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On 2 January 2006, Pastey wrote re: Sun (Lancaster):"JonS has some valid personal views on the Sun, but I have to admit that I've found most of them to be groundless. The first few times I was in there I was indeed worried about the possibility of trouble occuring out of the view of the bar staff, but I have seen problematic custoemrs in there, and have seen how they are dealt with. It has been said that one of hte reasons that service in there can be slow is that the staff are always out in the other area, cleaning tables, collecting glasses and generally doing the tasks that befall a barman/maid. This means that they not only get to keep an eye on the place in respect to troublesome customers, but it is also very clean, and they get to know the regular drinkers very quickly. As for it being a historic "English" pub, well I'm thankfull it's not. It may be a historic building that they've restored lovingly (I admit not to seeing it beforehand), but I for one am glad that we've not got a Gin Palace on our hands. The renovation has provided, in my opinion, a nice and comfortable place to drink. The extension has fitted in with this, maintaining the style throughout, but adding a touch of style all of its own. Don't get me wrong, this is not in the same class as pubs such as the John O'Gaunt, but it's not trying to be, as far as I can tell. It's trying to provide a different atmosphere to enjoy good quality ales, and I think that it has achieved this. Occasionally you may find a bad pint, I've found one so far, and I've drunk in there a lot in my time in Lancaster. I've had more bad pints in other pubs, per pint bought, than I've had in the Sun. This doesn't put me off going into other pubs mind, Lancaster has a plethora of decent drinking establishments, like many things in life it's a case of finding what suits yourself. One comment on the table service only though, I think this would be a very bad idea. One of the chief weapons of the bar staff to stop drunks, and trouble makers, is to make them walk to the bar. You get to see how easily they walk, giving you an idea of how much they've had to drink before they come into your establishment."; Reply

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On 3 January 2006, Angryman wrote re: Sun (Lancaster):"Pastey - you need to learn to cut and pastey - such a plethora of punctation-free prose I have previously never had the perculiar pleasure to peruse. Now on to JonS... An old professional bar/restaurant critic like myself has to take my deerstalker off to this fellow. This man is either a dedicated diddler and dandy to the dubious dives across deepest darkest Lancashire or he's unemployed. How this man finds the time to visit so many public houses and then write a pithy piece on each - is quite beyond my closeted comprehension. However, I do find myself disagreeing with his views on the Sun... You see I get very angry about people's design perceptions of personal pub perfection - CAMRA and JonS have a conception of a "historic" pub that is really only a 80 year old design - if you back much further than 80 years than most of what CAMRA is diligently trying to save doesnt exist. The Sun, as I understand it, was a pub and hotel in the 1700s - I can assure you it didn't look like the JOG or any other vision of Camra traditional pub utopia(note the free plug for an alternative website). Puritanical poppycock. I like the Sun - I like its willingness to be different, the fact that it's a traditional pub that panders to the young and young at heart rather than to old bears like myself. Other than that I would like to congratulate JonS for his endeavours - providing that alcoholism has been averted it's been a pubtastic productive period. "; Reply

On 3 January 2006, JonS wrote re: Sun (Lancaster):"From the replies from Pastey and Angryman I think maybe I didn't explain myself clearly enough. I wasn't complaining over the pub's decor - the point I was trying to make is that the Sun is now sufficiently distant from a "traditional" pub that you could easily make the jump and move it into a completely different kind of establishment, more akin to a german-style bar with full waiter service. It even looks like one. It would be a unique experience in Lancaster, and I suspect one that would appeal. My writing was not intended as a homily for the days of trestles and sawdust (though I did have a soft spot for the Green Dragon in Galgate before modernisation in the late 1970's. Anyone else remember the two barrels of mild - this weeks for locals and last weeks for students??. Trestles, spit and NO sawdust) I do have architectural issues with with the way the Sun was refurbished - ie the bare internal masonry is badly pointed, and that kind of internal stone was never intended to be exposed anyway. It would either have been covered with studwork, lath and plaster, or else would have had a limewash plaster render. Either way bare rough stonework is wrong. However that does not detract from the overall appeal of the place or its ability to serve decent beer (which most of the time it does). No, my intention was to show that there could be an alternative way of running this particular pub, so giving the place a unique marketing edge, and also possibly giving a greater degree of security to the place. Having drunk in plenty of such bars in Europe, I think it would work. "; Reply

On 3 January 2006, JonS wrote:"Parkers Arm\'s Newton in Bowland This pub used to to be in the Lunesdale\'s branch area. Is it still or has it been passed on to East Lancs? Whatever, the beer there is good. Normally has excellent Copper Dragon bitter on, sometimes Black Sheep, backed up by a couple of national beers from the Twitbread stable (usually Boddies is one of them). Pub itself a large building in the middle of a picturesque village. Presumably a former coaching inn?? Very suitably placed as a jumping off point for walks in the Hodder valley, or fells towards Slaidburn. Has an attached restaurant and extensive range of good bar food. Still has a stone-floored bar area for walkers, hikers and shooting types. Various stuffed animals and birds decorate the bars. Outside is a large lawn with dining tables, and a small kiddies zoo with sheep, goats, donkeys and various domestic fowl. No piped music, no jukebox. TV and fruitmachine in bar only - not in the lounge. Thoroughly recommended for a Sunday afternoon lunch before or after a walk in the country!"; Reply

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On 4 January 2006, JonS wrote re: 1725 (Central Lancaster):"Had some Batemans for Saturday lunch. Was very good, so much so that I delayed going to the JOG for over an hour. First time I've been om for ages, and very pleasantly surprised by the range of beer available."; Reply

On 4 January 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: Sun (Lancaster):"I have read with interest some of the comments about the "alternative" approach that is taken here to decor etc - I do not believe that it was ever the management's intention to replicate what Lancaster has in spades elsewhere - a smoke filled drinking emporium. To some extent, this establishment has been a victim of its own success and can be very busy indeed. I agree that the bar area is overly small for the volume of customers handled at times, and this can and does result in an extended wait to be served. But given the amount of floor space behind, I am doubtful as to how this could be addressed - perhaps putting in a second dispense in the new extension, which would address Jon S's points at a stroke - quicker service, and also staff supervision in both seating areas. I know that the management of this establishment read this site regularly, and I also know that they are very attentive to the comments of customers - indeed, some of mine both via this site and personally have been listened to and acted upon. As to a pint of blonde that was a bit tired, I am very doubful of that, as this brew turns over at a phenomenal rate and I doubt that an over age pint can ever be served up - I would suspect a less than good gyle of the beer has been produced. Whatever, I have never had a problem getting a pint changed here - even if it was just because I didn't care for the brew. "; Reply

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On 5 January 2006, JonS wrote re: Manor (Cockerham):"Another quick visit tonight on the way home around 7pm. Four real ales: Black Sheep bitter, Everard's Rudolph, Moorhouses Premier bitter plus another from Moorhouses. Only other customers were a lady with a couple of kids. I was clearly the first beer drinker of the evening, yet the Moorhouses Premier was perfect. The landlady did not need to draw anything off first: that had all been done already, even though it was very early in the evening. Based on what I've seen recently, of the "country" pubs south of Lancaster at present this place seems to have the best idea of how to present beer and should be considered for the GBG next time around (yes I know its months away before you survey...) Which brings me to a general question: after years of variable beer from Mitchell's own brewery, not helped by uncaring landlords, followed by a few years of national blands only, just what has happened within Mitchells which has made so many of their pubs start selling good-quality independant beer? Is it just the lucky chance a few good recent landlords? Or has there been a major change in Mitchells policy? If so where did it come from? Has someone with a marketing brain finally been hired? Or are we at last seeing the legacy of Jez Bethell's groundwork in the Priory (sorry The Bobbin)coming to fruition? If so I think we all owe him a very big vote of thanks for starting the change. Just a shame he's no longer around to take the credit. And a pity it took Mitchells so long to catch on."; Reply

On 5 January 2006, Pastey wrote re: Sun (Lancaster):"JonS does seem to have a good go at visiting every pub posible, and it's good to hear peoples opinions of places. But there are just that, other people's opinions. He thinks the exposed stone work is wrong. It's not wrong, there is no right or wrong, it's his opinion that it is wrong and I believe that he is entitled to that opinion. I don't agree with it, but that's the whole point about personal choice. It's the same with the table service. I personally would not like to see table service introduced into the Sun for several reasons. At quiet times you'd end up with waiters hanging around your table asking you if you're alright. At busy times they'd have problems getting through the throngs of people who frequent the establishment. It's a nice gimmick sure, but I'm afraid that's all I personally see it as, a gimmick. Every pub I've seen it tried in from Brighton, through London, both east and west coast towns and cities have all given it up after a short period of time. If I want drinks service where I'm sitting in a pub, I sit at or within reach of the bar, or get one of the people with me to go to the bar for me. I also don't think that the service in the Sun is that slow. It's a small bar indeed, and because of that it's often two, three or four deep with customers. But that's not that many people. Larger bars, such as that in the Green Ayre, may seem quieter and have more people able to work behind them, but I have waited longer in there and other pubs of it's ilk than I have in the Sun. I've found the staff to be very efficient and friendly. If anything is slowing them down it's going out to the tables to bring in the glasses that drinkers leave rather than returning them to the bar. If we want to see faster service in any pub, returning glasses to the bar helps no end. It also get's the thanks of the staff who tend to serve you quicker. Oh, I'm rubbish at punctuation anyway, I type as and as fast as I talk. "; Reply

On 5 January 2006, JonS wrote re: Stork (Conder Green):"This pub has obviously has some money spent on bright new shiny signage in the recent past, personally based on todays visit I wish they'd spent it on the fittings inside the pub. First time I'd been in for a few months, and the place is definately looking shabby. What used to be pristine white internal walls now look dirty being badly nicotine stained, hardly appealing for a place that prides itself as a food-oriented establishment, while the carpet looks well worn and is held together by heavy duty tape in places. Years ago this place had a wonderful varnished timber floor - when did it change??? Beers available were Black Sheep bitter and special, and another independant I've forgotten the name of (something elf??). Tried the bitter, not overly impressed. Looked OK, slightly warm, drinkable but notable yeasty nose. Probably sitting in the pipes too long. The service was from a chap who seemed more interested in talking to his pal by the bar, and who did not know which beer pump held which beer, and had to be shown by me where to get the correct crisps (yellow packet, top shelf...) Not very inspiring. As for prices - packet of crisps and the pint cost £3.35. Not cheap. Based on todays form this pub needs to quickly rethink its ideas if it is to compete with the recent Mitchells refurbs at Cockerham and Thurnham Mill. Especially as the food prices here are in the higher end of the range. "; Reply

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On 6 January 2006, JonS wrote re: Mill Inn (Conder Green):"My first visit to the newly refurbished Thurnham Mill. Mitchells must have spent a fortune on this place. There's a large central carpeted bar, with three stone floored rooms off. There are 66 seats at table which can be booked for dining - with another 50+ for ad-hoc use. Decor is white walls with beech-stained timber panelling, with matching massive timber ceiling joists and supports. Furniture is an eclectic mix of old, new and reproduction, some of which seem recycled from other Mitchells pubs - I'm sure I recognised several chairs and a high-back pew from the Three Mariners. Service seems quick and efficient and delivered with a smile. Seven beers on hand pump, usual mix of Mitchells tied range eg Everards, Moorhouses, Tetley etc. I tried Everards Beacon and it was well drinkable - not the best I've ever had, but certainly acceptable. Choice of 40 wines. Meals start around £8-9 for a main course and (based on the menu) seem varied but happily unpretentiously described compared with most gastropubs. (I didn't eat so can't comment on the actual food quality) Large carpark, and what looks like a kiddies adventure playground. Mitchells obviously decided to make this THE destination pub in the Lancaster area, and based at the number of cars in the park at 7pm this evening they could well be on the way to achieving this. It will be interesting to see how trade develops over the next few months. If quality is mainained this place potentially is a threat to several of the other local country pubs - I suspect some are going to see their dining trade plummet. Overall my impression was favourable, there's always a downside though. With all the time and money spent on the place, why didn't they spend an extra half day and remove the highly visible abandoned concrete blocks and other builder's rubble from the millrace which runs under the pub? PS - as far as I can see, the place is still branded as Thurnham Mill, NOT as the "Mill Inn""; Reply

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On 7 January 2006, JonS wrote re: Lancaster Brewery Co:"Had my first pint of Borasic in the Sun today, and totally underwhelmed by the experience. Nothing wrong with the presentation, everything wrong with the taste. Bland, boring, insipid, soapy. Basically a poor recipe. I've no idea if the name is a play or words, but based on the taste it may as well stand for Boracic powder, or Boron Silicate. While drinking the audio noise pollution unit in the Sun was much loader than normal. A pub like this really does not need piped muzak. There's no juke box or games machine - can we lose the ANP as well please?? "; Reply

On 7 January 2006, JonS wrote re: Merchant's (Lancaster):"Two beers on draught today at the Merchants - Deuchars IPA and Greene King Abbott. I tried the Deuchars and it was very good - fresh, springy, refreshing tasting. It was an interesting comparison to the same brew drunk immediately after in the JOG - which was yeasty and clammy tasting and probably simply too new. It raises the question as to whether a pub is better concentrating on a few beers and doing them well - or having a wide range and running the risk of losing the plot by having too many to handle. Based on today's tasting of this beer, the Merchants had the lead on the JOG by a very long way. On a completely separate topic, those of you who drank in the Merchants in the past may have noticed that the third bay (the one which now holds the pool table) used to end in a plaster wall, while the other two had raw stonework. (Subsequent rebuilding to fit the air extraction units have now rendered over all three and hidden the difference). The builders who carried out the conversion from cellar to pub in the early 1980's queried this and got permission from the then owners (Big Dave and Little Dave) to investigate. They took down three layers of brickwork and then started drilling. They went back through seventeen feet of brick before giving up: they didn't have a longer drill. Basically there is at least 18 feet of masonry at the end of that vault blocking something - the assumption is a tunnel into the castle. If/when the prison ever goes, this HAS to be one of he first places start digging in."; Reply

On 7 January 2006, JonS wrote re: John O'Gaunt (Central Lancaster):"This posting to some extent nullifys my last: I had a pint of Deuchars IPA here today after first having the same brew in the Merchants. The beer in the Merchants was excellent (see separate report). The IPA in the JOG was yeasty, uninspiring and probably simply not ready. The JOG has a small cellar and Steve always had difficulty joggling the demand for large numbers of beers. I am beginning to wonder if now the range is simply too large given the demand, the result being that the beer simply does not have enough time to mature before its sold. I've been a staunch defender of the JOG before, now I'm not so sure. Is this a case where a smaller range of beer would give better consistency? In my memory Steve's best conditioned beer was in the days when he just had a limited range - ie Tetley bitter/Walkers mild(sometimes)/Burton Ale/Jennings bitter. What do others think??"; Reply

On 7 January 2006, JonS wrote:"Oh **** Have I broken the forum again?? Sorry..."; Reply

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On 8 January 2006, webmaster wrote:"Sorry I broke the bbs fiddling about. It took some time to repair but it was all my own fault. Fortunately I had enough of a backup to restore it all. "; Reply

