Much of what has appeared on this site and its predecessor has vanished forever. From August 2002, these pages are an essentially complete record of the news pages and visitor postings, arranged in chronological order. ("Essentially complete" means "those things that came to our attention which have not since fallen prey to computer malfunction") Before then, there is a patchy and incomplete record of pub news, culled from a variety of sources. More recently, some of the other items that have appeared on this site have been archived under the apppropriate year. Old pubs of the year can be found on the Pub of the Year index page. Archive photographs of local pubs can be found via the pub pages. Note that in a number of cases news items were published in good faith which subsequently turned out to be not entirely true. No attempt has been made to retrospectively hide our errors.
Archive 2004
3 January
The Eric Bartholomew (Morecambe) , to be called the Eric Bartholomew, is to open in March.
9 January
New licensees at Black Bull (Brookhouse), Bradford (Morecambe), Castle (Hornby), Nag’s Head (Lancaster), Millenium (Morecambe), Morecambe (Morecambe), New Inn (Galgate), Pier (Morecambe), Walkabout (Lancaster).
The Victoria (Lancaster) is shut and may never reopen.
14 January
The licensee is leaving the Park (Lancaster) .
The Royal (Lancaster) now has cask beer.
The Yorkshire House (Lancaster) has gained an extra cask beer (now has 4).
The Sun (Lancaster) is now serving food and is open in the afternoon.
(owners of Sante (Lancaster)) have acquired Toast.
20 January
Mitchells:have started taking Cropton beer (a micro in the North York Moors).
24 January
The licensee of the Three Mariners (Lancaster) is leaving.
29 January
The former owners of the Crown & Anchor (Heysham) hve got planning permission to turn the old Chinese restaurant in Heysham Village as a pub.
2 February
The tenancy of the Farmer's Arms (Garstang) is being advertised.
5 February
The Golden Ball (Snatchems) is selling real cider (Old Rosie).
Kampus (Lancaster) is now all-keg.
11 February
It seems that rumours that the steward of the Graduate College Bar (Lancaster University) was leaving were a negotiating ploy for a better contract. I am now assured he is staying.
The bar manager at the Marton Arms (Thornton-in-Lonsdale) , inherited from the previous regime, is leaving. The start of the slippery slope?
The Pickerings (Catterall) is up for sale.
The tenancy of the Ridge (Lancaster) is being advertised.
The new owner of the Scarthwaite (Crook O'Lune) may get cask beer.
John Welsh, formerly of the Pickerings (Catterall) is to take over the Three Mariners (Lancaster) on 1 March.
There is a rumour that Norman Jackson has already got the Victoria (Lancaster) and the site will be turned into flats.
19 February
The Eagle & Child (Garstang) is to let.
The T'Owd Tithebarn (Garstang) seems to have dropped Tetley bitter in favour of another independent brew.
27 February
The Royal Oak (Lancaster) is to let.
3 March
The lease of the White Cross (Lancaster) is being advertised.
5 March
New licensees at Metro (Lancaster), Friary (Lancaster), Greaves Park (Lancaster), Nag’s Head (Lancaster), Nib (Warton), Bar Eleven (Lancaster), Skerton (Lancaster).
Unique still intend to keep the Royal (Silverdale) as a pub, but it may be a while before it reopens.
16 March
17 March
Brysons: Brysons are to brew a special beer for the Sun and Water Witch (Lancaster). There is/was a tasting on 18 March.
24 March
Mitchells are looking for a new tenant for the Golden Ball (Snatchems) . The existing tenant has been offered another berth. In the meantime, this pub appears to be shut.
26 March
The Bridge (Wennington) is to let.
The George & Dragon (Wray) is to let.
2 April
New licensees at Nag’s Head (Lancaster), Nib (Warton), Ridge (Lancaster), Royal Oak (Hornby), Varsity (Lancaster), Walkabout (Lancaster).
6 April
The Eric Bartholomew (Morecambe) opened on 4 April. See our home page.
