The Whitakers Arms, Accrington

The previous review for the whitakers is a load of hogwash and factual inaccuracies. The new landlady and her HUSBAND are doing a magnificent job to turn around a place that had become as quiet as the cemetery across the road. Rather than point out slight teething problems, the reviewer should have concentrated on the good points. The food may bot be up to Heston Blumanthal standards but this is a pub and serves good honest pub food at fair price. As for the suggestion that there was friction between the management and staff, I can say that all the staff appear happy with the new regime. And as for the language getting a bit "fruity" from time to time, perhaps the reviewer overlooks the fact that this iis a pub, not a kindergarten, and he/she should expect an adult atmosphere. In conclusion I would say that I do not have any idea why this reviewer feels he/she has some sort of axe to grind, but this is a good honest pub run by good honest people whose emphasis is to make this a place local people will want to go. My friends and I would not drink there regularly if it were anything else. So don't pay too much attention to what tomosser has to say - give it a go yourself. You are guaranteed a warm welcome, a good pint, and good food at a fair price.

23 May 2013 11:56

Peel Park Hotel, Accrington

A "local pub for local people". Paid a visit in June 2012...It was like walking on to the set of "The League of Gentlemen". Nobody actually said this pub is for local people only, but I did wonder if I might have been wearing something ridiculously vile as all the "regulars" stopped and stared - and whispered and sniggered. Maybe it was after all my walking stick and the fact that I had parked my mobility scooter in the car park (well there was nowhere else to park it). While I was still parking it a man in a van drove up and sneered "taking up a bit of room there aren't you" - no doubt upset that he had to park alongside me and walk an extra two yards to the pub.
A bunch of old crones sniggered and then when silent as I limped my way to the front door. When I got inside they were shoulder to shoulder at the small bar and noone made any attempt to move to let me through even though it was obvious I was having trouble getting to the bar.
So, I turned and left..... Such a shame. I have been to the pub once before and there was hardly anyone in - and the pint of Tenacious Ted I had was great.
I will go again - but I will avoid Friday - which is clearly the day for the locals to have their local pub to themselves.

Hopalong Cassidy

10 Jun 2012 08:43