On 8 January 2006, anonymous wrote re: Station (Caton):"First time I\'ve been in since the \"refurb\" three years ago. Despite the short lead time the decor already looks drab and tired - more to do with poor choice of materials than anything else - upholstery which simply looks naturally dirty, along with nicotine-coloured wall paper. This pub for years had a dreary kind of feel to it, and still does. Overall ambience was poor - the place was dominated by a large screen projection TV showing SkySports (to no-one watching) with the sound off! Just whats the point of it? The audio pollution unit was pumping out electrodisco and was pretty overbearing. This probably explains why there were only four other customers: the rest were all down the road in the Ship. Three beers available on handpump: Black Sheep Bitter, Dent Bitter, Moorhouses Premier. I went for the Dent. This looked OK, but was pretty tasteless. It was too cold and gave every impression of having gone through a flash cooler. For what little taste was left I could have been drinking Carling. Looks like the situation with the management change referred to in a previous posting is only just being sorted out - there\'s a notice in the window stating the current manageress is still awaiting police confirmation. What I dont understand about this pub is that potentially it could be a big earner. The Ship does well on food and local trade, yet Mitchells have never seem to have recogised the need to attempt to compete. The minimal money they\'ve spent over the years trying to refurb it has always achieved little in the way of improvement and the place has never really traded well for years. The place really needs a major gutting and refurb on the lines of the way Mitchells have done succesfully elsewhere in the last year or so."; Reply

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On 9 January 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: Lancaster Brewery Co:"I again have to take issue with Jon S over his comments - this time about the Lancaster Brewery's Boracic, which I have now tried on three occasions, and whilst initially, the jury was out, I have to say that the last two pints were very good indeed. It is a lot more bitter than previous offerings from Caton Road, and the initial taste is actually a bit of a shock, as it is also very tangy. But after a couple of tries, I have to say that the latest gyle seems to be much better - again, I suspect that because of the turnover in the Sun and the Water Witch that the beer might have been served up a little too young. I would also like to add that I have no connection with the management of the pubs or the brewery, and would have no qualms at all over putting less favourable posts on this site (or indeed any other) if my findings were not so positive. By the way, is Jon S a visitor to our area who has spent a couple of weeks on a pub crawl, and who is posting based on one or two visits to the establishments? His views are very forthright, but they are, when all's said and done, his views, and seem to reflect the types of beer and types of pub the he personally favours. However, they are not necessarily to all of our tastes, and I think that his comments need to be tempered with a pinch or two of salt. "; Reply

On 9 January 2006, Phil Simpson (C2 Investment) wrote re: Sun (Lancaster):"Thought I'd drop a short note in reference to JonS' recent critique of the Sun. Table service - something we considered but discounted. Table service would entail staff waltzing around the pub with full glasses balanced precariously on trays. If anyone's visited the Sun recently they'd realise that it's just too busy and such practice would be hazardous (especially with the narrow corridor between the old and new bar area). Bare stonework - I disagree entirely with JonS. I think the stonework is stunning and plays a key part in helping create a uniquely warm atmosphere that our customers love. You'll be seeing more of this style of interior in future C2 pubs. Security - JonS is right to raise the issue of security. We now have superb CCTV coverage within the building and during busy periods the staff circulate through the entire venue every 5 minutes or so. We don't open until 3am, we don't sell alcopops/Budweiser, we don't bother with happy hours, we've not recruited brooding, lumbering doorstaff and happily we've had absolutely no trouble whatsoever since the new bar area opened. Our low-key, non-aggressive approach to security has, thus far, been a resounding success. Lancaster Blonde - I spoke to the head brewer about your criticisms of the beer. Apparently demand for Blonde has been huge and as a result during the Christmas period one or two firkins were released a little greener than ideal. The turnover of Blonde is unbelievable at the Sun and firkins rarely last longer than 24 hours, as a result it's possible that you purchased a dud. I'd like to offer you a free replacement the next time you venture into the Sun, hopefully it'll be back to normal! Finally - with regards to the service speed/efficiency. Although the bar servery is small it can fit up to seven bar staff, has two tills and recently added a further four fonts (two weeks ago). We remove all stools and tables from the bar area on busy nights to facilitate rapid turnaround. People do have to wait, on occasion, but rarely longer than 5 minutes and it's no worse than any other busy bar in Lancaster. Ultimately though people forget that this is the Sun Hotel - one of the worst pubs in Lancaster just two years ago AND is now probably selling more cask ale than any other bar in North Lancashire. One further thing - when will JonS get around to reviewing the Waterwitch ? "; Reply

On 9 January 2006, Simon Pritchard, Happy to give my name!!! wrote:"Simply had to retry the Merchants and the Blue Anchor last night. The positive comments from our new resident unemployed alcoholic whose had an early Xmas present of broadband, simply inspired me to a sunday strole! Blue Anchor: I shall maybe give it another go in 6 months to a year... Dreadful. The Merchants: I happen to think they have done well to bring back a certain comunity feel once again. I like the staff, the management and the ambience. Yet with all the good will in the world, this is a Strongbow pub or bottled Becks!!!! JonS, just because you want to give advice on pubs and beer, does not mean you have to! See you in the real pubs of town, JoG, Sun, WW, Merchants, Yorkie, White Cross and Richard Owen"; Reply

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On 10 January 2006, webmaster wrote:"I have to take issue with Simon on two points. (1)Nobody has to express an opinion here, but that is one of the purposes of this site and JonS's postings are mostly worth reading even when he's wrong. We could do with a few more of his sort. Everybody likewise has the right to ignore anything said. (2)People hide behind handles for a variety of reasons which should be respected, and I don't see any virtue in giving your real name if you don't want to, except for licensees referring to their own pubs of course. "; Reply

On 10 January 2006, JonS wrote:"Hi chaps, nice to see some people do actually read what I have to say. I'll try to cover as many points raised in the last few postings as I can - if I miss anything important it's by accident, not design. If theres any point I have missed and you'd like me to come back on, post again. Firstly, to Brewmaster, no I'm not a two-week tourist.I've been a regular drinker in Lancaster / Morecambe since 1977, it just happens that for the last few weeks a change in personal circumstances meant I had time to spare, and I thought I'd indulge three of my favourite vices: beer drinking, hill walking, and bird spotting. As regards the reason for the postings, it seemed to be a bit of a waste visiting all the various pubs without writing about what I found - after all that is what this forum is about, though the facility seems to be sadly underused, with most comments just relating to a few known pubs in Lancaster.
Next, to Simon Pritchard. No I'm not an unemployed alcoholic. I'm very employed with an unusual work pattern. He is entitled to whatever he wishes to think about the pubs in Lancaster. However, whatever he says the beer I drank in the Merchants and the Blue Anchor was good. And it was the beer I was talking about in the reviews. In the case of the Merchants it was superior to the same brew in the JOG on the same day. Thats an objective fact, NOT a subjective like/dislike. And that is - or was - primarily what Camra was about. Or supposed to be about. I've been in on Camra selection meetings (OK not recently - my membership lapsed some years ago) when it was made quite clear that the primary decider in what goes into the GBG is quality of beer. What I don't understand in his posting is that he criticises my praise of the beer in the Merchants, yet four lines later he describes it as one of the "real pubs of town". Confused thinking perhaps? As for describing the Richard Owen as one of the "real pubs", it bears as much relationship to a "real pub" as does a Wimpy. It may sell reasonably good beer, but its the drinking equivalent of going to Tesco. Designed to appeal to the lowest common denominator. Too many people on this board seem to believe that the only place to drink beer is in those pubs which sell a multiplex of choice. Thats simply not true, give me a pub which sells one or two consistently well every time over one which sells a dozen, variably. And back to the Merchants - Simon seems to like the pub, so why not drink the ale there? They've taken the gamble of putting the beer in, it tastes good, so why not drink it? Someone has to be first!!! CREATE THE MARKET.
Now onto the Sun. First Phil, thanks for your comments about the security aspects, its nice to see that these have been considered and - as far as you believe - dealt with. My ideas about the waiter service was a way to minimise the concerns: you've chosen to resolve it another way, thats fine and your choice. I've no complaints there. However I DO still think the service area is too small for the volume and you do need to reconsider that. It's very well saying how many staff you can get behind the bar, but thats not the limiting factor - its the scrimmage at the customer side of the bar thats the problem, and waiting periods ARE excessive at times. I think you need to think that one over again. On to the decor. Yes the inside of the pub looks nice, I've no argument with that. Also the decor affects the quality of the beer (the primary issue) in not one way. I thought I'd made that clear. My objection to the walling is simply that in a building which (if press reports are to be believed) prides itself on preserving old architectural features, exposing the stonework in this way is simply not authentic and doesn't really fit with preservation attempts. I'm also not convinced of the actual quality of the pointing, but thats a technical issue for debate elsewhere, not here as it does not affect the beer. Before anyone accuses me of being an architectural fascist/hypocrite I want to make the point that I dont believe in preserving buildings in aspic, they have to be used - which means rework/renovation. For that reason I'm not overly critical of, for instance, the "improvement" Mitchells have made in many of their historic pubs recently. However in none of those have they claimed any kind of preservation ethic in the work they've done - unlike the Sun. At the end of the day though, its a philisophical argument and does not affect the taste of the beer - which I am happy to agree in the past has proved to be good. However recently I have had poor experiences with a couple of brews and chose to point that out. Your comments regarding the possible explantion are interesting and prove the point that my view may well have been right on that occassion - whatever others here may say. Regarding the WaterWitch, next time I am in there and find anything remarkable to write about either good or bad, I will. However the pub is a well-known quantity and already has a writeup to which currently I would have little to add. I only believe in posting where you can usefully make a comment on a previously unreported pub, add elucidation to an existing report, or else present an alternative view of what others assume to be a known fact.
Which brings me to the last point. I have deliberately spent a lot of time visiting these pubs, and writing these reviews. The intention has been to try and aid people find good beer, and avoid bad. Good beer is often found in places you wouldn't consider, its just a shame others are not more adventurous. Of all the pubs in the area, how many actually have ANY kind of writeup, let alone a recent one? I'm going to carry on writing about places that I think need writing about. As far as I can I'll be ojective, but as has been pointed out a lot of it is just has to be my personal opinion. So, if you don't like my opinions YOU have a go. Go one, do a survey of Galgate, or Garstang, or Bentham, or the Lune valley before I do. The more views and voices on this site the better. Give it a go - I may disagree with what you say, but thats my view. Likewise if anyone disagrees with any of my pub writeups - well you go there, do a better one and prove WHY I'm wrong. Get out of the cosy straightjacket of the Lancaster City pubs and go and find some beer. When was the last time any of you went to the Marton Arms and reviewed it? Or the Masons at Strawberry Bank? Ten years ago both would have been the main topics of coversation on a board like this."; Reply

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On 11 January 2006, Jon S wrote re: Office (Morecambe):"According to reports in todays "Visitor" the Office is to reopen as Morecambe's first pole-dancing club. Well I guess it beats selling beer. Who's going to be the first to review it for the site when it reopens?? See the report at http://www.morecambetoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=34&ArticleID=1308569"; Reply

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On 12 January 2006, JonA wrote re: Alley (Lancaster):"Vine Lancaster I put my head through the door last night in the hope they had real beer, couldn't see any pumps on the bar so went away again. I was short of time and didn't want to waste it on fizz. Did I miss something?? "; Reply

On 12 January 2006, joe wrote re: Alley (Lancaster):"The Vine & hops Lancaster Now this has reopend it is a very nice pub & you get free popcorn with ye drinks"; Reply

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On 13 January 2006, Nadel Arebi wrote re: Alley (Lancaster):"Vine Lancaster WE HAVE HAD GUEST ALE SINCE THE DAY WE OPENED (08/11/05) AND WE DO INTEND TO ADD TO THE RANGE IN THE NEAR FUTURE "; Reply

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On 14 January 2006, Angryman wrote re: Office (Morecambe):"Morecambe's first pole dancing bar !!! Absolutely appalling. The very last thing Morecambe needs. I'm so furious I am unable to think of my usual undulating ubiquitious utterings. I for one will be boycotting the "pole-dancing" king's other establishments - namely Crows and the Royal (or whatever it's called now) in protest. Horribly sad to see Morecambe's decline continue..."; Reply

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On 15 January 2006, JonS wrote re: King's Arms (Hale):"A quick visit to the Kings Arms at Hale last night, on the way back from a job. This is a Mitchells pub just over the county boundary a few miles north of Carnforth, so just outside the Lunesdale area. Its another place which has undergone a Mitchells upgrade/refurb in the last few years, in a "traditional" pub style with rough plastered white walls and black ceiling beams (fake???). Games / pool room out the back, with separate dining room off the main bar. Walls hung with usual collections of plates, brass and pictures. The windows were emplazoned with signs saying "under new management" - usually a bad sign, often indicating where someone has just taken over and knows he can't cope. Good landlords dont need to advetise like this. The jury's out in this case: the place was very busy but a couple on the next table had their dirty plates ignored by the staff for at least 30 minutes. Some dirty glasses on another table were there even longer. However the food service appeared quick and the bar service prompt and efficient (though I do wish the landlord wouldn't insist on calling me "young sir") Now to the important stuff - the beer. Two real ales available: Everards Beacon and Moorhouses Premier. I only had time to try the Beacon and it was in very good form, highly drinkable. If the landlord keeps the beer to this standard regularly he'll be well up to the mark. Lets hope he can grasp the service aspects as well and put those right. "; Reply

On 15 January 2006, JonS wrote:"Tirril Brewery Old Faithfull Whats the general view of this beer? I had some in the White Cross the other night and to me the toffee/caramel taste seemed too overpowering - almost like eating a toffee doughnut. Despite this the barlady said this was their most popular ale. I had the same beer a day later in the Longlands hotel and it tasted completely different - none of the toffee taste, more like a sweet thinner version of Mitchells ESB. Drinkable, though not to my personal taste. I noticed a number of Camra illuminaries in the White Cross on the same night - were any of you guys sampling it? If so what do you think?"; Reply

On 15 January 2006, JonS wrote re: Office (Morecambe):"Interesting excerpt from an article from last march on http://www.melonfarmers.co.uk/ssnews05.htm "Obviously there will be objections but we are a business, said a spokesman for Kirklands Entertainment. If we could sell the Oyster, we would, but we can't so we have to do something with the building and if we can bring in lapdancing, it may give a bit of 'oomph' to the Morecambe social scene. It may only last for a couple of years but it may help make Morecambe that little bit busier." This article would suggest that really they want shot of the place. Anyone want to buy a pub in Morecambe?? Theres also a report about the plans at http://www.striporama.co.uk/newssept05.html but I think most people would prefer not to go there...."; Reply

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On 17 January 2006, JonS wrote re: Alley (Lancaster):"Vine Lancaster I owe Mr Arebi an apology. On my last visit I missed at the end of the bar a solitary Angram pump, today selling Deuchars IPA. Slighly yeasty, but thats almost certainly a function of tonight being a VERY quiet Monday and I was probably the first to drink it. It will be worth trying again on a busier night. Overall I was quite impressed with what has been done to the pub: the redecoration is in basic naturally available hues (green / brown / cream eaths and ochres)and is quite relaxing to the eye. The furniture is mainly soft armchair with plenty of room between tables. Most of the floor is stone/tiled, not carpeted. The target market appears to be that of the late lamented Hours Wine bar, with a wide range of reasonably priced wine bottles, and a small, simple but varied food menu (looks like no chips). Food is reasonably priced for the market its aimed at, and it looks like you could have a good night out at a modest cost. Me, I want to try the Arabic soup next time. Worth another visit just to try the wine and food. This is another of those places that simply needs an increase in customers to come good - if anyone wants a change from Crows, give this place a try."; Reply

