The Inn at Whitewell, Whitewell

One of those places that tries to be all things - pub, hotel, restuarant, wedding venue, vintners - and pretty much succeeds spectacularly at all of them. It's also a good place just for a drink, and sitting on the back patio supping a pint of Bowland Hen Harrier overlooking the magnificent scenery, I could just about swallow the �3.30 I'd just been charged. One of the Ribble Valley's true destination venues.

16 Jun 2010 06:36

The White Bull, Ribchester

Since being take over by new owners late in 2009, this has become a good pub for drinkers - up to 6 ales on the bar at any one time, in very good condition (pints of Moorhouse Premier and Copper Dragon Best Bitter are amongst the very best I've ever had here). Trouble is, on the last few visits I've made, it seems devoid of atmosphere - there's hardly anyone in, and the pub seems to be missing the crowds I remember it attracting when the emphasis was much more on food. Pity, as with a bit more life this could be a cracking pub.

16 Jun 2010 06:31

The Dog Inn, Whalley

Of the four very fine pubs at the centre of Whalley village, the Dog is defintely the best for the range of beers on offer. Six handpumps, serving an ever-changing mix of beers from (mainly North-Western) breweries. That said, on today's visit the range was slightly less adventurous than it has been of late - Copper Dragon Black Gold, Moorhouse Pride of Pendle, Grays Hunny Pot, Bank Top Old Slapper, and both Lions Roar and Treacle Stout from Ossett - but at �2.40 a pint, whatever strength the beer, who's complaining?

8 Jun 2010 13:34

Ye Old Sparrow Hawk, Fence

I've drunk here many times over the years - one of those places you can file under 'always dependable'. A vast, sprawling old inn, it is heavily geared towards food, but there is plenty of space for drinkers, inside as well as out (the extensive front seating area has lovely views over the hills towards Burnley). A good mix of local and national ales on the bar - Draught Bass, GK IPA, Thwaites Original, and a couple from Bolton brewers Bank Top (Flat Cap and Blonde). This time around I plumped for a pint of Bass, served in the sort of condition that almost makes you forget the �2.90 price tag.

7 Jun 2010 19:06

The Royal Standard of England, Beaconsfield

I visited here some years ago and greatly enjoyed it, so took the opportunity last Sunday to divert off the M40 for a quick pint. What a disappointment. Early signs were good - the place was heaving with drinkers and diners, and the range of 6 or 7 ales on the bar looked very impressive. I ordered a pint of Windsor & Eton Guardsman plus a bowl of peanuts - and was charged an eye-watering �5.15. Shock then turned to disappointment when I sat down to actually drink the beer - absolutely no conditioning whatsoever, flat, lifeless, warm, and without even a trace of foam for a head. Nothing like the sparkling, frothing pint I'd enjoyed in Eton a few weeks previously. I think I'll be giving this place a miss for a few more years.

7 Jun 2010 08:25

The Parkers Arms, Newton in Bowland

Popped in here recently one Friday afternoon and, although it was heading for closing time, the very cheerful landlord was happy to chat and fill me in on the recent history of the place. I ordered a pint of Bowland Gold and, as the barrel had only just been changed, he gave me a free third of a pint to try so as to ensure the condition was right before he pulled me a full one! The whole place has been very tastely decorated, light and airy, and the menu is all sourced from local produce. Four handpumps serving a mix of beers from Bowland, Lancaster, and Copper Dragon. Will defintely be back.

6 Jun 2010 19:09