I SIGN off for 2015 by presenting to you an insight into one of the area’s premier drinking destinations.

It’s not what I would describe as a pub review.

It’s more of justifying why I regard this, as a favourite venue – a venue that ticks all the boxes – a special social experience.

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The Bridge Bier Huis was highlighted by famed beer writer Pete Brown as one of his favourite pubs. I wholly concur with that statement he made, when visiting a few years ago.

“So, what makes this pub so special?” you may ask. Well, let me attempt to justify that claim.

I regard the Bier Huis as my ‘local’. I make a weekly trek, sometimes two, to this multi-award winning free house. Owned for the last 12-and-a-half years by Emma Harrison and Simon Scott.

You are always greeted by Ruby, the pub Labrador, followed by some friendly abuse from Burnley’s ‘best’ pint puller, Dave ‘Rodders’ Eastwood – and Tuesday’s visit was no exception.

It’s a well planned environment. With a spacious open plan bar area that provides adequate comfy seating including two leather settees adjacent to a roaring log burner. There’s a small snug-type room that is also popular with the regulars.

The pub must have the finest selection of beers in the area. And the reason why discerning beer drinkers throng to ‘The Bridge’ from miles around. Five cask ales, a real cider, many draught foreign beers – and over 70, yes 70, bottled beers from around the world.

What you are guaranteed on your visit, is beer in the best possible condition, no argument. Beer quality is paramount. Always fresh and thirst quenching. The cellarmanship is of the highest possible standard.

Bar manager Dave said: “All casks are popular. And we like to support local brewers. Foreign draught beers sell well. Dortmunder is the best seller. Erdinger and St Louis Kriek are popular too. Bottled fruit beers are also very much in demand. The Samuel Smiths brands fly out.”

There’s always a great crowd in. It’s packed out over the weekend. The pub undoubtedly, has one of the best eclectic ranges of clientele – if not the best, in my opinion. It’s what makes it so special and unique. The Friday afternoon retired members corner is legendary. Friendly abuse and banter is off the scale!

We all have our favourite pub. And I wanted to relay to you what was so special about mine. I feel some will concur with my choice. Others, understandably, will tell me otherwise. As the locality is blessed with a plethora of outstanding drinking dens.