On 17 January 2006, JonS wrote re: Three Mariners (Lancaster):"I had time here for one pint tonight, and I chose the Dent Bitter. I have to say this was the closest to perfection I have drunk. Superlatives can't do it justice: correct temperature, spot-on taste, and perfect carbonation. The landlord and the brewer really got this one spot-on."; Reply

On 17 January 2006, JonS wrote re: Sun (Lancaster):"Had time for a pint of Blonde in the Sun tonight, and it was a completely different beer from the one I criticised. This was much better flavoured, much bitterer and with a pronounced aftertaste. Very very nice and very very drinkable. Now this is where the memory kicks in - the only British beer I can remember which had this particular unusual combination of colour and flavour was the version of Theakstons Bitter brewed for a few years at the former Carlisle State Brewery in the later 1970's early 80's. Anyone else care to comment?"; Reply

On 17 January 2006, JonS wrote re: Shrimp (Morecambe):"I needed some change for the bus fare tonight so popped in here for a quick half. Only real ale was draught bass. This was a bit strange - usual sulphurous nose, plenty of carbonation, but totally insipid except for a mild yeast aftertaste. The indications were that it was a newish barrel, some of the signs of "classic" bass were there, yet it was a totally underwhelming experience. Comparing this to the same beer recently in the Smugglers is like comparing plastic cheddar to finest matured."; Reply

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On 18 January 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: Lancaster Brewery Co:"Nice to see that Jon S has tried the Lancaster Blonde again, and not found it wanting on this occasion. I would take issue over the taste - going back a few years further, it is rather reminiscent of how I remember Boddies to be when it was brewed at Strangeways, and owned by a Boddington, and was not a sweet and pale imitiation of its former self. But, and possibly more to the point, the Visitor ran a short piece today saying that the Blonde has won an award from SIBA at Southport last week. I believe from talking to the management of the Sun that this was a silver medal in the 4.0% to 4.5% class - no mean achievement for a brewer who has only been in business for a few months, and for a brew which has only been made for about 3/4 months. "; Reply

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On 28 January 2006, J Shepherd wrote re: Royal (Silverdale):"The Royal is closed for refurbishment! Security fence around the front and populated by Builders!"; Reply

On 28 January 2006, Edwin Christopher Mason wrote re: Morecambe (Morecambe):"The Morecambe in Lord Street Morecambe is now let. No real ale there at present. "; Reply

On 28 January 2006, Edwin Christopher Mason wrote re: Smugglers' Den (Morecambe):"Hi, I'm the licensee of the pub and would like to let you know that the caged birds in the back garden have been gone for at least 3 years now. Perhaps you ammend the note on your web page. We do have a tropical fish tank in the bar and we currently own four dogs so we are always dog friendly with well behaved animals. We continue to strive to serve excellent cask ales. As you'll see I'm also a CAMRA member and would like to welcome all CAMRA members. On production of a current CAMRA membership card I'll be happy to allow a 10p discount on any cask ale pint or a 5p on a half. This offer also includes a 10p discount on a pint of Old Rosie cloudy cider or a 5p reduction on a half. It's not a big discount as I obviously do not want to fall foul of the law on the promotion of alchohol, but it is I think the only offer in the branch area. I'm happy to stock cask ales and I believe I keep them well. We are a family run pub with my son, my wife and myself all personal licence holders, I'm also a Graduate Member of the British Institute of Innkeeping (GMBII). I'd also like to discuss the possibility of arranging a mini beer festival possibly by utilising my car park during June/July of 2006 with the help of the Lunesdale branch. Obviously as this is a Punch House I'll be tied to purchasing my ales through them, but as I belong to their finest cask scheme I believe at least 20 different real ales and ciders could be available. It would need some discussion of course and some volunteers, but would be the only real ale festival in Morecambe I believe. If the branch is in agreement with this then I can arrange for the necessary TENS notices to be submitted to the local authority and the police. The logistics and timing could also be discussed."; Reply

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On 29 January 2006, Phil Simpson (C2 Investment) wrote re: Water Witch (Lancaster):"Very short note re the Water Witch. In our ceaseless desire to please CAMRA, appeal to new customers and find just cause for JonS to notice us, the Witch will be undergoing a significant change in the next few weeks. In recent years Lancaster has become a lot more competitive for cask ale drinkers, when once the Witch sat head and shoulders ahead of the rest now it's merely got its nose in front. So changes are afoot, but don't panic it's evolution not revolution. More soon..."; Reply

On 29 January 2006, anonymous wrote re: Royal (Silverdale):"The locals tell me that the Royal is being gutted and will reopen in March with a seperate Restaurant/Dining room plus a Bar! "; Reply

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On 30 January 2006, pastey wrote re: Sun (Lancaster):"Just a note to say that I was in The Sun last night and one of the guest beers was Nessies Monster Mash from Cairngorm, and it was superb! I only popped in for a swift couple of beers and ended up staying all night, although I did finish the night off on the Blonde. The Blonde is an exceptional beer. It manages to blend that rich smoothness of a bitter with the light drinking of a lager (swear word I know ;¬) A similar beer from my memory is Oakham Ales Bishops Farewell, well worth trying if you see it. I would also recommend the Borasic to people, usually on at the Sun, and very, very nice. The current batch of guests at the Sun seem to be very good, a wide range of styles with some I know and drink a fair bit, some I've not had for a while, and some I've never seen. And given the amount of beers I've had int he past, that's impressive. Well done, and keep it up!"; Reply

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On 2 February 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: Lancaster Brewery Co:"Look out for another new offering from this brewer which should be coming on tap in the near future. Loynes Luck - ABV in the mid 4's I think. It is described as a chestnut coloured sweetish malty brew and from what I can tell, it again uses an unusual hopping combination with Saaz hops used in the soak, but not in the boil. Casks have, I think, arrived at the Sun and the Witch and should be racked up and ready to serve quite soon."; Reply

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On 4 February 2006, CS wrote re: Victoria (Morecambe):"Sorry to say that I can only repeat the only other comment on this pub - which was once a real part of the Morecambe pub scene - and could still be again, given the location. With tha Chieftan, the only Morecambe pub that could pretend to be a real town pub. Sadly, I remember the ambience rather than the beer (Thwaites Mild, I think - shame for such a rare outlet to be here). Atmosphere was nasty and intidating. Beer not drunk and a hasty retreat. I'm not soft & sensitive - just an awful experience, a wasted �1.80-ish and 15mins of my life."; Reply

On 4 February 2006, CS wrote re: Three Mariners (Lancaster):"I still think of the thriving Carpenters from the '70s. Three Mariners was obviously in quite terminal decline and given the real threat to tight rope existence of quieter pubs all over, something had to be done or this old gem would have gone - a prime spot for a restaurant or something. Owners and landlord have made a new pub out of a failing old one. If it is still Michells owned, then, for once, they have been bold, and not only that, have succeeded magnificently. A real gentler altenative to the two or three busier and noisier pubs of reasonable quality in the town centre. Beer, local and regional has always been very good. Only downside to date from several visits - had my coat stolen there on bonfire night."; Reply

On 4 February 2006, CS wrote re: Smugglers' Den (Morecambe):"Visted on Jan 29th 06. Steady hum of conversation, Bath Spa guest ale in good form. Pleasure to be there for a couple of hours. A beacon in the Morecambe beer desert."; Reply

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On 6 February 2006, Phil Simpson (C2i) wrote re: Water Witch (Lancaster):"News re the Water Witch. Surprised Matt hasn't already posted this, however on Thursday night infront of 1500 "leading industry figures" at the Old Billingsgate Conference Hall (London), comedian(!)Al Murray presented the Water Witch with Supreme Pub of the Year during the Morning Advertiser's Best Pub Awards 2006. This was the top prize of the night and a huge honour for the Water Witch and C2i. The judges were particularly impressed with the way the Witch has "...seamlessly combined the functions of a cask ale pub with that of a premium bar." Building on this award we can also announce that the Witch will be adding four more guest beer lines to the eight currently. This will allow the pub to offer all Lancaster Brewery's range of beers, plus a cider and an extra two or three rotating guests. Thanks to all our customers who still frequent the Witch and keep the old bird afloat. Keep up the good work ! "; Reply

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On 7 February 2006, Jim Munday wrote re: Horse & Farrier (Bentham):"A new landlord three years ago. Theakstons and a guest ale (currently Copper Dragon). A quieter pub during the week but gets more animated on Summer Weekend."; Reply

On 7 February 2006, Jim Munday wrote re: Coach House (Bentham):"This place has had a chequred history in recent years. However the latest land lord has got the place together. It has been cleaned up (with a non-smoking area). the place is much better organised and the beer (Robinson) is served the way that makes both Robinsons and me happy. It is a lively pub the hub of this small towns social activity."; Reply

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On 8 February 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: Water Witch (Lancaster):"Congratulations, Phil and Matt in flying the flag for Lancaster and cask beer - hope to see the Sun joining the Witch in the honours soon - that is some achievement and just proves that it is possible to marry traditional qualities with a modern approach."; Reply

On 8 February 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: Lancaster Brewery Co:"Noce to see the two page spread on the Lancaster Brewery in this week's "Visitor". A little superficial, perhaps, about the processes, but it was not aimed at being a technical paper on the ins and outs of brewing cask beers, it does bring the brewery to the attention of the non drinking public, nonetheless. "; Reply

On 8 February 2006, Interested Onlooker wrote re: Canal Turn (Carnforth):"Who is the Canal Turn's lease with, how can i find out more? Thanks in advance."; Reply

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On 24 February 2006, Phil Simpson (C2i) wrote re: Water Witch (Lancaster):"Twelve cask lines are now available at the Water Witch. Absolutely no resting on laurels going on here... Hope to see some of the good folk of Camra enjoying the variety. Out of interest, does anyone know any local pubs with more than twelve ?? "; Reply

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On 1 March 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: John O'Gaunt (Central Lancaster):"For the first time in twelve months, this pub is selling the brew to which it is nominally tied - Tetleys. Having sampled this, I can confirm that the beer is on tap, and is quite pleasantly bland - it will never set the world on fire, but in the other hand, it is drinkable and will probably sell quite well because of the name - but I will not be first in line to drink it when there is Landlord or Deuchars on offer instead."; Reply

On 1 March 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: Lancaster Brewery Co:"Duchy has been a bit variable of late, but today in the Sun, I sampled some of the best that I have tried since the brew was introduced. Whatever you have done to this beer, it has worked - stick now to the current variant, as it is quite tasty and needs no more changes. It is as good as it was at the outset. Loynes Luck has also been a bit variable since its launch, but the current gyles are a lot more appealing than the first few - again, this is a better brew than it was, and deserves to be kept in its present form. The message to this brewer is as it was when I first posted about the variations on the brews - "If it's not broken, don't try to fix it" "; Reply

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On 2 March 2006, Phil Simpson (C2i) wrote:"Annual beer festival at Lancaster Town Hall starts today. Now I understand that Camra doesn't encourage non-Camra beer festivals but think on... this beer festival is a wonderful cask ale introduction to non-cask ale drinkers. Witness the hundreds/thousands of lager drinkers happily chugging gallons of dark real ale. The Campaign for Real Ale doesnt get any more pro-active. Furthermore all profits go to charity, there's no profiteering going on here. The biggest loser during the festival's three days is C2 Investment as our pubs lose a lot of custom - so my annual plea - if you're not going to the festival please support our deserted hostelries !!"; Reply

On 2 March 2006, martin wrote:"What follows is my own personal opinion: Phil says "Camra doesn't encourage non-Camra beer festivals". Well, my own view is that we want as many beer festivals as possible, subject to certain provisos, obviously, and it doesn't matter who organises them, but I don't particularly like the Round Table's do, for the following reasons: (a) With the admission charge and their prices, it is an expensive night out; (b) Once the bands come on, conversation becomes impossible and (c) Few of the staff seem to know or care anything about the stuff they are selling. I doubt very much whether many people have had their opinions about beer changed by this event. Briefly, a CAMRA beer festival, properly done, is about campaigning for real ale, changing minds: the Round Table fest is a charity fund-raising event which happens to shift lots of beer. Good luck to it at that. I intend to go tonight but if I found I had to be somewhere else I wouldn't be bothered. "; Reply

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On 10 March 2006, j shep wrote re: George Washington (Warton):"The new couple in the George Washington seem to know what they are doing, they are employing a Male Cook. He will have his hands full as Cath did everything herself in The Kitchen. The Beer range and quality seems as before but it is early days as yet!"; Reply

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On 12 March 2006, David Booth wrote re: White Lion (Halton):"Visited in the New Year. Good atmosphere,friendly staff. Catering excellent and good prices. New landlord is obviously keen and wants to expand."; Reply

On 12 March 2006, Angryman wrote re: Borough (Lancaster):"mmmm... The Borough... an old bearded Camra enthuisiast like me loves new real ale pubs. So the Borough opens up this weekend in the old Blob Shop and I'm there lunch time Saturday. What do I find ?? Is this named after a Lancastrian Borough or the Flemish Borough of Flem ? Mrs Angrywoman was convinced B&Q had over-ordered on pale green paint and the Borough had come hurtling to their rescue, however an old ulterior designer like myself thinks that this might be an attempt to mix gentleman's club with "trendy". Either that or the Borough is being very smart and appealing to our Green council brethren in the Town Hall - the Borough will become the perfect place for the Greens to gather, stare at the traffic fumes and ponder their ceaseless campaign to save endangered mildew. Other than being green, how else can I describe it? It reminds me of an upmarket Chicago Rock Cafe with real ale and Thwaites' Bomber. The food menu reads like a cross between the Water Witch and Wibbly Wobbly, and the general ambience of the place is best described as odd. Do I like it ? Yes and No. It's definitely better than most of the dross in Lancaster but it's trying too hard to be the Water Witch with high ceilings, leather and gallons of green. I shall ponder more before posting my final thoughts on Pubutopia..."; Reply

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On 13 March 2006, jim Shep wrote re: Silverdale (Silverdale):"I was in The Silverdale Hotel on the 11th, the Real Ales offered were Jennings; Cumberland and Skinners; Keel Over. I tried the Cumberland and it was well presented. I also noticed that the locals were trying the Keel Over which was a contrast to my last visit when I seemed to be the only partaker of Real Ale."; Reply

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On 19 March 2006, Tony wrote re: Dalton Arms (Glasson Dock):"Beer good and locals friendly but seems more interested in serving food than beer!"; Reply

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On 20 March 2006, keith dawson wrote re: Masons Arms (Ingleton):"must be the minehost from hell,the service is a joke. if it were the only pub in the area i would take the pledge."; Reply

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On 26 March 2006, anonymous wrote re: Patten Arms (Winmarleigh):"landlady unpredictable but ok to her cronies she believes in do what i say "not what i do" its my pub and i can do what i like."; Reply

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On 27 March 2006, Paul wrote re: Dalton Arms (Glasson Dock):"Foode ok - nothing special"; Reply

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On 4 April 2006, Jim Shepherd wrote re: Royal (Silverdale):"The Royal has reopened, there is One Real Ale (Old Speckled Hen). The former lower Bar is now a Dining room on two levels. The upper room now has a new Bar and all the tables are set out for Dining. There is a notice as you go in the main entrance (No Smoking). I seemed to be the only customer today Tuesday at 1.30pm"; Reply