The Three Mariners (Lancaster) is to close for refurbishment after Easter, mainly affecting the kitchen. Afterwards, there is expected to be a full menu and six draught beers.
I hear the Bull (Morecambe) is shut.
21 April
Update on the Three Mariners (Lancaster) - the planned closure for refurbishment is now in May for seven weeks. Meanwhile, John is getting some beers off Mitchells list, like Hart (as well as ones on it).
The Pickerings (Catterall) has been sold. There is some hope for cask beer.
Brysons: Brysons are to brew a St George's Day beer, a 4.6% wheat/rye beer, red in colour. Ready April 24 (of course). List of outlets on the Bryson's website.
Mitchells:have allowed one licensee to take some beers on a "free house" basis. (The Three Mariners (Lancaster)).
22 April
I hear that the licensee of the George & Dragon (Lancaster) is leaving.
26 April
muse (Lancaster) is shut.
30 April
The Patten Arms (Winmarleigh) now has guest beers. Actually it may have had them for some time and nobody told me.
The Priory (Scorton) has a Bowland Brewery beer (a house brew).
7 May
New licensees at Eagle & Child (Garstang), Flag (Nateby), Friary (Lancaster), George & Dragon (Wray), Golden Ball (Snatchems), LAOne (Lancaster), Royal (Morecambe), Strathmore (Morecambe), Varsity (Lancaster).
Alterations in hand at the New Holly (Forton) .
The Strawberry Gardens (Heysham) is to be refurbished.
14 May
The Brown Cow (Lancaster) is being gutted (contrary to Thwaites promises) and extended into the old travel agents next door.
The Three Mariners (Lancaster) is not intended to shut now while it is being done up.
5 June
The management of the William Mitchell (Morecambe) is being advertised.
7 June
New licensees at Blue Anchor (Bolton-le-Sands), Crofter's (Cabus), Cumberland View (Heysham), LAOne (Lancaster).
The Farmer's Arms (Garstang) seems to have a permanent tenant
The George & Dragon (Lancaster) is to let.
The Queen's (Carnforth) is to let.
9 June
Brysons: New bigger brewing plant is to be installed.
Mitchells:are now taking beers from Copper Dragon of Skipton.
12 June
Muse has reopened as LAOne (Lancaster) .
The Golden Ball (Snatchems) is open again with a beer range including a Mitchells guest and Jennings mild.
16 June
The Collegian (Lancaster) is to sell guest beers alongside the Jennings.
19 June
Page link: Pub of the Year 2004
20 June
Visitor Comments
On 20 June 2004, martin wrote re: Three Mariners (Lancaster):"Dropped in last night - Bomber, Cumberland and Cocker Hoop, latter good"; Reply
23 June
The Royal (Silverdale) is being redecorated and should reopen in mid-July.
24 June
New licensees at Moorlands (Lancaster), Three Mariners (Lancaster).
The lease of the John O'Gaunt (Central Lancaster) is being advertised.
Visitor Comments
On 24 June 2004, martin wrote re: Penny Bank (Lancaster):"Only beer here today was Landlord "; Reply
25 June
Visitor Comments
On 25 June 2004, david rose wrote re: Water Witch (Lancaster):"Dave Jones and "anon" must be living in another world! 2 visits in 2 days with 5 other mates from Scotland.We all agreed, the best pub in Lancaster in terms of beer quality and staff.This hostelry is one of the best I have ever drunk in :an excellent range of well kept beers served by courteous staff who were a credit to their boss.This should be the "yardstick" against which every other pub should be measured. A Treasure not to be buried in Mr Jones' locker...Well Done! "; Reply
28 June
The Yorkshire House (Lancaster) is to gain a handpump selling perry or cider (alternating).
4 July
New licensees at Borough (Lancaster), Crown (Garstang), Nag’s Head (Lancaster), Trekkers (Lancaster).
Rack'em (Lancaster) has opened on Church Street. This is a snooker hall, but it will have a full on-licence.
