please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Now called the Speakeasy and easy to overlook, as it's hidden away at the rear of the Ferret. But, this was best of the 3 pubs we visited in Preston yesterday lunchtime. Neither the Vinyl Tap nor the Plug & Taps (the other 2 we tried) are listed on BITE. But, they were decent too. The Speakeasy felt quite dark inside. There were 3 other customers at the bar and the Rugby World Cup was on the TV. The ale range was good - Donkeystone Ferris Miler, Rivington Downdays, Escape Virgil Hilts, Hophurst Wolf & Porteresque, Crankshaft Tiger Club & Speakeasy House Pale (not sure who the brewer was). They also had a cider - Lilley's Cherries & Berries.
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Off the beaten track for us but glad the wife and I called in. Wide selection of ales and interesting food menu. The place had a 1980s feel but none the worse for this. Not too busy for a Friday but is was a cold early February evening. The staff were friendly and there was a convivial atmosphere among our fellow clientele. If you enjoy real ale you will like the Ale Emporium. We will return.
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An unscheduled stop for me as I was disappointed in the ale quality at the Dog & Partridge and wanted a decent pint before I got back to pub ticking in the Friargate area.
After checking the location I made my way here briskly, I’d only read about the pub in a magazine the day before. This used to be a pub (the name escapes me) and is in the same building as The Ferret pub but is completely unconnected and from what I saw is very different.
10 hand pumps offering a cracking selection. I had ales from Rat Brewery in Huddersfield and Fernandes in Wakefield, there were also 2 additional ales on keg.
10pm Saturday night when I visited & it was half full but there was still plenty of good humoured Northern banter.
Neural decoration there’s wallpaper on the ceiling & old fashioned carpet on the floor. The back room where the pool table is located has a couple of comfy leather sofa’s and a television.
Superb place that is well worth the walk from town.
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An interesting little place that can easily be missed, as it seems to be in the same building as the much larger Ferret pub.
This was the place where I finally managed to find a dark beer available. There were 6 or 7 real ales available, but 4 were from the Rat brewery, as apparently they had just had a “meet the brewer” evening. Small sample jars showed the colour of the ales, and thus I was able to have Queen Rat. This was said to be a stout, but didn’t taste much like one to me.
They were also doing tastings of malt and hops. Very interesting, but I made the mistake of having the latter first !
This place is big on music, with many gigs advertised, and pictures of musicians on the walls. [ Having said that, I can’t remember if piped music was actually being played – probably not. Likewise I don’t think food was available.
7/10 – I will be back – if I ever visit Preston again.
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Now named Ale Emporium. Now 8 real ales and extended opening times.
Still well worth the effort.
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Paid a return visit with my wife, prompted by news of imminent departure of great landlady, and we thoroughly enjoyed the interesting but superbly tasty beers in a quirky atmosphere e.g. Bottle of Fairy Liquid atop the Christmas Tree. Next door Ferret also great.
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Great, well kept beers. Place lacks any kind of atmosphere, but if it's beer quality you're after there isn't a better place in Preston.
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A classic. Nearly missed my chance as didn't expect afternoon closing. A rich mix of customers enjoying fabulous beers in a characterful if studenty pub. Shame I can't take my children in but that's their choice.
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Great beer, well priced. Friendly atmosphere. Varied but great quality entertainment, a function room is available for hire for gigs n that.
Beware - it is closed Mondays at the moment.
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Great beer and a buzzing Saturday night atmosphere.
cobbo - 15 Mar 2010 13:15 |
The fact that the six ales had all changed on Saturday evening to those that were on Friday speaks volumes. Gets very busy, particularly when there is live music on.
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Wow,great choice of well kept beer up to 6 on the bar but cellar runs as well. Cheap n tasty home cooked food at lunchtime. Check opening times, shuts at 1430-1500 I think most days before reopening in the evening.
Excellant jukebox and cheap pool table.
Reminds me of the Wyre Lounge Bar in Fleetwood before it's sad decline!
Essential visit if in Preston
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Nice big comfortable leather benches and chairs and a good selection of very good beer.
Well worth a visit.
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