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On 8 April 2006, Jim Shepherd wrote re: Malt Shovel (Warton):"The Real Ale offering is now Black Sheep Bitter, Worthington,s Bitter, Boddingtons Bitter, Jennings Cumberland Ale. I visited after The Grand National, there was a large projection screen plus an ordinary telly to view the racing on. There is now a very large choice of meals offered but only the usual veg Lasagne for veggies. The smoke eater was completely overwhelmed by the smoking throng, (mostly female). I tried the Cumberland Ale which was excellent. I feel the new licensees are trying hard to attract trade, (I will visit on a weekday to see what the lunchtime trade is like). Jim Shep. "; Reply

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On 11 April 2006, chris peacock wrote re: New Inn (Yealand Conyers):"have visited this little gem many a time well worth a lookin. great food good all round atmosphere "; Reply

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On 14 April 2006, Jim Shepherd wrote re: Woodlands (Silverdale):"An excellent pint of Shiehallion today. Why is all lager not as good as this?? Open all through the Easter holidays!"; Reply

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On 15 April 2006, ian steele wrote re: Limeburner's Arms (Nether Kellet):"alterations nearly completed pub now a lot busier Two barrels up at any time ; Refurbishment is nearly finished ; Pub much busier now and both rooms often full. Landlord is very keen on improving his business. Now a good little pub !"; Reply

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On 17 April 2006, Frank Worthington wrote re: Pickerings (Catterall):"I went to a charity fund raising do here on 7th April. They sell all thier beers in both bars now I drank two of each and found them all to be on top form. "; Reply

On 17 April 2006, Phil Simpson (C2 Inns) wrote:"Just in regards to emailing your MP. There are many things worth campaigning for, banning the use of filter pans (utilised in pubs (some v surprising) across the Lancaster area), curtailing the powers of the Pubcos, prohibiting the use of artificial additives and "brewing" sugar in British lagers and cask ale. However, the "Full Pint" campaign would be futile and counter-productive. Pints are on average around 95-7% full. That's what the pub manager, landlord and Pubcos base their prices on - not 100%. Going to 100% pints will add extra costs (in glassware etc) and require another 3-5% extra product. Who do you think will pay for this ?? Rather than waste time making more money for the brewers and a fortune for glass makers - think about campaigns that would have a positive affect on encouraging new, young cask ale drinkers. There remains a monumental obstacle attracting new drinkers to try real ale and that's the woeful image problem. It's hard to accept but cask ale remains deeply unfashionable and this is not helped by fussy, pedantic "campaigns" that divert attention away from the real threat to cask ale's long term viability."; Reply

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On 18 April 2006, anonymous wrote re: Fleece (Dolphinholme):"Brilliant"; Reply

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On 19 April 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: Lancaster Brewery Co:"Heartwick Grippenhearl is currently on offer in the usual outlets - it is an interesting brew, much better than the Boracic or the Vanguard which were offered as occasionals recently, and well worth a punt - it is a medium coloured 4.2 offerering, which makes it a very decent session beer. "; Reply

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On 20 April 2006, anonymous wrote re: Mitchells:"the rose tavern and moorlands are selling more cask ales"; Reply

On 20 April 2006, Mike Hirst wrote re: Borough (Lancaster):"Could we have a sensible report and not one that talks about decor,I thought going to the Pub was about Beer not Green B&Q paint! Can anyone decode angrymans report from this planet?"; Reply

On 20 April 2006, David Hughes wrote re: Station (Ribblehead):"The 'new' regime certainly is an improvement: the beers [especially Black Sheep and Theakstons] are well kept [to my taste], the staff are friendly and helpful, the food is well cooked and locally sourced ~ and there is simple but good accommodation [the full breakfast sets you up for the day."; Reply

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On 23 April 2006, Steve wrote:"Who is "angryman" ? Anyone know ? I look forward to his rare & amusing outings but would hate to meet him in a dark alley !"; Reply

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On 24 April 2006, John Howarth wrote re: Borough (Lancaster):"The Borough had an excellent pint on last weekend by 'Bowland Brewery', not sure if these guys are a new venture but they brew a great pint! Regarding the Borough, any additional pub in Lancaster serving a good range of real ale and good food can only be welcomed.. "; Reply

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On 25 April 2006, Steve wrote re: Lancaster Brewery Co:"Tried the new Lancaster brew, Heartwich and something. Reasonable drop of beer but nothing special and very forgettable. The guys from Lancaster brewery seem to have forgotten that if youre going to have a seasonal beer at least try something different. Pointless brew and a self indulgent name. Must do better gentlemen."; Reply

On 25 April 2006, katie price aka jordan wrote re: Hustle (Lancaster):"please get air conditioning as the staff looked very sweaty and hot. and were obviously suffering from dehydration and exhaustion from no breaks.i feel the conditions they were forced to work in were in humane. and against all human rights acts upon which this society is founded"; Reply

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On 26 April 2006, Hazel Ronson wrote re: New Holly (Forton):"I am the Landlady at the New holly at forton. We always sell 3 cask ales Thwaites Origional, Thorougbred or Lancaster Bomber or a guest. we took over in March 2005"; Reply

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On 28 April 2006, martin wrote re: Ranch House (Morecambe):"only two beers on sale today but they were both Brysons. Better 2 good beers in good nick than 4 indifferent"; Reply

On 28 April 2006, Richard Dow wrote re: Gregson (Lancaster):"The Gregson bar is now putting on a special guest ale every Tuesday - 9gallons when its gone its gone, so you have to be quick to sample these delights. Next Tuesday the real ale is Charles Well's BOMBADIER"; Reply

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On 3 May 2006, Phil Simpson (C2i) wrote re: C2 Investments:"Just a very quick update re the Water Witch and Sun. The Witch is continuing it's programme of refurbishment with a major upgrade in the restaurant area, new lighting, revamp of the toilets and redecoration throughout. It's a sympathetic though significant upgrade and hopefully it'll make the place a lot more comfortable. Re the Sun - the beer garden is open once again as the scaffolding has been removed. The new hotel rooms will be open before the end of this month giving us a new total of 15 en-suite rooms. "; Reply

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On 10 May 2006, Rob (Ranch House) wrote re: Ranch House (Morecambe):"Just read Martin's comments about his visit (28 April). Our general aim is to offer 4 different casks at all times (obviously excluding change over times between barrels), providing a decent range of choice in terms of strength, taste, colour etc. from brewers across Britain. Therefore, I appreciate that to visit and only find two beers on offer and both coming from the same brewer, is somewhat dissapointing, regardless of how much an individual may enjoy those beers. Another person could find nothing to interest them. Sales have grown significantly recently, which led to a period where our offerings were not as many or varied as we would aim for. Hopefully we are now on top of this and back to maintaining a choice of 4 casks. At the time of writing we are currently selling Thwaites - Thoroughbred, Hambleton - Stallion, Wolf - Coyote, and Coach House - Post Horn. "; Reply

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On 12 May 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: Lancaster Brewery Co:"Two new offerings on the go from Lancaster at present - LM (Lancaster Mild) and Arrowsmith, which seems to have come on earlier than planned, and stronger at 4.2. LM is a dark mild, which does what it says on the tin - it is dark and mild. Can't say it's wonderful, it is a very workmanlike mild, with neither malt nor hops dominating, and also no caramel in the aftertaste. At 3.6 it is quite strong compared to some milds, and whilst it seems a bit nondescript, it is difficult to say how it could be improved without departing from the original concept of a mild ale - much more fruit and it is more an old ale, likewise on the srength. Worth a punt and a good try. Arrowsmith is a bit more distinctive and is a quite tasty 4.2 bitter with quite a malty start - crystal seems to dominate the malts - but there might be a taster of chocolate in there for body, and the hoppiness does not come through too much until the finish - it is certainly Lancaster (and their brews are starting to have a house flavour) and to some it may be a bit more of the same. But the same is actually a lot better than the output of most micros, and does warrant a taster. I only hope that the lads do push the boat out soon with a very strongly flavoured and higher gravity brew which will set the palates of the Lancaster drinkers alight. I have suggested this to the management team and now wait in hopeful expectation. Overall verdict on these two - good, but could be better."; Reply

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On 13 May 2006, terry lock wrote re: Lancaster Brewery Co:"Nice to see brewing on the go again in lancaster - tried the blonde at the National AGM. JSB was on sale at the Poacher (Nottigham) but a tad too sweet tasting. "; Reply

On 13 May 2006, webmaster wrote:"Steve Dunkley has asked me to assure readers that whoever the Steve who made a couple of posts here lately may be, it's not him."; Reply

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On 16 May 2006, JonS wrote re: Nib (Warton):"Pub has a "for lease" sign outside, and has been closed every time I've driven past in the last two weeks (during the day)"; Reply

On 16 May 2006, JonS wrote re: Bath (Morecambe):"Currently closed,with a "for let" sign outside. It would appear the refurb was not a success..."; Reply

On 16 May 2006, JonS wrote re: Royal (Morecambe):"Currently has a 'for let sign' outside"; Reply

On 16 May 2006, Jon wrote re: Queen's (Morecambe):"This has been refurbished and reverted bak to its real name of the Queens Hotel I've not been in... somehow it doesn't appeal..."; Reply

On 16 May 2006, JonS wrote re: Office (Morecambe):"Pub now open as a pole dancing venue, rebranded as 'The Office Secretary'.... NO I've not been in"; Reply

On 16 May 2006, JonS wrote re: Packet Boat (Bolton-le-Sands):"Been in a couple of time recently while walking along the canal. Thwaites bitter on sale, distinctly average each time."; Reply

On 16 May 2006, JonS wrote re: Eagle & Child (Garstang):"S&N house beer only on draught, Theakstons mild on keg. Decidedly average presentation."; Reply

On 16 May 2006, JonS wrote re: Morecambe (Morecambe):"Just Tetley on draught last week. Nothing to be enthusiastic about. Few people in bar (tuesday evening), mainly of the 18-21 agegroup"; Reply

On 16 May 2006, Jon wrote re: Carnforth (Carnforth):"large pub with several rooms off. Decor style is 1960s decrepit, with little attempt at keeping the fabric intact. Loudmouth locals and unconcerned staff. Keg only dont bother going in"; Reply

On 16 May 2006, Angryman wrote:"Confusion reigns over Lancaster's immediate future. First I hear on Radio One this morning that our proud City is now the number one destination in the UK for mobile phone theft. HA! Eat our dust Preston!!! Now for the bad news. What is going on with our pubs? The George & Dragon - CLOSED. The Ridge - still CLOSED (wasted opportunity, somebody could make a bomb here). The Pub - OPEN. Is there any good news of there ? I ventured into "The Pub" earlier this week - other than a posse of paraletic paleontologists who'd misunderstood the term "Rock Friendly Venue" the place was deserted. It smelt damp too. Sounds like the perfect place for a CAMRA meeting ! Oh...and to pacify the grumblers who yearn for more beer critique in my all-too-rare Camra utterings - my Fosters was cold, yellow and tasted of pink lady apples with a hint of fresh parsley."; Reply

On 16 May 2006, JonS wrote re: Hest Bank (Hest Bank):"most people knoe this pub, but there's no review of it! Spent a couple of sunday lunchtimes in here recently, and every time the beer has been excellent. Variety of beers, all of which were well served. "; Reply

On 16 May 2006, JonS wrote re: Globe (Overton):"choice of two or three beers from Mitchells bought-in range. I had Everards Tiger, definately OK."; Reply

On 16 May 2006, JonS wrote re: Borough (Lancaster):"In reponse to Angryman, presumably this pub is named after the old Borough Working Mens Club that used to be in the building? And if I remember correctly the old decor - and furniture - was green, with lots of green leather / leatherette As far as I can remember it was strictly a MENS club - the only females allowed in were dogs and pigeons, so Mrs Angryman should be glad they didn't revive ALL the old traditions of the place."; Reply

On 16 May 2006, JonS wrote re: Golden Ball (Snatchems):"recent visits have found a limited choice of just one or two beers, usually from Everards. Not especially well served, though drinkable. The pub direction seems to be more concerned in becoming a headquarters for the newly formed watersports club, than for the average cuatomer seeking a pint. On a couple of visits recenly I got the impression you were only welcome if you had a skijet/waterbike (or whatever those mobile birdscarers are called)"; Reply

On 16 May 2006, JonS wrote re: George & Dragon (Lancaster):"Went in a couple of weekends ago, and the place was obviously in a state of flux. Neearly every pump (fizz and real) had "sold out" signs on it, just one real beer available. I forget the brand, but it was so yeasty it tasted like the barrel dregs. The guy behind the bar was obviously there on a temporary basis and was being told the correct prices by the (one) customer who was in. Something seriously wrong with this pub based on what I saw. Symptoms suggest either a stock rundown prior to sale, or an inability to purchase stock. "; Reply

On 16 May 2006, JonS wrote re: George & Dragon (Lancaster):"In response to Angryman's comments re the George & Dragon - I'm told the locals pretty much boycotted it in response to the removal of the old furniture and its replacement with low-level stuff, the installation of the Plasma screen and an alleged attempt to turn it into a 'wine bar' style venue. What you see is the public voting with their feet. "; Reply

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On 17 May 2006, JonS wrote re: Penny Bank (Lancaster):"New outside signage suggests its now owned by the Tirrell Brewery. Inside its been cleaned and tidied up, looks like at least some of the furniture has changed. Happily no longer has the "mock decrepit" look of previously, now its just a simply furnished pub with bare floors/walls. I only noticed three beers on, though there may have been more round the corner. I had Deuchars IPA, which was different than normal : had a honey/meadish aftertaste I've not found in that beer before, but have in some of the Tirrell recipies. Mixup in the cellar perhaps? Very drinklabble, whatever it was."; Reply

On 17 May 2006, JonS wrote re: Station (Morecambe):"Still has the pumps on the bar, still no real ale available"; Reply

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On 19 May 2006, JonS wrote re: Ship (Overton):"Had a pint of Thwaites bitter at lunchtime today. That is the only available real ale, but it was well kept and served. For those who don't know the place, this is one of those rarities: a multiroomed village pub which hss not been "modernised" or knocked through. By modern standards its quite unsusual in that it still remains as a pub, not an eaterie like most of the other local hostelries. It retains much of its old decor/panelling/bar and internally is a delight to see. One room has display cases holding a wide range of "british" birds eggs. Spectacular if you like that kind of thing, they were collected well over 100 years ago when the practice was accepted. Shares management with the "Roof Tree" at Middleton."; Reply

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On 21 May 2006, martin wrote re: Royal (Silverdale):"Two handpumps here: one with a Landlord pumpclip, but the beer was "off", the other with Black Sheep Bitter in good nick"; Reply

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On 22 May 2006, JonS wrote re: New Holly (Forton):"Had a pint in the New Holly today, three Thwaites beers: Bitter, Bomber and a seasonal so bland I forget it's name. I only drank the seasonal, it was too cold, and appeared overgassed. It made me wonder if the place is using a cask breather / top pressure system. The bar itself is pretty unremarkable: the previous three rooms have been knocked into one, with two areas of distinct furnishing styles: one set for at-table dining, the other with low-set bucket seats, but again obviously aimed at passing diners. Overall the decor style is of 1980's Wimpy stained beech crossed with 1990's airport lounge. Walls and ceiling are decorated with soccer memorabilia,including a number of signed shirts. Overall ambience is degraded by a number of plasma screens churning out muzak. In brief, somewhere to go if you're a travelling salesman looking for an alternative to Burger King or McDonalds. Not a place to go for a night on the beer."; Reply