7 July
Contrary to earlier reports, the Bridge (Wennington) is not to let.
The Sun (Lancaster) , only just complete in its present form, is now to be extended into the travel agents next door.
Kerry at the White Lion (Halton) is planning to go.
9 July
Laurel Pub Co have sold their neighbourhood pubs to Greene King. This includes the Dog & Partridge (Morecambe) . It is currently being altered. The beer choice at this pub has dwindled to insignificance, so new owners hold no terrors.
14 July
The Heaton Hall (Lancaster) is up for sale - Punch are allegedly interested.
Rumours surround the future of the George (Morecambe) -any definite information would be welcome.
The licensee of the George & Dragon (Lancaster) is leaving soon.
The licensee of the Ring O'Bells (Lancaster) is going.
Seaborn Stores (Morecambe) is now stocking 50 bottled beers. Worth the detour (Seaborn Road, Bare).
Visitor Comments
On 14 July 2004, Gary evans wrote re: Marton Arms (Thornton-in-Lonsdale):"has anyone been to the marton arms since the change of ownership? Was wondering if the ales are still good "; Reply
19 July
Page link: Pub of the Year 2004
21 July
The Litten Tree (Lancaster) no longer has cask beer (since June).
The Thurnham Mill (Conder Green) no longer has cask beer.
22 July
Page link: Pub of the Year 2004
25 July
There is to be a new licensee at the Greyhound (Halton) on 28 July.
1 August
The Royal (Silverdale) reopened on 30 July with 4 cask beers (nothing special).
2 August
Visitor Comments
On 2 August 2004, Jim Shepherd wrote re: Royal (Silverdale):"Pub opened on the 30th July with, Greenking IPA, Spitfire. Old Speckelled Hen,John Smiths Bitter. On the 1st of August the place had been drunk dry accept for the Greenking IPA which I sampled and found to be good! The new Landlord intends to vary the Beer range to suit his Customers. "; Reply
6 August
New licensees at Battery (Heysham), Britannia (Lancaster), Royal (Silverdale), Three Mariners (Lancaster).
Structural alterations at the New Holly (Forton) are proposed.
Visitor Comments
On 6 August 2004, martin wrote re: Boot & Shoe (Lancaster):"Had Shifting Sands and Pride of Pendle on tonight -very nice! Landlord actually seems interested in beer."; Reply
7 August
Brysons: Brysons beers are now in the local ASDA store. At present the only beer is Castle (non-bottle-conditioned).
8 August
John Welsh, late of the Three Mariners and the Pickerings, is the new licensee of the Greyhound (Halton) . It currently has five cask beers from S&N and regionals but beers from Lancashire micros are promised.
10 August
The former licensees of the Crown & Anchor are intending to open a new pub called the Barrows (Heysham) at 2 Barrows Lane. Sarah and Henry hope to open the pub in the next 18 months or so. They are waiting this long so that they will not need loans from breweries or agents, and will be truly independent.
Visitor Comments
On 10 August 2004, The Sun Hotel wrote re: Sun (Lancaster):"We are very pleased to announce that The Sun Hotel will shortly be solving its biggest problem... space. We are finalising plans to expand into 65 Church Street, doubling the bar area and allowing more people to try real ale in more comfort. We will keep our principles of offering a wide selection of real ales in a contemporary and stylish environment. We will continue to support local brewers, never filtering beer back into the barrel, never serving a beer beyond it's natural life and always trying to different. More news soon..."; Reply
13 August
14 August
The Strawberry Gardens (Heysham) is in fact having extensive alterations to turn it into a "John Barras" pub, S&N's community pub brand. It will open on Monday 13 September. It should have cask beer in three months.
