Pub season Spring 2023 The Orchard, Preston of the

Our pub of the season for Spring 2023 is the Orchard Bar, located at the corner of the historic Grade ll listed covered market in the city centre. As the weather improves and our minds turn to the days when we can enjoy our drinks sat in the sun, we can look forward to sitting on the benches outside in addition to the inside seating, sampling the ever-changing range of cask ales and real ciders plus up to ten craft beers. There is also a range of gins for those who want something stronger.

The sister pub of the Guild Ale House round the corner on Lancaster Road, it was opened in early March 2018 by Gary Quinn and partner Jane, and it has proved a popular addition to the real ale scene. Partly constructed and decorated with wood recycled from the old market trestle boards, plus lots of modern glass, it has been extended with additional seating under the canopy of the outdoor market. On nights when live music features, seating expands further into the market area and it attracts plenty of people who enjoy live music and good ale.

Two or three ever-changing real ales from small breweries and micros are on the bar and several days a week you might be lucky to be served by a living legend, in the embodiment of Preston North End’s mascot, the Deepdale Duck himself, Simon Nash. Sadly missing from Deepdale due to health concerns at the moment, I know he is greatly missed by the faithful, who appreciate the encouragement he gives to the team on match days.

No food is served, but like at the Guild, you are welcome to bring your own food in and consume on the premises. There are many food outlets on the neighbouring market.

The bar is closed on Mondays, opening all other days at noon, closing at 9.30pm Tues–Thurs, 11pm Fri/Sat and 10pm Sunday.

The award will be presented on Thursday 20th April at 8pm.

PAUL RILEY

Free wifi

Dog friendly