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On 23 May 2006, JonS wrote re: Stork (Conder Green):"First time I've been in since the management change. Beer was a choice of Boddington's bitter or Marston's Pedigree. I chose the Bods, which was as close to normally bland as Bods now normally is. Nothing wrong with the way it was served: it's just a naturally tasteless beer. Nothing has changed inside the pub, except the staff are now wearing uniform t-shirts, and seem to actually know what they're doing. The carpet is still held together with gaffer tape in places. "; Reply

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On 24 May 2006, dean hilton wrote re: Highwayman (Nether Burrow):"I tried to take on the tenancy on the same terms as the previous tenants but Thwaites wanted to increase the rent by 50% and widen the scope of the tie to include soft drinks and wine. It seems to me that they were determined to close the pub. "; Reply

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On 26 May 2006, Carlos wrote re: Alley (Lancaster):"Without a shodow of a doubt this is THE best and most welcoming pub in Lancaster, The food is of exceptinal quality. I am an ex Licensee myself and I have very high standards, just ask the Mrs. I will and do complain if things are not as they should be! I can recomend this pub very highly, warm, welcoming and very friendly! A+"; Reply

On 26 May 2006, JonS wrote re: Inn at Wray (Wray):"two real ales on sale yesterday, Lancaster Duchy, and another I didn't recognise (and can't remember). I had the Duchy, it was OK though slightly yeasty - thats probably due to me being the only customer in, on a quiet lunchtime. Probably a different story inthe evening with more customers around. Its a nice multi-room village pub which has not suffered from "improvement", mainly because the brewery sold it off, and a subsequent owner tried to redevelop the site for housing, but permission was declined. Nice flagstone floor in rhe bar."; Reply

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On 27 May 2006, JonS wrote re: York (Morecambe):"Pub reopened today following the departure of the previous tenants. The new landlord, a local, has the view of "returning the pub to the community". On tonights showing he has the energy to make it work, but will Mitchells back him? Three real ales on tonight: Beacon, Bomber, Black Sheep Bitter. Tasted OK, but the staff were struggling with a set of faulty ancient Angram swan-neck pumps that tended to produce froth. The keg fonts were doing the same. As far as I can see, he's been badly let down by Mitchell's cellar engineers. As for the building, a sterling start has been made: following much labour you can now see the carpet is red, and the gents toilets are clean and have intact tiling for the first time in my memory. The place still needs a lot of redecoration, and I just hope Mitchells spend here even just a fraction of what they've spent on their managed estate. Potentially this change in direction could help revive real ale in the near-desert of Morecambe. The pub itself is a large, four-roomed building. One room holds a pool table, another a plasma screen, the largest is unusual locally in holding a full-sized snooker table. "; Reply

On 27 May 2006, JonS wrote re: The Pub (Lancaster):"Noticed today in passing that the old "Castle Hotel" hanging sign has reappeared, with the brewery name painted out. The "the pub" branding seemed to have gone. A chalkboard outside advertised it as a "biker-friendly venue" - presumably just in time for the 20,000+ TT fans who will pass through Lancaster in the next two weeks on their way to the ferry."; Reply

On 27 May 2006, martin wrote re: The Pub (Lancaster):"I've been in a couple of times since it reopened and note: (a) There is one guest-beer-style cask ale, with the possibility of another as trade picks up (b) The only sign now says "Castle Hotel" (c) the inside is is slowly being smartened up. Perhaps they will start on the outside when that is finished (d)As far as I can see, the biker-friendliness is quite genuine and not seasonal"; Reply

On 27 May 2006, Angryman wrote re: Alley (Lancaster):"Re: Carlos and the Vine & Hops... Thankyou for bringing light to my dark world. Hilarious."; Reply

On 27 May 2006, JonS wrote re: Cumberland View (Heysham):"The Cumberland View has real ale! I diverted from a walk alongt he prom to Heysham to check the pub, and was suffiently pleased to stay there and abandon the walk. Two hand pumps, both offering Thwaites "original". Well presented, well served, just unfortunate that its Thwaites. The large, two-bar pubs is clean & tidy and seems well controlled, clientele seems to be mainly the older set. Overall a pleasnt surprise in what for years has been a beer desert, and a far cry from the 1970's and 80's when this was a bastion of tank beer"; Reply

On 27 May 2006, JonS wrote re: Battery (Heysham):"Has two hand pumps, bith with Thwaites pump clips. One was "off", the other selling "Original" bitter. Overcold, fobbing, and seeminlgy pressurised - same scenario as the beer in the New Holly. Are Thwaites using top pressue on their "real" ale? More staff than customers, all sitting around the bar despite several tables needing clearing. Several unattended chiildren in the bar, eventually collected by their anorexic mother. Maybe they run a creche as a sideline? Overall poor beer, poor ambience, shabby environment, not exactly welcoming."; Reply

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On 29 May 2006, martin green wrote re: Brockholes Arms (Claughton-on-Brock):"frendly land lord very clean "; Reply

On 29 May 2006, anonymous wrote re: Brockholes Arms (Claughton-on-Brock):"Very clean landlord? I a;ways try to avoid getting that close unless shes a landlady. Wjat was the beer like?"; Reply

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On 30 May 2006, George Boston wrote re: New Holly (Forton):"My wife and I are from Tamworth. We were visiting our daughter and staying at the Royal Oak in Garstang over the end of May Bank Holiday. On the Monday, Garstang became a food desert because of the carnival. We cannot live on beer alone so tried several pubs out of town. Ended up at the New Holly. Landlady very helpful despite a house full of diners and a coach party ex-Cartmel Races. Had to drink several excellent pints of Bomber while awaiting a table. Not over cold; not gassy; served and presented well by helpful, cheerful and very busy staff. If this is a poor pub in the opinion of the local CAMRA branch, the good ones must have been made in heaven."; Reply

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On 1 June 2006, JonS wrote re: Plough (Galgate):"Job advert in this weeks Guardian/Visitor indicates pub has been, or is about to be sold off. They described it as an "impending acquisition" (or something like)"; Reply

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On 2 June 2006, JonS wrote re: New Holly (Forton):"Nice to have alternative views, and just shows how two people can have different perceptions based on the circumstances of their visit. One point I'd like to make is that the views I express are mine - and NOT those of the local CAMRA branch. Regarding pubs "made in heaven" - yes we do have some rather good ones around! What would be interesting to hear would be George's view on the other pubs he visited (especialy the Garstang ones). More input such as that from out-of-area customers would be valuable."; Reply

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On 7 June 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: Lancaster Brewery Co:"I see that a couple of new brews have come to light recently, which are not on the list of what was being promised. Tower at 5% is about the strongest offering so far and is a full flavoured dark beer - well dark in comparison to most of the Lancaster brews of late - it slipped down dangerously well. Indeed, I would rate this as one of the best efforts so far. Kingmaker has also made an appearance -a very pale brew 4.8 rather like Hop Back 18/80 or a slightly weaker Summer Lightning. Again and like its peers from Salisbury, all to drinkable. Both of these brews are a lot more distinctive than some of the recent one-offs from Caton Road. They don't have that "samey" taste that has been apparent of late and are all the better for that. BUT - flamin' Norah - what has gone wrong with the Flaming Norah - the last lot I tired was terrible - tasted more like one of my home brew disasters! Hope it was a one off bad cask."; Reply

On 7 June 2006, JonS wrote re: Imperial (Morecambe):"On a recent lunchtime visit there was one handpump with a clip on - but turned the wrong way round so definately "off". No idea what it was - couldn't be bothered to ask to be honest"; Reply

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On 12 June 2006, bernard wrote re: Dog & Partridge (Morecambe):"Choice of Greene King IPA, Abbott and Morland's Best. I was only there due to a meeting and was happily suprised with the quality of their abbott ale. Last time I was there it was pretty grim for what should be a great pub, so the recent change in management has obviously done it a lot of favours. Good atmosphere, food until late... Good all round comminity pub. It is now in need, however, of some investment to support the new management couple."; Reply

On 12 June 2006, bernard wrote re: Friary (Lancaster):"Very poorly and rudely received by the Grunt inside He was probably upset that he was being asked to glass collect, rather than occupying his favourite position on the door. Seeking his ultimate power, he told two middle aged men with the signs of “serious trouble” stamped across their foreheads, to get out at 10:32 on a Sunday. This obviously gave him the mental imagery he required to then go home and relive the experience in a state of arousal! The reason I went was to show the style of operation with its architecture to an international visitor. After leaving I was asked by my guest that I should not bother with this kind of pub for his sake as he was also not on holiday to be spoken to like that. The Friary is everything that is wrong with the pub industry. I wish them well in the world cup as they will need to take as much money as they can now to supplement the reasons why people do not go there for the rest of the year."; Reply

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On 13 June 2006, JonS wrote re: Kenlis Arms (Barnacre):"Could be worth giving the Kenlis Arms a visit - see the bottom of this web page: http://www.garstangunplugged.com/"; Reply

On 13 June 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: John O'Gaunt (Central Lancaster):"Comments about this pub have been conspicuous by their absence over the last few months, so I thought I would add my comments about my recent findings. The decline in quality of the ale seems to have been arrested if not reversed - it seems that there was a problem with a changeover to upright from horizontal stillage, and the fact that a beer stored and served this way does take longer to settle and mature. I personally favour normal stillage, as the beer can be controlled better by varying the spiles. On most visits recently the beers that I have chosen have been on the good side of drinkable, and on occasion have been excellent. As usual, the Taylors is the most variable - as traditionally it always has been. The Gales (Fullers?) Festival mild (mild? 4.8%?) has been very good, but is not a great lunchtime tipple when the weather is hot. However, there is a variability about the beers which was not there in the past, and this is something that Robin needs to address, as consistency is all too important. I have to say, that I have yet to purchase a really bad pint in here."; Reply

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On 14 June 2006, JonS wrote re: John O'Gaunt (Central Lancaster):"Interesting point Brewmaster makes. I have a memory of talking to Steve many years ago about using vertical storage and of him saying he'd tried it briefly and given up as a bad job. I think he was trying to do it to save space, but in fact it just made the small cellar harder to work as the barrels were closer together and got knocked more during moving."; Reply

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On 19 June 2006, Dave wrote re: New Holly (Forton):"I dont normally drink cask bitter, but when i tried a pint of Original at New Holly, i can realise why people enjoy cask. Maybe JonS doesnt appreciate good bitter??"; Reply

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On 24 June 2006, JonS wrote re: New Holly (Forton) (reply to Dave of 19 June 2006):"Dave, I believe your statement rather makes my point for me. You say you "don't normally drink cask bitter" - so can I assume you normally drink smooth / keg pressurised beer? If so you probably would like the way the beer was served in the New Holly when I've been in- cold and overgassed. Just to check I didn't have a one-off expreience, I went back a couple of weeks go and tried the Thwaites bitter - I found no reason to change my views or comments."; Reply

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On 7 July 2006, Brewmaster wrote:"Is nobody drinking out there any more? I can\'t believe that there is so little activity on here - we\'ve got some good pubs now, and some more that are trying to climb up on their coat tails. Is nobody finding the odd improvement here or there - or indeed the odd slippage? By the way, Lancaster are doing Flamin\' Nora at the moment, and it\'s flamin\' good. -- "; Reply

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On 8 July 2006, JonS wrote re: Lancaster Brewery Co (reply to Brewmaster of 7 July 2006):"I had a pint of Flaming Nora in the Sun a couple of weeks ago, and ir tasted like golden syrup with added caranel cyclamate and saccharine. I'm not suggesting those were the ingredients, I'm just saying thats what - to me - it tasted like. Vwey sweet and vwey sickly . Nothing wrong with the way the pub served it, everything wrong - to my taste - with the recipe. It came across as a badly balanced brigh red homebeew."; Reply

On 8 July 2006, JonS wrote re: Lancaster Brewery Co (reply to JonS of 8 July 2006):"Sorry for the spelling in that last mail - I think I'd had a pint too many of Chinnock Cider..."; Reply

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On 10 July 2006, Talkofthetown wrote re: George & Dragon (Lancaster):"The George and Dragon on Lancaster's Quayside has reopened under new ownership, rumours were abound of a change into a cocktail and wine bar, this is not true, with 5 Cask ales on tap. Greene King IPA and Black Sheep appear to be stayers and 3 guests. A nice selection of continental beers, and thank goodness the stella has been removed. There is also a varied selection of wines all available by the bottle or the glass. The place has been cleaned up, in place of the dirty furniture and nasty floors are rustic farmhouse tables, beautiful chairs. High stools and tables so you can actually see out of the windows, the floors have been stripped back to fantastic teak coloured wood, and gone is that damned plasma screen television, replaced by a big chalkboard. Their food offer is yet to be introduced, but from the talk around town its going to be very different. Its an absolute work of magic, with lots of vavavoom! Glad to see it open again, and looking so clean and fresh, good luck to the new owners!!"; Reply

On 10 July 2006, Steve wrote re: George & Dragon (Lancaster) (reply to Talkofthetown of 10 July 2006):"I visited it on Saturday night en-route to the Wagon, nice enough reminded me of the Vine & Hops. Prefer the Wagon though."; Reply

On 10 July 2006, JonS wrote re: George & Dragon (Lancaster) (reply to Steve of 10 July 2006):"Big question is - what is the beer like? Two people reviewed it, no-one said whether the beer was any good or not. "; Reply

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On 11 July 2006, conner wrote re: George & Dragon (Lancaster) (reply to JonS of 10 July 2006):"OK - I was in yesterday and they had Pedigree, Cumberland, GK IPA, Black Sheep and B&T 2 Brewers. I tried the latter, which was in good, if not stunning condition. But it's very early days to be judging that sort of thing. My query - they make a deal about not stocking Stella, but they have Carling and Carlsberg. In what way are these better?"; Reply

On 11 July 2006, Steve wrote re: George & Dragon (Lancaster) (reply to JonS of 10 July 2006):"The beer was good (I tried a pint of Pedigree), but in all honesty a total fool is able to dispense decent beer in a brand new venue. The quality of the beer needs to be judged in three or four months time when we can assess their beer line cleanliness, rotation of beers, maturation of beers, potential filtering of beers, cleanliness of glasses etc etc. As I hinted in my first email I liked the place but was definitely not overwhelmed. What I didnt see was what are they bringing to the Lancaster market that we dont already have ? It's basically a cleaned up old bar with new furniture, it lacks anything special or different. I question whether it will survive with the amount of competition theyre up against."; Reply

On 11 July 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: Lancaster Brewery Co (reply to JonS of 8 July 2006):"I can't agree with Jon S - this breweryy was being slated for producing characterless and bland beers which all tasted similar - the Flaming Nora is a departure from this being a sweeter and darker offering - and nothing wrong with that - most beers of higher original gravity will have a greater residual sweetness about them if not fully attenuated. I actually had a glass of Nora for lunch, and was dreading doing so in the expectation of getting an overly sweet pint - and it was not - it was certainly sweeter and not so highly hopped as many brews - but of its type, style, and strength, it was not at all bad. Certainly better than what Jon had led me to expect. "; Reply