Visitor Comments
On 14 August 2004, Paul wrote re: Water Witch (Lancaster):"I wonder what places Dave normally drinks? I find it amazing that anyone can not admire what the guys at the wterwitch are doing. It is refreshing to have a drink of such high quality from staff who are able to talk about the beer.Dave might have another reason for being so rude? A landlord possibly afraid of good competition? If not let into the secret of were he drinks, I ant to see who could possibly do it better. "; Reply
On 14 August 2004, Ex -User wrote re: Brown Cow (Lancaster):"What a disgrace. The pub has slipped in recent times, yet that was poor management. Surely the powers that be in Thwaites realised that the pub should be filled before they planned an extension. What is wrong with their decision making process??? Well now there only a few pubs left in this town that have any heritage left? I am sure they will say that there were structural issues and possible wood rot stories, but what an absolute disgrace of a refurb! Anybody could rip a pub apart, but why that one. It had character, and authenticity. Now it has NOTHING. After speaking to some other Ex locals in the JOG and the Royal, I know I am not alone. In fact I have not heard a single word of praise for the refurb! Thwaites, wake up and have a purpose! "; Reply
On 14 August 2004, webmaster wrote re: Water Witch (Lancaster):"Perhaps we need a Water Witch chat room? Seriously, we don't need personal abuse. I almost removed that last posting. You can also comment on the Water Witch on the pub's page on this site, a facility I accidentally broke in introducing the new beer rating system."; Reply
On 14 August 2004, Jim Shepherd wrote re: George Washington (Warton):"Had an excellent pint of Golden Pippin (Skipton Brewery) here today. They also have Beacon, Boddingtons, Jenning Cumbria Ale and a Moorhouses brew. The Landlords policy is to rotate the Guest Ales on a 10 weekly rota. "; Reply
On 14 August 2004, Ex -User wrote re: Brown Cow (Lancaster):"What a disgrace. The pub has slipped in recent times, yet that was poor management. Surely the powers that be in Thwaites realised that the pub should be filled before they planned an extension. What is wrong with their decision making process??? Well now there only a few pubs left in this town that have any heritage left? I am sure they will say that there were structural issues and possible wood rot stories, but what an absolute disgrace of a refurb! Anybody could rip a pub apart, but why that one. It had character, and authenticity. Now it has NOTHING. After speaking to some other Ex locals in the JOG and the Royal, I know I am not alone. In fact I have not heard a single word of praise for the refurb! Thwaites, wake up and have a purpose! "; Reply
On 14 August 2004, Damon Green wrote re: Stork (Conder Green):"Visited for lunch on 27th July 2004. Decent pint of Landlord, with options of chosing from Boddies, PEddie or BlackSheep Bitter. "; Reply
On 14 August 2004, bernard wrote re: Three Mariners (Lancaster):"Went to the 3 Mariners expecting the worst, however, was served well, clean and friendly environment, lots of happy customers and great beer, Brysons MEMORIAL. Absolutely spot on. Very pleased and impressed and looking forward to going back "; Reply
On 14 August 2004, Allan Friswell wrote re: Punch Bowl (Bentham):"Bowland Black Cat and Skipton Golden Pippin, plus Everards and Worthington. Skipton (£2.00) very tasty though slightly less than bright. Black Cat (£2.00) stunningly wonderful!! Our welcome was warm and the service of food and drink prompt. This is one of the most gorgeous little pubs of my life. "; Reply
On 14 August 2004, john thompson wrote:"the sun hotel-by far the best ale pub in lancaster,beer quality far superior to the waterwitch "; Reply
On 14 August 2004, bernard wrote:"It is good in the sun, but I wouldn't say far superior than the Water Witch, surely? "; Reply
On 14 August 2004, john thompson wrote:"used to drink in the waterwitch all the time but the quality of ale is inconsistent whereas the sun is consistently excellent.best pint of hawkshead I ahve tasted yet.service is much better in the sun as well. "; Reply
On 14 August 2004, Paul Tomlinson wrote:"As a recent frequenter of this website my personal opinion on the Waterwitch is that it's improved enormously in the last six months. It had a rocky patch, I felt, in early Summer and seemed ill prepared for the increase in business, however I like the recent bar expansion and they seem to be currently sorting out the bathrooms. The quality of the beer however is not to be questioned - it is stoically consistent and the Waterwitch's cellaring skills are beyond reproach. Let us not forget that before the Waterwitch it was the John O'Gaunt, or do without !"; Reply
16 August
Visitor Comments
On 16 August 2004, Jim Shepherd wrote re: George & Dragon (Lancaster):"I hear that the licencee has bought a Fish and Chip Shop in Blackpool! "; Reply
17 August
Visitor Comments
On 17 August 2004, gary evans wrote re: Marton Arms (Thornton-in-Lonsdale):"is the beer still good in the marton arms? someone must have been here recently "; Reply
On 17 August 2004, john thompson wrote re: Chicago Rock Cafe (Lancaster):"chicago rock cafe! its like walking into a cattle market! "; Reply
On 17 August 2004, john thompson wrote re: Sun (Lancaster):"tried three of the eight beers in the sun all in very good nick and in an old mans glass as well! marvellous "; Reply
18 August
The licensee has left the Royal (Heysham) .
