint

Trips For further details and to book, contact Alex Calderbank on 07401 020754 or email social@centrallancs.camra.org.uk

Fleece, Penwortham

10%

Guild (Fylde Rd), Preston

25p per pint

Lane Ends, Ashton

10%

Market Tavern, Preston

10%

Mill Tavern, Higher Walton

20%

Nabs Head, Samlesbury

20p per pint

Olde Original Withy Trees, Bamber Bridge

10%

Pear Tree, Penwortham

20p per pint

Plough, Grimsargh

20p per pint, 10p per half pint

Plungington Hotel, Preston

10p per pint

Poachers, Bamber Bridge

10%

Preston Grasshoppers RFC

10%

Prince of Wales, Cowling Brow, Chorley

10%

Prince Of Wales New Market Street, Chorley

10%

Ribble Pilot, Preston

10%

Smiths Arms, Lea Town

20p per pint, 10p per half pint

Tap & Vine, Penwortham

10%

Trades Hall Club & Institute, Bamber Bridge

10%

Walton Fox, Bamber Bridge

20p per pint

Wellington, Ashton

Up to 25p per pint

Wellington (Glovers Ct.), Preston

10%

White Bull, Chorley

10%

Wings & Beer Co., Preston

10%

Thursday 23rd April Pub of the Year Presentation (venue TBA) th

Advertising

With a print run of 6,000 and magazines available in pubs and clubs across the area and beyond, an advert in Ale Cry is probably the best value targeted advertising around.

Advert prices Quarter page: £55 Half page: £95 Full page: £175 Back page: £195 (not currently available) For further details contact: editor@centrallancs.camra.org.uk

Publication Dates

The next issue of Ale Cry will be published on 1st June 2020.

Deadline for copy and advert submission is 1st May 2020.

Trading Standards

For complaints about issues such as short measures, contact: Lancashire County Council Trading Standards County Hall, Pitt Street Preston, PR1 0LD. T: 0345 404 0506

Ale Cry online

Digital versions of this and previous Ale Crys are available at: https://issuu.com/clcamra

30

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ISSUE 126 SPRING 2020

05/06/2019 12:45

Cann Bridge Ale House, Higher Walton 20p per pint

If you know of a pub offering a discount that is not listed here, or one is listed that no longer offers a discount, please let us know.

If you are a licensee and are interested in joining the scheme then please contact editor@centrallancs.camra.org.uk

Join up, join in, join the campaign From as little as

£26.50*

a year. That’s less Includes than a pint a £30 month!

Real Ale

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Protect the traditions of great British pubs and everything that goes with them by joining today at www.camra.org.uk/joinup

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