On 11 July 2006, JonS wrote re: Lancaster Brewery Co (reply to Brewmaster of 11 July 2006):"Interesting comment. Makes me wonder how much batch variation there is between brews. Anyone got a view on that?"; Reply

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On 12 July 2006, George wrote re: George & Dragon (Lancaster):"Hi Conner, as its a punch pub we are limited on beers we can stock and certain beers have to be on the bar as part of the agreement. We found stella has attracted the wrong kind of clientele, so in turn we removesd it, as their were previously 4 lagers on the bar, we decided to keep an offering that appealed to the general market, and a lovely selection of bottled continental beers alongside. Steve, yes we have cleaned the place up, but its not a brand new venue, its an old venue with a facelift, and the beer lines are the same beer lines as have been in previously. They have been cleaned and the coolers placed on. Its not meant to resemble the vine as I have never even seen their interior. Constructive criticism is always good and appreciated, we are yet to put food into the venue, as we are waiting to resolve some technical issues. All the staff have been trained to pull pints, and looking after cask ale is an art, I know some pub owners in this town don't offer cask, because they wouldn't know where to start. And some of those that do offer it don't have the staff who are capable of looking after it. All my staff are competent enough to look after the beer, so that it is consistent, although if the beer isn't right for whatever reason we will gladly exchange it. But I don't think this will be an issue, with over 20 years experience it will be consistent."; Reply

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On 13 July 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: Lancaster Brewery Co (reply to JonS of 11 July 2006):"This is a point that I have raised with Matt when I've seen him, and which I have also mentioned on this forum - to date, Lancster brews are not consistent from gyle to gyle, and I have given this a lot of thought. My first suggestion is that the malt coming in is not consistent, and that this, more than anything else is affecting the brews. JSB and Duchy have been very prone to this, and seen to vary a lot in their chocolately after taste, which could be coming from a bit too much of the darker malts, or from batches of malts which are not being kilned to the same end point every time. Another issue might be that tiny quantities of previous malts are remaining in the grister between batches, and with small gyles, this can have a significant effect on the overall taste of the entire batch. Matt is aware of the consistency issues, and is trying to address these with Keith and Will. Today, I sampled a drop of a new cask of Nora from a new gyle, and it was really quite dark in flavour, although not quite as sweet as Jon's description - it tasted a little like Hawkhead Red as it went down, and was a little too choclately for my personal taste. "; Reply

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On 14 July 2006, JonS wrote re: Lancaster Brewery Co (reply to Brewmaster of 13 July 2006):"There is another variable to consider: the water. I presume they're using the mains water, and that can vary a lot depending on whether its coming from the artesian wells in Bowland, from the Lune - or as sometimes happens - is tapped from the Lakeland pipes to Liverpool/Manchester. In a previous chemical job we noticed the pH of the incoming water often changed overnight from 6 to nearly 8 depending on source. That would make quite a difference, even with water conditioning. Some days you can taste the change, especially a day or two after a storm when the Lune is in spate and the water is being drawn from there."; Reply

On 14 July 2006, Steve wrote re: Lancaster Brewery Co (reply to JonS of 14 July 2006):"Please tell me we don't get our drinking water from the Lune ? I thought it all came from the Lake District."; Reply

On 14 July 2006, JonS wrote re: Lancaster Brewery Co (reply to Steve of 14 July 2006):"Lancaster & Morecambe only takes water from the Lakes during draught conditions. The primary source is the artesian wells in the hills to the east of Lancaster. However if theres enough of a flow in the Lune, United Utilities draws from there to save the water in the wells for drier days. They also daily extract a fair amount from the Lune and tranfer it into the Wyre, for the use of Blackpool and Fleetwood. (Thats what the Abbeystead pipeline -and explosion - was all about 20 years ago). I can actually taste the difference between the sources: the Lune water is peatier, the well water more sulphate. A day or two after a heavy storm its really noticeable: they overdose the river water with chlorine and aluminium sulphate, both of which leave a really strong taste. The officials will tell you aluminium salts can't be tasted: they're wrong."; Reply

On 14 July 2006, Allan G wrote re: Plough (Galgate):"Just been in the Plough and what a difference. That busy there was a real buzz in there. 3 Cask on offer - Bodds, Sheep and England's Glory. Took the Glory myself - Excellent! Highly recommend the Fish and Chips - or more moby dick and chips! Will defo go back."; Reply

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On 15 July 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: Lancaster Brewery Co (reply to JonS of 14 July 2006):"There is a water abstraction point on the Lune at Caton, and I believe that water from there goes to various points in the storage network including the reservoirs at Bailrigg and at Brookhouse (up above Moorside for those who don't know). However, there is also now a link pipe over to the Yorkshire reservoirs at Blubberhouses, which was completed about three years ago - for those who recall it caused quite a bit of traffic problem on the A65. I have been informed that this is a two way flow, so we are also getting a bit of water from that side of the pennines occasionally - and this water has a much higher gypsum content than our own Lune water, Lake district water, or the well water. It also has a more alkaline pH - up to about 7.9 from memory. This water, if not adjusted, causes beers brewed locally to become very sulphurous with a Burton snatch to it -giving the ale a character more akin to Marstons Pegigree. I have told Matt Jackson of this, so he is aware that the local water is of inconsistent chemical balance, and he has assured me that they are checking the water on a very regular basis to ensure that this is not an area of inconsistency in the brews. I still hold to the theory that the problems with consistency line with the malt rather than the liquor."; Reply

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On 19 July 2006, anonymous wrote re: Punch Bowl (Burton-in-Lonsdale):"very good food good beer"; Reply

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On 21 July 2006, JonS wrote re: Dragons Head (Whittington):"Went in on Weds evening for quick pint, Bar area occupied by spreadout gossiping locals, so no room to sit - except in two small siderooms laid out for dining. Usual problem - a few people spread out to occupy twice the number of seats they need. Landlord was on his own serving,and also working in the kitchen, wearing a butchers red apron, which givred somr idea of their priorities. Availabe beers were Boddington bitter & Black Sheep bitter. I went for the Black Sheep, and was first to have it that night (despite 20+ people in the bar) Result was beer that was drinkable, but not especially good. Had a soapy stale hop + yeasty aftertaste. You have to remember though thatthis ws the hottest day of the year, with record temperatures. so maybe a bad day to pick"; Reply

On 21 July 2006, connor wrote re: Highwayman (Nether Burrow):"this pub was firmly shut at 1.45 today with that uncared-for look which suggests it wasn't going to open soon"; Reply

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On 23 July 2006, JonS wrote:"Blue Bell at Heversham now has real ale again. Looks like a new landlord with new ideas -it has Old Brewery Bitter on hand pump again, Don't know whats its like - I had the cider. It was a hot day and I actually like Sam Smiths house cider."; Reply

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On 26 July 2006, JonS wrote re: Royal (Morecambe):"Closed at 9pm tonight (Tuesday) with "for let" signs outside"; Reply

On 26 July 2006, JonS wrote re: Office (Morecambe):"Poster in window says the "topless dancing floor is closed this week for refurbishment". Strange week to close it: beginning of the sumer hols - and the poster looks more than a week old judging by the way its curled atthe corners. Did the experiment fail? No punters? or no topless staff?"; Reply

On 26 July 2006, JonS wrote re: Palatine (Morecambe):"Still no cask beer. I walked in, no cask, I walked out again. "; Reply

On 26 July 2006, JonS wrote re: Morecambe (Morecambe):"Only handpump with a clip on, had it turned round "off" Not the first time I've seen this here, I don't think theres any commitment to real ale in this pub. Intended target appears to be those close to the leagl drinking age, with Goths and Wiccans thrown in for good measure"; Reply

On 26 July 2006, JonS wrote re: New Inn (Morecambe):"Black sheep bitter excellent tonight. Bods bitter also available plus rotating guest"; Reply

On 26 July 2006, JonS wrote re: York (Morecambe):"Black Sheep Biiter, Yhwaites Bomber amd Everards Beacon on tonight. I drank the Black Sheep which was good. They've got the beer pumps sorted now, no more fobbing. Work on the place is progessing with the installation of a new cooking range. They'll soon be doing meals - with special pizza nights on fridays "; Reply

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On 28 July 2006, conner wrote re: Manor (Cockerham):"Just met the new tenant for the first time. Seems knowledgable and enthusiastic about cask beer and offers a good choice. Must be worth the bus ride."; Reply

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On 29 July 2006, martin wrote re: Castle (Hornby):"There is a rumour a "small North Yorkshire brewery" is buying this hotel. Anybody have any information?"; Reply

On 29 July 2006, martin wrote re: Globe (Overton):"I hear the licensee from the Blue Anchor, Bolton-le-Sands has moved here."; Reply

On 29 July 2006, Phil Simpson wrote re: Lancaster Brewery Co (reply to JonS of 14 July 2006):"Re Lancaster water and the Lancaster Brewery taste debate: I've noticed the water tastes decidedly "peaty" now - is this because the water source for our tap water has changed ?"; Reply

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On 31 July 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: Castle (Hornby) (reply to martin of 29 July 2006):"Haven't heard this one, but as a former Horby resident I certainly hope it's true, as this place is rapidly becoming an eyesore in the village centre, and other attempts to find a buyer have not come to much - Probably due to the high asking price. The Castle was never a real success in its previous ownership, due largely to the pretentious approach, the use of high profile chefs, and high prices for everything from a pint to a room - with the "dining room" prices bordering on extortion - I recall a Christmas meal which was advertised at upwards of £50.00 a head. On Christmas day, I took the dog for a walk past the place, and the only people in there were the waiting staff. Let's hope that somebody takes this place in hand and converts it to a good pub with rooms, serving reasonably priced food and drink, with an room rate which means that people will actually say here overnight! It's got a halfway decent cellar, so offering quality cask beers should present no problems."; Reply

On 31 July 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: Lancaster Brewery Co (reply to Phil Simpson of 29 July 2006):"I haven't noticed this change recently, but I tend only to drink the Lancaster tap water when I have to - work has inline filters and coolers, and at home I drink mainly bottled water from a Scottish source, as I tend to put it into my malt whisky (a tiny touch only). Once water is boiled for tea or coffee it tends to lose some of the natural taints - but it is a great guide to the hardness - murky tea and scaly kettle if it is on the hard side. I would not be too surprised if the source is changing again, as the our drinking water does vary on a fairly regular basis from borehole to Lune to Derwentwater, to Pennines depending on availability -I advise you to check the pH at the Brewery as well as the flavour as it may vary by as much as one point from 6.9 to 7.8. Also check the hardness and gypsum levels as that seems to be varying a bit on a day to day basis. It might pay you to try to filter the water to take out some of the elements which taint it (peat being one of these if the water is from a moorland source) before Burtonising the water, as you might get a surprise when your brews develop a Burton snatch for no apparent reason. I was up at Bailrigg yesterday, and I was surprised at how high the water level in the open Reservoir was, given the recent hot spell - I suspect that it has been topped up with a quite a selection of waters from different sources to ensure a steady supply. Stewart"; Reply

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On 2 August 2006, JonS wrote re: Lancaster Brewery Co (reply to Phil Simpson of 29 July 2006):"Quite possibly Phil, though I doubt that United Utilities will ever tell us! Usually its noticeable after a period of rain, though theres no reason why they can't draw it from the Lune at other times as well, as long as they keep the minimum flow going down the river. I personlly think Lune water goes quite well with whisky. When did you notice the difference? You posted this on Saturday - and there was a prety heavy storm on Saturday PM. Usually takes a day or so for the changed water to work its way through the system."; Reply

On 2 August 2006, JonS wrote re: Nib (Warton):"Only choice on Saturday was Bods bitter. Had two pints, both tasted good and served OK. I'd have given any other beer a "very good" rating - but I dont believe the current version of Bids can ever deserve that!"; Reply

On 2 August 2006, JonS wrote re: Hest Bank (Hest Bank):"Five real ales available on Sunday, can't remember them all. I had a pint of Black Sheep - excellent. Also a pint of Deuchars IPA which was drinkable but just developing a lactic taste. First poor pint I've had in here for a long long time."; Reply

On 2 August 2006, JonS wrote re: Canal Turn (Carnforth):"Good pint of Taylors Landlord on Sunday PM"; Reply

On 2 August 2006, JonS wrote re: Royal (Bolton-le-Sands):"First visit since the refurb. Pub has been extended inside, and bar position changed though overall it stiill much the same: a Micthells esterie. Five or six real ales, I had an Everars seasonal summer beer which had an unusual taste but was pretty good."; Reply

On 2 August 2006, JonS wrote re: Longlands (Tewitfield):"Very good pint of Black Sheep on Sunday, which was badly needed after walking up the canal from Morecambe via Hasty Brow. It was needed even more after I realised I'd missed the only bus back to Lancaster by five minutes. Had to have a couple more pints to fortify me for the walk to Carnforth (due to the Carnforth taxi company having a day off...)"; Reply

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On 4 August 2006, Lewis H wrote re: Plough (Galgate):"Just had lunch and a few beers at The Plough and what a change. Something has changed the atmosphere is great the staff are friendly and they have 3 good cask ales. I had the black sheep and it was ruddy lovely. Will definatley be back what a lovely afternoon."; Reply

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On 15 August 2006, Steve wrote re: Britannia (Lancaster):"The move of the landlord of the brit was a god send he has took all his cronie's and trouble makers to the rose tavern the new landlord of the britannia has done a good job and is very involved,and respects the customers opinion and takes it on board if viable and keeps good ale hope he stays as this pub will be a success."; Reply

On 15 August 2006, steve wrote re: Rose Tavern (Lancaster):"I would,nt send a postcard to my mother about the place to much trouble and fighting for my liking "; Reply

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On 17 August 2006, conner wrote re: Eric Bartholomew (Morecambe):"I have had some pretty poor pints here, even on the opening night, so I thought i ought to record that the beer last night was pretty good. Does anyone else agree?"; Reply

On 17 August 2006, conner wrote re: York (Morecambe) (reply to JonS of 26 July 2006):"Yes the pub now has people with some ideas about them and Mitchells are planning to spend money (including the car park JonS wanted -where are they going to put it?) but on the basis of last night's visit, it'll be a while before I look forward to a visit here, both beer- and ambience-wise."; Reply

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On 20 August 2006, conner wrote re: White Lion (Halton):"Bekki formerly behind the bar at the Three Mariners is running this place and has returned to having four cask beers. Tried two which were spot-on. This place desperately needs support."; Reply

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On 22 August 2006, jenny wrote re: Cross Keys (Carnforth):"Popped into the Cross Keys which has a first time licensee from N. Yorks. One pump of Everards, dingy[the pub not the beer], with kiddie at the bar playing games on her mum's mobile, while Mum served the customers[me and one other].Kiddie rescued by Grandparents with whom she was going to stay. Where do Mitchells get these unprofessional people? They must be desparate for tenants. "; Reply

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On 23 August 2006, JonS wrote re: White Lion (Halton):"Good to see someone with an idea has taken it on. Last time I was in was a few weeks ago (during the world cup) and the only person serving was sprawled over one of the couches watching Emmerdale on the TV, with a few junior siblings in tow (she didn't look old enouigh to have children - or to serve). Service at the time was poor, and so was the beer. Lets hope Bekki can sort it out. First thing that needs ro go is the TV, followed by the two settees."; Reply