22 August
An application to turn the Flying Horseshoe (Clapham) into apartments has been turned down by Craven District Council. No sign of it reopening however.
The Nib (Warton) is to let.
29 August
Visitor Comments
On 29 August 2004, Mike Hirst wrote re: Royal (Heysham):"Visited the Beer Festival on the 28th August and was not impressed.Staff very unhelpful and knew virtually nothing about Cask Ale,No beer list for the Festival,Quality was dreadful to the extent that the Coachhouse beer was undrinkable,i complained yet they still kept selling it!! Food wasn't much better either,Mitchells need to sort this pub out quick before it's to late!!! "; Reply
3 September
New licensees at Duke of Lancaster (Lancaster), Eric Bartholomew (Morecambe), Merchant's (Lancaster), Queen's (Carnforth), Royal Oak (Lancaster).
The Fleece (Dolphinholme) is having some small alterations in connection with opening letting bedrooms.
6 September
Visitor Comments
On 6 September 2004, Spider Newth wrote re: Bay Horse (Bay Horse):"Pendle Witches Brew in first class condition. Great food too. "; Reply
On 6 September 2004, john thompson wrote re: Fleece (Dolphinholme):"what a cracking pub, the beer has been excellent the last few times I`ve visited and a very friendly place too. "; Reply
8 September
The Boot & Shoe (Lancaster) is closing in October for a minor refurb.
The John O'Gaunt (Vale) has guest beers.
Sante (Lancaster) is being bought by C2 - changeover 1 October. Unfortunately, there is no cellar for cask beer.
The Spooners (Lancaster) is being gutted and will reopen as "Cube".
11 September
Visitor Comments
On 11 September 2004, Mr Smith wrote re: Canal Turn (Carnforth):"Very Good, an enjoyable afternoon was spent by the canal. I enjoyed an aberdeen angus ciabatta from the light bites menu served till 4. There is a full menu too served till 8. The staff were all very friendly, and service was quick."; Reply
16 September
Visitor Comments
On 16 September 2004, gary evans wrote re: Bobbin (Lancaster):"very dodgy pint of blond witch in the bobbin."; Reply
17 September
The latest on Spooners (Lancaster) is that it will reopen as "mood".
Visitor Comments
On 17 September 2004, gary evans wrote re: Ring O'Bells (Lancaster):"undrinkable pint of moorhouses black cat in the ring of bells."; Reply
19 September
The licensee of the White Lion (Halton) is probably going on 28 September.
23 September
The Queen's (Carnforth) has a new permanent tenant.
24 September
Spooners reopened on 24 September as mood (Lancaster) .
