LOVE a pint but don't know where to go after work? Our resident pub expert Mark Briggs gives his five recommendations...

 

The Black Bull, Brokenstone Road

Lancashire Telegraph:

Undoubtably beer utopia for the discerning beer drinker. Nine cask ales at this multi award-winning establishment. It provides an eclectic range of beverages from the superb Three B's brewery, situated at the rear of the pub. Relaxed and friendly atmosphere. An eclectic range of patrons.

A traditional watering hole of the highest standard. One of my all time favourite pubs. Brewer, Bob Bell, is a true pub hero, no argument.

 

The Hare and Hounds, Lammack Road

Lancashire Telegraph:

A pub with history and tradition. The last surviving former Dutton's house in the country. Saved from possible closure by a regular patron of thirty years, Ian Robertson. Ian purchased the pub off Enterprise Inns, and has transformed it into an award-winning community hostelry.

Five rotating cask ales to choose from. Beers to be enjoyed in a most welcoming and relaxing environment. A jewel in the community.

 

Number 39, Darwen

Lancashire Telegraph: PUB OF THE WEEK: Number 39, Darwen

Another award-winning drinking den. A premier drinking establishment, no argument. Four rotating cask ales, foreign premium lagers and ciders. It is the Hopstar Brewery 'tap'.

A small, comfy, continental style bar. Very friendly and welcoming. A true asset in the community and beyond - a gem of pub, to enjoy a pint.

 

The Old Chapel House, Darwen

Lancashire Telegraph:

I felt I had to include this Wetherspoon's pub. Okay, they are not everyone's idea of a place to go for a pint. However, this establishment is unlike some of their more typical outlets.

It offers a more upmarket environment, with its stunning interior. There is a fantastic range of cask ales(ten), craft keg lagers, bottled beers and ciders.

It is a pub that offers more soul and relaxation than some other 'Spoons watering holes. And dare I say, it has less of their more 'colourful' characters.

 

The Blackburn Times

Lancashire Telegraph:

Well, I had to include one town centre pub in my recommendations. To be quite candid, I do find good drinking establishments are in short supply in the town centre area.

However, I find this one a most friendly and relaxing environment to have a pint.

Three rotating cask ales - and a good selection of draught lagers and bottled beers - and all at value prices. Lots of quieter areas to enjoy a drink.

Amongst an eclectic range of clientele. Clientele, that does include one or two 'colourful' characters.