On 23 August 2006, JonS wrote re: Cross Keys (Carnforth) (reply to jenny of 22 August 2006):"Desperation does not come into it. The pubs a loser, so they wont throw money at it. Instead they let some poor naive sap waste HIS money on it, and when he/she goes bust they'll get another in. The company get their revenue stream with no capital outlay. Look what happened to the Three Customers: how many tenants burnt their fingers there before the company finally threw money at it and sorted the place out with major development AND a class-act tenant? But that only happened after they saw the potential of all the new flats around the bus station. Until then they took the rent and let the place fall to ruin while the tenants sank with no support."; Reply

On 23 August 2006, JonS wrote re: York (Morecambe) (reply to conner of 17 August 2006):"I'm surprised about the comment on he beer - I've not had a bad one yet. Regarding the ambience, Connor's right - the place does need a lot of decorative work, but as it stands now it is a major improvement on what went before. "; Reply

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On 28 August 2006, Mike Hirst wrote re: Redwell (Gressingham):"Visited today for a special occasion and found Moorhouses Black Cat the only Cask Beer on,Usually a Good Beer but unfortunately it was like the stuff you put on Chips. No light bites on the menu for lunch so vacated rapidly!"; Reply

On 28 August 2006, Mike Hirst wrote re: Eagle's Head (Over Kellet):"Lovelly place with Tetley and Everards Beacon on. Tetleys was spot on but did not try the Beacon. Lunch was fantastic and recommended. Landlord very friendly."; Reply

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On 29 August 2006, anonymous wrote re: Duke of Lancaster (Lancaster):"This place has just had a refurb now - looks like the new licencees have finally got moving! Still no cask - but could well be on the way as the bar has been refitted!"; Reply

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On 3 September 2006, JonS wrote re: Hest Bank (Hest Bank):"I had two pints of lunch today, one a Green King seasonal, the other Black Sheep Bitter, Both very very very good Several others available including Deuchars"; Reply

On 3 September 2006, JonS wrote re: Slyne Lodge (Slyne):"Choice today was Jennings Dark Mild / Bitter / Cumberland and Draught Bass. I had the Mild and Bass, both perfectly served. Really nice. Didn't try the food, but is seemed to suffer from the same problem as I've seen in a few other Jennings managed houses - oversized plates, undersized portions, all from the microwave and well stewed. An old chap sitting next to me had a lasagna which looked like microwaved toasted cheese, while a couple having a sunday roast appeared to have well soggy veg. Jennings do this so often - get the beer right, and the food wrong. "; Reply

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On 7 September 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: Penny Bank (Lancaster):"Visited this establishment for the first time since the change of ownership - just happened to be passing. Of the seven handpumps, only four were working, with two Copper Dragon offerings Black Gold and IPA with a hand written clip, Boddingtons, and one Tirrl brew (the 3.9 bitter) - two pumps with no clips and no sparklers on the swan neck, and the Deuchars clip turned round. Barmaid was sitting on this side of the bar, having a fag with her mate, which I found a little off - but got back to the right side quick enough and pulled a somewhat above average pint to the Tirrl - not brilliant, but not cloudy and quite drinkable. However, no real ambience here with the taped rock music - well it was about six o'clock - maybe it gets better later on - or then again....?"; Reply

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On 8 September 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: 1725 (Central Lancaster):"Went in here as a diversion today, and was confronted by a much less ambitious cask selection - it was really down to the usual Mitchells suspects - Everards Beacon and Tiger and Black Sheep Bitter - six handpumps so each one twice over. Tried the Tiger, and not at all bad - well above average, and just above very good - but I was very disappointed to see that some of the potential of this place has been missed by not taking some of the better brews that Mitchells guest list offers."; Reply

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On 11 September 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: Lancaster Brewery Co (reply to JonS of 2 August 2006):"Latest brew of Nora is well back on form, and has lost a lot of the dark malt flavour that has bugged it through the summer - indeed, today's batch was so good that I had to have another one. Also, I see that there has been a debate over the quality of the Lancaster drinking water in the Guardian over the last couple of weeks, with a spokesman from United Utilities saying that the odd taste of the water at present is due to algae growth in the storage system given the water a rather organic flavour. This does not, of course, cover peaty or overly acid water, or indeed harder than normal, all if which have been experienced over the last few months - but certainly all of these will have an effect of the beers produced using this as a source of brewing liquor."; Reply

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On 20 September 2006, Robert Bapty wrote re: Station (Ribblehead):"another regular outlet for the fast expanding Skipton Copper Dragon Brewery's 'Golden Pippin' which is the best beer in the world! - well worth a ride there on the train to Ribblehead, fantastic views from inside or outside the pub in the beer garden of the famous Ribblehead viaduct - pub open all day but food only served at lunch time & in the evening which is a let down for hungry walkers arriving in the afternoon!"; Reply

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On 23 September 2006, chris m wrote re: Smugglers' Den (Morecambe):"Standard ale changing to Adnams bitter (3.7) abv from around the 27th September, semi permanent guest is now Ruddles County (4.3) abv, with Westons Old Rosie (7.3) abv and two weekly rotating guests, currently Adnams Explorer and Summer Lightning. Live music on 30/9/06 is Acoustic Folk with The Prodigal Sons, what more could you ask for, good music, excellent beer and a friendly pub which is still proud to be the only CAMRA member in Morecambe. The discount still applies and is the only pub in Morecambe offering this concession and probably one of very few in the Lunesdale area which offer CAMRA members anything off. So at present we have 4 not 2 as stated cask ales plus Old Rosie and still another spare line should demand warrant it. Happy drinking folks"; Reply

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On 25 September 2006, anonymous wrote re: Limeburner's Arms (Nether Kellet):"been in twice last week,very busy,Pride of Pendle on,now even got beer chiller round the barrel. "; Reply

On 25 September 2006, anonymous wrote re: George (Morecambe):"Now got pay parking in the car park,"; Reply

On 25 September 2006, anonymous wrote re: Borough (Lancaster):"Tried a pint of Bomber at the Borough on Saturday. Totally undrinkable, cloudy and sour. Colleague tried a pint of the Brysons' Lancashire Bitter and created a 10 foot exclusion zone for himself due to the extraordinary sulphorous aromas. I know Bryson beers are notoriously sulphorous but I might suggest the Borough has a good long look at it's cellar practices."; Reply

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On 26 September 2006, George Fox wrote re: Collegian (Lancaster):"Exceptionally good beers including, this week, Jennings Cumberland Ale, Everards Beacon and Theakstons' Best Bitter. I hear a rumour that they are to feature a simultaneous choice of 5 cask ales from the Jennings "stable" during November 2006. Sounds promising!"; Reply

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On 27 September 2006, Ronald Evans wrote re: Three Mariners (Lancaster):"i decided to visit the three mariners in Lancaster as i have heard good reviews but unfortunately this was not the case for me. The landlord was rude and was more interested in chatting up the local blonde and the beer was lets say past its best, making me feel a tad sickly. but never mind i ventured to another nice inn up the road and and had a good old night"; Reply

On 27 September 2006, karen & Rick wrote re: Golden Ball (Snatchems):"I find the comments of JonS a bit unfair.Whilst the water-sport people do sometimes take over-it's only the waterside and not the Pub.On the other hand,they provide Summer time drinkers with alot of entertainment-and are willing to let interested parties inspect and even have a ride on their crafts. That aside, my partner and I have always found the Golden a very warm and inviting pub-with EXCELLENT home-cooked food.Janet and her team really come into their own when it comes to the very extensive menu-ranging from sandwiches and the like through to succulent steaks (Saturdays), the 'fall-off-the-bone' chicken&rib night(Thursdays) and a mouthwatering specials board which includes sea food dishes,duck in sauces, etc.We would put money on Janet's steaks being the best in Morecambe! You might be now thinking that we're close friends or relatives, but I can guarantee that we're just people who appreciate good food.Whilst neither of us are big beer drinkers we'd like to point out that there's a new bar manager/cellarman at the Golden,so why not give him a chance!"; Reply

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On 28 September 2006, anonymous wrote re: Water Witch (Lancaster):"Heard some incredible gossip re the waterwitch. Anyone else heard it ? Is it true ?"; Reply

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On 29 September 2006, JonS wrote re: Three Mariners (Lancaster) (reply to Ronald Evans of 27 September 2006):"Interesting comment, and at total variance with most recent experiences. It would be useful to know just which beer you had a problem with, and just which pub you moved on to and had the good night at. Surely that excellent pub deserves a report? "; Reply

On 29 September 2006, JonS wrote re: Golden Ball (Snatchems) (reply to karen & Rick of 27 September 2006):""neither of us are big beer drinkers"???? Isn't that what this site is about? the beer? I don't think anyone cares about how poncy the food is, the beer is the matter in question. And based on my last few visits I have no reason to change my views - if anything the bar staff seemed even less interested in serving drinkers. As for the power boat freaks being good entertainment - personally I like to be able to drink in peace and quiet and contemplate the atmosphere -and the multitude of wildlife which SHOULD be there if those noisy ******** had not driven it off. As I understand it they're causing a severe problem to some of the breeding birds on the Lune. I look forward to the day when a speed limit is imposed, as on Windermere. "; Reply

On 29 September 2006, JonS wrote re: George (Morecambe) (reply to of 25 September 2006):"Got pay parking Not got customers!"; Reply

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On 1 October 2006, anonymous wrote re: Water Witch (Lancaster):"Re the Waterwitch: I believe the rumours are true and the staff have now been informed. A lot of money is changing hands apparently !"; Reply

On 1 October 2006, George Palmer wrote re: Morecambe AFC (Morecambe):"Don't know if I've mentioned, but Morecambe FC now have cask ale capability. Brysons is on sale at all home games, and is being sold at reserve games for a trial period. It's going down well with the fans. Cheers"; Reply

On 1 October 2006, conner wrote re: Station (Ribblehead):"On two recent visits the ale here has been generally poor. The landlady is hardly here. The place unfortunately seems to be on the slide."; Reply

On 1 October 2006, conner wrote re: Marton Arms (Thornton-in-Lonsdale):"When Colin left, I was sure nobody could replace him. I think it now lacks a certain pizzazz but the beer is perfectly OK and the choice is still amazing. I think they've done a better job of keeping things the same than Robin at the John O'Gaunt."; Reply

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On 2 October 2006, Brewmaster wrote:"I visited the John O Gaunt today (2.10.06) and partook of a rather expensive glass of Bass (�2.60 a pint) - was it worth it - was it heck as like - well kept indeed, clear and with a nice head and no off smells - indeed there was no smell to the beer at all - no hops, no malt - and no Burton Snatch. A sip of this showed that Bass is going rapidly downhill to the depths of national blandness as it tasted of almost nothing - and it was not the cellar craft to blame - but the brew. I'll stick to the Taylor's in future!!!"; Reply

On 2 October 2006, Stanley C.Jenkins wrote:"Apart from the brewing items, John's collections have been dispersed. However, his military collection is now on loan to the Witney & District Museum, together with some Clinch & Co beer labels that he had previously donated (another set is in the Wychwood Brewery, framed with a JMS letter). pasuANN TO"; Reply

On 2 October 2006, berman's beerglass wrote re: Water Witch (Lancaster) (reply to of 1 October 2006):"just what are these rumours? sounds like a sale but to whom?"; Reply

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On 5 October 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: Water Witch (Lancaster) (reply to berman's beerglass of 2 October 2006):"I think that it is best not to offer any comments until Phil and Matt are ready to make an announcement - where a commercial deal is concerned, there is a degree of confidentiality to be observed, as if things go public too soon, it can actually jeopardise things, and that would be the last thing that anybody would want. I do know that C2i have some ambitious projects on the go, and that if they could release some capital by releasing a leasehold prooperty, they might be better able to expand their freehold estate - and from a business point of view, that has to make sense. Best to wait and see what pans out, than to speculate here - no doubt all will be revealed in due course."; Reply

On 5 October 2006, webmaster wrote re: Water Witch (Lancaster) (reply to Brewmaster of 5 October 2006):"The fact is it's not a secret any more. Any harm that could be done by having the deal out in the open has already happened. I remember Matt wanting an embargo on the opening of the Sun which he didn't lift until the place actually opened. It's no way to manage news. "; Reply

On 5 October 2006, anonymous wrote re: Water Witch (Lancaster) (reply to webmaster of 5 October 2006):"Rumours Rumours...... is it true that the vulgar boatman's bought it and is turning it into a gay bar? Sort of Navigation mk II? "; Reply

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On 6 October 2006, Phil Simpson - C2i wrote re: Water Witch (Lancaster):"To avoid further idle speculation I would like to confirm that the lease for the Water Witch is in the process of being sold to Mitchells of Lancaster. The reason for the sale is very simple - we are embarking on a �1.6m refurb & regeneration project in Barrow that means we are no longer able to spend the time and effort running the witch. Furthermore, we believe we've taken the Witch as far as we're able - our core focus now is contemporary coaching inns; quality cask ale pubs with stylish, boutique hotel rooms - and the Witch for all it's qualities, is not in our long term plans. There were a number of criteria that we focused on when we decided to sell the Water Witch: that the pub would continue to be amongst the best gastro-pubs in the UK; that the staff would be secure and well managed; and that the financial consideration for the lease would allow us to aggressively develop our unique cask ale/hotel concept. We believe this deal satisfies all the above criteria. Furthermore, we have been immensely impressed by the directors of Mitchells, they have proved recently, with the Three Mariners and The Mill at Conder Green, that they are excellent cask ale pub operators, and we're genuinely convinced that the Witch is in safe hands. With reference to our "management" of the news - we have been painfully careful to ensure that every member of the Witch's staff have been informed before going public, in addition there were a number of legal issues that needed to be addressed before any potential deal could be announced. To be frank we're far too busy with our many current projects to spend vital time "managing the news" but I thank the webmaster for his generous appreciation of our supposed spin-doctoring skills. The Witch, for now, remains part of C2i but we expect the transfer of the lease to occur shortly and Mitchells to take the Witch on to even bigger and better successes in 2007."; Reply

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On 7 October 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: Water Witch (Lancaster) (reply to Phil Simpson - C2i of 6 October 2006):"Thakns for that. Phil, as I was party to the news some days ago, I was reluctant to blow anything by posting the news on a public website before it was ready to be revealed. I just hope that all of the changes that could take place don't and that the new proprietors of the Witch leave well alone. It's currently a thumping good establishment and that is totally down to the way it has been managed over the last few years. Also, hope that there is no spin off that might affect your other estate as you also have a cracking pub in the Sun. Good luck with your Barrow venture - I for one hope that it is a resounding success for you."; Reply

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On 8 October 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: Lancaster Brewery Co:"Coven Ale was on offer in the Sun yesterday, and is a very pleasant and quite dry medium coloured bitter which actually belies its 4.6% ABV. Well worth a try and is one of the better one off brews that have been tried so far."; Reply

On 8 October 2006, mrs n joseph wrote re: Blue Anchor (Bolton-le-Sands):"this is a lovely and friendly pub,the staff are very good and the drinks are wonderful"; Reply

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On 11 October 2006, Julian Holt wrote re: Bowerham (Lancaster):"The renovated Bowerham Hotel (now The Bowerham) has five regular cask ales and two guests. One of the regulars is Tetley Mild, which was on cracking form when I tried it tonight, and is apparently selling well. The refit looks good( but do we really need yet another pub selling food?) and the place is well worth a visit to show support for its excellent range of ales. "; Reply