25 September
Visitor Comments
On 25 September 2004, Ken Hughes wrote:"I spent many an afternoon with John as I tended to get out on a Saturday or Sunday. I teach, he had taught, we both liked quizzes and he would always have at least one question that could keep you going for a whole session. On quiz nights he could be a pain as he would mull over a question while the next ten were being fired at you, and then suddenly out of the blue would lean over and proudly announce that he had got it! We christened the lane down from the "Last" in Hengoed 'beer' Lane after a disaster when his four pint carry out developed a leak and we had to attempt to finish the contents ASAP. We visited many festivals together and Shrewbury was a favourite. One had to beware of the question "What would you recommend John"? as this would again lead to a lengthy discourse. Unlike myself he would not thank you for discussing German, Dutch or continental beers, he was very much a Brit. We did have pleasant tours of the area where I had to remain on two halves while John did his research, but his company always made up for this(and the carry outs were all the better for waiting). My last outing with John was local and he was having problems with the smokers in the pub, even so he was charming towards them. As always he asked where they were from followed by a number of copied accents (Midlands a speciality), the Northern Irish one was a little suspect. He could refer so easily to places where people lived and seemed to have an incredible memory for places(and the landladies) where he had stayed. It would be difficult to express how much fun I had with John, we could share cultural references on many levels from the Goons to Beethoven, and he could refer to many areas of which I knew nothing. The only area I would dissuade him from was singing. Fine tenor voice he may or may not have had in his youth, but in later life this was to be avoided. Thank God for the fact he wasn't perfect, but despite everything else with me he was a perfect gentleman. God rest you. "; Reply
28 September
Brysons: Bowerham Barracks Bitter has bee replaced in the Sun and the Water Witch by Shifting Sands. It will now be available to any licensee.
30 September
The Fox & Goose (Lancaster) is to let.
Visitor Comments
On 30 September 2004, C2I Ltd wrote:"A quick update on changes happening in the next few days/weeks with the C2 Investment venues. This year has seen significant change at the Waterwitch. A new extended bar, new toilets, improved heating and (soon to be announced) updated menu. Furthermore we are introducing a number of new breweries and beers to our range, hopefully you'll find some old and new favourites amongst them. Our new website is www.thewaterwitch.co.uk - please write and tell us what beers you'd particularly like to see at the Waterwitch - if we agree you'll see it sitting proud at the Waterwitch shortly. The Sun Hotel & Bar is shortly to be expanded. This will see the seating area virually trebled, yet it's going to be no stereotypical "super pub" - just enough space to keep everyone comfortable ! The expanded upstairs will add eight new ensuite rooms - once again, extra accomodation to satisfy demand. The Sun's new website is www.thesunhotelandbar.co.uk - again please write and request any particular beer. If there are enough requests we'll try and source the brew. Lastly - Sante Restaurant & Bar, Church Street, Lancaster will join the C2 stable on Friday, 1st October. Though there will not be cask ale there will be a top class, hand picked choice of bottled beers and superb wines. Furthermore we're working hard to ensure that the restaurant will be second to none in Lancaster. We hope it will be a restaurant that Lancaster can truly be proud of. We look forward to seeing customers old and new at all our venues. We also promise to return to our cask ale roots in our next venue, where-ever that may be ! "; Reply
1 October
New licensees at Bowling Green (Lancaster), Castle (Hornby), Dalton Arms (Glasson Dock), Eric Bartholomew (Morecambe), Smugglers' Den (Morecambe), Station (Caton), Victoria (Glasson Dock), William Mitchell (Morecambe).
There are alterations afoot at LAOne (Lancaster) .
Visitor Comments
On 1 October 2004, Brewmaster wrote re: John O'Gaunt (Central Lancaster):"Rumour has it that the sale of the lease is now negotiated. Let's hope that it's no changes (or very few) in the beer, ambiance, and overall quality of this establishment "; Reply
7 October
Visitor Comments
On 7 October 2004, martin wrote re: Highwayman (Nether Burrow):"I hear this pub is shut. Any confirmation?"; Reply
10 October
Visitor Comments
On 10 October 2004, chris peacock wrote re: New Inn (Yealand Conyers):"a warm friendly pub 'only ever hartleys xb on tough or a 'guest' (same company so not a real guest) a nice pub in winter when they have a open log fire burning away...exellent food "; Reply
14 October
The rooms at the Fleece (Dolphinholme) are now open: there is a £200 000 refurbishment downstairs now under way. Six hand pulls are promised.
Visitor Comments
On 14 October 2004, Phil Simpson wrote re: Bar Eleven (Lancaster):"RE Sante Bar - though we are unable to install real ale into the bar, from Monday 18th October we're very pleased to announce that there will be draught Budvar and Messina pilsner beer. These beers are rarely available on draught and both reflect the quality of the venue. Neither of these beers are available on draught in any bar in Lancaster and we believe that this pairing of beers is unique in the UK. Sante is slowly becoming a bar that everyone can enjoy, we've improved the ambience (more improvements due shortly) to make it a little less elitist and we're now offering draught beer. We're really trying to make this a venue for everyone - we'd like to think of it as a wine/beer bar now, rather than a cocktail bar and we hope it's becoming a bar that anyone can enjoy. "; Reply
16 October
Visitor Comments
On 16 October 2004, martin wrote re: Smugglers' Den (Morecambe):"New tenant clearly taking over where Brian left off. Choice of beers less than exciting but still the third best in Morecambe."; Reply
19 October
Steve is set to leave the John O'Gaunt (Central Lancaster) at the end of November. The end of an era.
20 October
The Duke of Lancaster (Lancaster) has cask beer again. (Bodds and Bomber)
30 October
Brysons: Brysons has ceased production. Further details as and when I have them.
Visitor Comments
On 30 October 2004, The Sun Hotel & Bar wrote re: Sun (Lancaster):"Sun Hotel Update !! The Sun Hotel & Bar will shortly be trebling it's bar/drinking area, incorporating a non smoking room, a larger bar and plenty of seating this will allow us to accomodate our customers in a lot more comfort. These changes are taking place now and will be completed on the 1st December. On a different note - we are keen to hear from people on their favourite tipples so we can try and source the beer in time for the Christmas period - our Christmas present to Lancaster ! - so please email your favourite brews and why to info@thesunhotelandbar.co.uk - or for the Waterwitch - info@thewaterwitch.co.uk "; Reply
31 October
New licensees at Calderbank Country Lodge (Oakenclough).
Visitor Comments
On 31 October 2004, martin wrote re: White Lion (Halton):"Visited here today for the first time since Kerry left. Only two beers (Beacon and Pendle Witch); two chesterfields have appeared in the bar and the back room is furnished as a restaurant. This landlord clearly has his own ideas: one to be watched. "; Reply
4 November
I have it on good authority that the Highwayman (Nether Burrow) is open again. However it was closed when I went past it on a Thursday afternoon.
5 November
New licensees at 1725 (Central Lancaster), Castle (Hornby), Dalton Arms (Glasson Dock), Derby Arms (Inskip), Fox & Goose (Lancaster), Highwayman (Nether Burrow), Roebuck (Bilsborrow), White Cross (Lancaster), White Lion (Halton).
The Bull has reopened with a new licensee under the name of " Ma Murphy's Irish Bar (Morecambe) ".
Alterations proposed at LAOne (Lancaster) .
9 November
The Fox & Goose (Lancaster) is to have the bar re-sited and a conservatory built.
15 November
New licensees at Ring O'Bells (Lancaster).
Brysons: Beer-lovers in this area suffered a great blow at the end of October. On the 20th October 2004, four years after starting brewing, the last beer was brewed by Brysons. Once current stocks are sold (probably by the end of November) the company will cease to trade. Negotiations are proceeding for disposing of the assets. It seems that George basically wants his life back.
16 November
Sometime in the summer, the former owners of the Wheatsheaf (Ingleton) sold it to Honeycombe Leisure. A groan is the natural response to this news, but it seems that the beer range at least is now wider than before.
17 November
Mitchells:Mitchells have bought the Lindale Inn (Lindale), a long way outside our branch area.
19 November
20 November
It appears that the Melling Hall (Melling) is being turned into housing.
22 November
The Penny Bank (Lancaster) is to let.
Visitor Comments
On 22 November 2004, Alex Whitton wrote re: George & Dragon (Wray):"Very friendly place! Very tasty place too. Great food, great beer and fabulous beer garden!"; Reply
1 December
New licensees at George & Dragon (Lancaster).
The Three Mariners (Lancaster) is to close in the new year for small alterations including a bigger bar.
The new licensee of the John O'Gaunt (Central Lancaster) is a long-standing customer of the pub who intends to keep things the same.
Page link: Outstanding Services Award 2004
3 December
New licensees at Heaton Hall (Lancaster), Queen's (Morecambe), Bentley’s (Lancaster), Royal (Heysham), Victoria (Morecambe).
4 December
The licensee of the Bridge (Wennington) has handed in his notice.
5 December
Visitor Comments
On 5 December 2004, Martin wrote re: Heaton Hall (Lancaster):"Visited here for the first time under the new regime. Only Bodds on draught. Ominous."; Reply
6 December
The Fleece (Dolphinholme) has now reopened after its refurb.
The Thurnham Mill (Conder Green) has been bought by Mitchells. The beer can only improve.
7 December
Visitor Comments
On 7 December 2004, G Steele wrote re: White Lion (Halton):"New management ... beer still good and varied, food OK but now less of a place to eat."; Reply
8 December
Visitor Comments
On 8 December 2004, Martin wrote re: Pickerings (Catterall):"I went back here for the first time since the sale with trepidation. I needn't have worried - it's completely unchanged. It'll never win a "great pub" award, but it's one in the eye for those who think posh hotels must have dull beer. "; Reply
10 December
New licensees at Nag’s Head (Lancaster).
13 December
Visitor Comments
On 13 December 2004, Jane Reynolds wrote:"Thank you to those who have extended my knowledge of John & his ways! It is almost a year so I hope that on Christmas day you will all raise a glass to his memory "; Reply
14 December
Visitor Comments
On 14 December 2004, jaiwalk2002 wrote:"Further to the biographical details that form the main part of this page, I would like to state my belief that John did in fact know that his time was limited. I had some conversations with him that suggested that he was avoiding the reality and more importantly: protecting his friends and family from the pain that the knowledge of his illness would cause them. I walked with John at Aunty Zillah's funeral and I am in no doubt whatsoever that he knew what was in store for him. I think that this indicates just what a special and courageous man he was. "; Reply
16 December
Visitor Comments
On 16 December 2004, The Sun Hotel wrote re: Sun (Lancaster):"Finally... after painful weeks of negotiation, thought, effort and expense, The Sun Hotel & Bar is almost ready for opening. From next week (w/c 20th December) the bar area will treble in size offering a lot more comfort and elbow room. The new drinking area is utilising original 18th Century floorboards, unveiling long hidden fireplaces and various ancient oddities. We hope this means that people can continue to enjoy the eight real ales in a little more luxury !"; Reply
17 December
Following the death of the licensee's husband, the Imperial (Morecambe) now has no cask beer.
18 December
20 December
Visitor Comments
On 20 December 2004, The Sun Hotel & Bar wrote re: Sun (Lancaster):"We spoke too soon... A last minute hitch has delayed the opening of the newly expanded Sun Hotel & Bar. We will now open in just over two weeks. In the meantime we CAN confirm that the bar and hotel will be open for business for drinkers and guests throughout the Christmas period, including Christmas Day and Boxing Day. People seeking accomodation or a quiet pint will find refuge at the Sun !"; Reply
In 2004, one of our members produced a guide to Lancaster pubs. Here it is, in pdf form (needs Adobe Acrobat Reader). It's now quite out of date. Use at your own risk.
Visitor Comments
On 16 March 2004, mark walsh wrote re: Smugglers' Den (Morecambe):"very enjoyable evening lovely,traditional old pub great atmosphere "; Reply