On 11 October 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: Lancaster Brewery Co (reply to Brewmaster of 8 October 2006):"The second cask in the Sun is even better, it has a bit less of a dry bite to it, and the hops seem to come through a bit more in the finish. I would suggest that this should become a regular brew - it knocks spots off the more regularly produced JSB which is very variable indeed."; Reply

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On 15 October 2006, p day wrote re: Dalton Arms (Glasson Dock):"I think that some of the comments are rubbish, excellent tasting beer and food well, all I can say is BRILLANT. PONCY is not the word especially when you sometime have to pre book or wait to get a table! well done who ever"; Reply

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On 21 October 2006, anonymous wrote re: Limeburner's Arms (Nether Kellet):"So busy now,it's getting hard to find a seat!I believe it's now in the good beer guide,and deservedly so.Most of the alterations are finished,all credit to the Landlord on the improvements."; Reply

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On 23 October 2006, Ray Coote wrote re: Castle (Hornby):"There is still no sign of the window.door boards being removed."; Reply

On 23 October 2006, Richard Crowe wrote re: Duke's (Ingleton):"Duke's Off-licence Ingleton I have just uploaded to 'youtube' a short video that I shot in Mrs. Dukes Off-licence at the beginning of this summer(2006). Now I've come to this page and found out this sad news. Mrs Duke is a wonderful Lady who has a genuine Love for her Shop."; Reply

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On 24 October 2006, JonS wrote re: Station (Morecambe):"Took my son to the Wacky Warehouse today, and decided to see if the beer situation had changed. Amazed to find it had. One real ale available, Youngs Bitter! Strange beer to find up here in a non-specialist ale bar, but there it was. Mind you it was over cold and over bland, giving the impression of being passed through a flash cooler, and possibly with top pressure on, but at least they are trying!"; Reply

On 24 October 2006, JonS wrote re: Royal (Morecambe):"Still closed lunchtime today though there was a light on inside. No other signs of life. Still has "to let" signs outside "; Reply

On 24 October 2006, conner wrote re: Britannia (Lancaster):"I'd generally agree with Steve. Not sure the decor suits a community local, but he now has three cask beers on. I quite liked the Liberator."; Reply

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On 27 October 2006, anonymous wrote re: Wheatsheaf (Ingleton):"What a wonderful, friendly village pub. Log fire and chatty locals. Great selection of local beers."; Reply

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On 28 October 2006, Hannah Newcombe-Cowling wrote re: Borough (Lancaster):"Guest ales this week - Brodies Prime- Hawkshead Brewery 5% Flat Cap - Bank Top Brewery 4%"; Reply

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On 31 October 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: John O'Gaunt (Central Lancaster):"Today (31.10.06) the selection was very good indeed with three brews of 5% or over Greene King Abbott, Moorhouses Pendle Witches Brew, and Wychwood Hobgobin) alongside the more usual offerings of Black Sheep, Deuchars, Boddingtons, and Tetleys, and also Coach House Dick Turpin - all in all an interesting range."; Reply

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On 1 November 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: John O'Gaunt (Central Lancaster) (reply to Brewmaster of 31 October 2006):"And today when I visited, the same selection was on offer - but OUCH - prices appear to have gone up by about 10p a pint - the Moorhouses and Abbott were both at �2.70 a pint. Spirits appear to have gone up by about 10p a shot as well."; Reply

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On 2 November 2006, Phil Simpson wrote re: John O'Gaunt (Central Lancaster) (reply to Brewmaster of 1 November 2006):"Don't think this is a profiteering move - the wholesale prices of beer are currently heading north rapidly. How a .5p a pint increase in the cost of malt equate to a 4p rise in costs is quite beyond me, especially when the cost of fuel is on the way DOWN. The brewing nationals are all putting their prices up for the second time this year by 4-5% - probably to keep up with the regional brewers who are just as bad. This and the rise in the minimum wage will see prices going up across the UK."; Reply

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On 3 November 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: John O'Gaunt (Central Lancaster) (reply to Phil Simpson of 2 November 2006):"I know that wholesale prices for cask beer seem to be creeping up again, and I have seen the ludicrous amounts per firkin that some brewers are demanding - Fullers are among the worst offenders with their cask offerings often being 50% plus more expensive than their peers when compared purely on an ABV basis. It does beg the question that some of the cask producers are trying to create an artificial exclusivity in their products, which is not really justified. Also makes me wonder in the case of some of the bigger producers whether they are trying to price cask beers out of the market in favour of the nitrokeg smooth offerings? Whatever, prices at the handpump are going up - the JOG is currently about the dearest in town - but from Phil's comments, I presume that we can see a few price hikes in his establishments. I have to say that increases in the price per pint don't warrant pushing up the spirits as well."; Reply

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On 7 November 2006, JonS wrote re: John O'Gaunt (Central Lancaster) (reply to Brewmaster of 3 November 2006):"Simple answer to the high prices - come and drink in Morecambe. Adnams bitter in the Smugglers is around �2.20 with stronger beers around �2.40, while last week I was paying under �2 in the Ranch House. Both sell excellent beer "; Reply

On 7 November 2006, brian wrote re: Highwayman (Nether Burrow):"Nigel Howarth of Northcote Manor & the Three Fishes has taken it on with Thwaites backing."; Reply

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On 8 November 2006, Richard S wrote re: John O'Gaunt (Central Lancaster) (reply to JonS of 7 November 2006):"In reply to JonS. Er... No! "; Reply

On 8 November 2006, conner wrote re: Highwayman (Nether Burrow) (reply to brian of 7 November 2006):"I have never been to Northcote Manor (nobody willing to pay) but I have been to the Three Fishes. Could be good. Probably the only way to make the Highwayman pay."; Reply

On 8 November 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: John O'Gaunt (Central Lancaster) (reply to JonS of 7 November 2006):"A bit far to walk at lunch time, I fear. "; Reply

On 8 November 2006, JonS wrote re: John O'Gaunt (Central Lancaster) (reply to Richard S of 8 November 2006):"Don't knock it until you've tried it! And don't forget the New Inn just round the corner from the Smugglers. If you like locals pubs which sell excellent beer and don't have audio pollution, then these are for you. The Ranch House caters for a different market, but does have excellent beer. Come on, be brave, break out of the Lancaster habit"; Reply

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On 9 November 2006, flashredtiger wrote re: John O'Gaunt (Central Lancaster) (reply to Richard S of 8 November 2006):"Why are you so instantly dismissive of Morecambe pubs? If you have a story of personal experience to share, share it. Otherwise may I suggest you keep your simple negative comment to yourself as in itself it does nothing favourable to promote the aims of the organisation we support, remember the four aims. It is fair to say that the pubs of Morecambe go are equal to the pubs of Lancaster in respect of the CAMRA aims. "; Reply

On 9 November 2006, Chris P wrote re: John O'Gaunt (Central Lancaster) (reply to JonS of 8 November 2006):"I normally just browse this website but feel I HAVE to comment. Until Morecambe sorts out its all too obvious drug and violence problem I will not be drinking there. The last time I endured an evening in the town I was offered drugs by a complete stranger, witnessed a bottle being thrown by a man at his girlfriend and saw more under 18 year olds than over. This just doesn't happen to me in Lancaster. Let's face it I'm sure those pubs would be great if they were situated elsewhere. However Morecambe needs 10 years of social engineering."; Reply

On 9 November 2006, JonS wrote re: John O'Gaunt (Central Lancaster) (reply to Chris P of 9 November 2006):"There a certain pubs in Lancaster which equally could be condemned on the grounds of violence or underage drinking. I won't mention names. However the fact remains that any town has certain places that are a problem. Simple don't go there - go to those that ARE well run. If you go to the Smugglers or New Inn you wont have any problems with violence drugs or underage customers. They are well run good, safe pubs with good cheap beer. Neither are in the current town centre - both are in historic part of Poulton, away from the lager circuit"; Reply

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On 10 November 2006, flashredtiger wrote re: John O'Gaunt (Central Lancaster) (reply to Chris P of 9 November 2006):"Surely you're not so naive as to be suggesting that drugs and violence are exclusive to Morecambe. The local Constabulary will be able to provide you with some facts and figures to show that Lancaster has problems like any other town. I wonder whether you're really a lagerboy, as reading your message I don't think you were drinking in the cask ale houses of Morecambe when you 'endured' these events. Maybe you could enlighten us as to when and where you 'endured' these events. You see what you state slings mud without substance and that's unhelpful to say the least. Why not mention the fact that within the past couple of months, Morecambe has established a town Pubwatch with almost 40 licenced premises on board, that a number of troublemakers have already been banned under the scheme. Maybe you don't mention this because you'd have to accept that Morecambe is sorting out its problems rather than pretending they don't exist."; Reply

On 10 November 2006, JonS wrote re: Shrimp (Morecambe):"Currently closed while what appears to be major building works are going on Presumably the result of the takeover?"; Reply

On 10 November 2006, anonymous wrote re: Brown Cow (Lancaster):"I agree. This pub has lost all character now. RIP, sadly. The beer is okay, but certainly not quality. The last nigth I was in there the place was a mess - tables awash with beer, ashtrays full, a fight in the bar, blood in the urinals. Shame, real shame."; Reply

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On 12 November 2006, JonS wrote re: John O'Gaunt (Central Lancaster) (reply to flashredtiger of 10 November 2006):"I understand from conversations tonight with some of the Morecambe licensees that the only people - so far - who have had to be banned from all Morecambe pubs under the "Pubwatch" scheme were from Ryelands - and were probably only in Morecambe because they'd already been banned from Lancaster. As the yanks would say "go figure""; Reply

On 12 November 2006, anonymous wrote re: Dalton Arms (Glasson Dock):"beer good well worth the trip from liverpool just for the food service excellent try lamb henry"; Reply

On 12 November 2006, Jan wrote re: John O'Gaunt (Central Lancaster) (reply to JonS of 12 November 2006):"I understand that for some the real ale pubs of Morecambe are a cut above some of the teenage dives that permeate Lancaster, and that most pubs in Lancaster that do sell real ale will sell exactly the same pint that you can buy in Morecambe for anything upto 50p a pint more than you would pay in Morecambe. However that aside Morecambe and Lancaster have some of the best real ale houses in the country and we as a branch must support all the pubs in the Lunesdale branch. If you're rich enough support the Lancaster pubs then do feel free to spend anything upto £5 per night more, if not come and enjoy some ale on the other side of the river. After all the chances are it's the same lorry that delivered to both sides of the river at exactly the same wholesale price to begin with. There is an old saying, and that is use them or lose them, and that is especially true of real ale houses as the market is still very much niche and if I as a licensee lose more real ale than I sell I'm not going to keep it. Jon made a valid point about Pubwatch, ten people were banned on the inaugural meeting of the Morecambe branch, 9 of these were Lancaster 'lads' that were no longer welcome in their own town. That dosen't mean to say we don't have our problems, they normally seem to be getting people to go home at the end of a session rather than trying to entice them out in the first place."; Reply

On 12 November 2006, flashredtiger wrote re: John O'Gaunt (Central Lancaster) (reply to JonS of 12 November 2006):"Well you're very misinformed John, on both counts. Say no more."; Reply

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On 13 November 2006, JonS wrote re: John O'Gaunt (Central Lancaster) (reply to flashredtiger of 12 November 2006):"I don't understand that one - from what Jan says I though I got it pretty much right and I had thought FlashRedTiger and I were arguing the same point - or was it aimed at a different "John"?"; Reply

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On 14 November 2006, sharon wrote re: Imperial (Morecambe):"Lovely pub too drink in,Staff were very friendly and helpful.I felt very welcome.Asked why there no cask beer and the reply was that there wasn't alot of people who drank it,don't blame them really if people can't be bothered to ask!!!!!!"; Reply

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On 16 November 2006, flashredtiger wrote re: Imperial (Morecambe) (reply to sharon of 14 November 2006):"Think your missing the thread here sharon. This site is about championing those premises which promote the sale of casks beers, whilst ensuring that they are kept in good condition. It wasn't the lack of demand that led to the Imp ceasing to offer cask ales, moreover the lack of anyone to look after them."; Reply

On 16 November 2006, JonS wrote re: Imperial (Morecambe) (reply to flashredtiger of 16 November 2006):"Don't forget that the following West End pubs DO all sell hand-pumped beer (admiteedly of varying quality in one or two cases), so there IS a demand: Cumberland View (Thwaites bitter) Battery (Thwaites bitter0 Upstairs Downstairs (Theakstons bitter) Ranch House - varying choice with at least three on at any time. Whether you like Thwaites & Theakstons or not (I don't), the fact remains that there is enough sold in these pubs to prove there is a demand in the West End for real ale. The Imperial itself used to sell a fair bit of Holts a couple of years ago. I rather fear Flashred is correct ihn his assessment. I suspect the same probably also applies to Davy Jones Locker, which was once Mitchells only real ale outlet in Morecambe and is now unusual among their pubs in being keg only."; Reply

On 16 November 2006, martin wrote re: Imperial (Morecambe) (reply to JonS of 16 November 2006):"Last time I was in Upstairs Downstairs it sold Bank's Bitter and Davy Jones's Locker ditto Everards. How up-to-date is your information?"; Reply

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On 17 November 2006, JonS wrote re: Imperial (Morecambe) (reply to martin of 16 November 2006):"Upstairs-Downstairs - two weeks Davy Jones - 3-4 months. I'll go back and check again ASAP "; Reply

On 17 November 2006, flashredtiger wrote re: Imperial (Morecambe) (reply to martin of 16 November 2006):"JonS is spot on here. Upstairs Downstairs hasn't been with W&D for a good while now. It serves only one cask, Theakstons Best. Davy Jones's generally has a cask on, Thwaites Bomber."; Reply

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On 18 November 2006, martin wrote re: Fenwick Arms (Claughton):"This pub is due to feature in Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares on Tuesday 21 Nov."; Reply

On 18 November 2006, JonS wrote re: Fenwick Arms (Claughton) (reply to martin of 18 November 2006):"extending their opening hours would probably help - I went there last Sunday around 5pm hoping to get meal after a days hillwalking and found the place closed. The Ship at Caton got the business instead. "; Reply

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On 19 November 2006, JonS wrote re: Fenwick Arms (Claughton) (reply to JonS of 18 November 2006):"Same again today (Sunday) - i went past at 17:10 and there were several cars in the carpark with potential customers - but the place was shut"; Reply

On 19 November 2006, flashredtiger wrote re: Fenwick Arms (Claughton) (reply to JonS of 19 November 2006):"I popped in on Saturday lunch (I was passing by & thought I'd have a quick half after reading Martin's comment it had put the place in my mind), a family of 4 walked in infront of me looking for a meal, the girl behind the bar said she didn't know if they were serving food and went to the kitchen to find out. It made me check the time - 2.01pm. I found this to be strange in what must be a food led pub. Don't know what the outcome was as I left before the girl returned. By the way only one cask on - Black Sheep Bitter."; Reply

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On 20 November 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: Castle (Hornby):"Passed by this esablishment yesterday, and there is a sign announcing that it is for sale by auction through a Preston agent. Knowing the greed of the local property developers, it seems quite possible that a bid could be made with a view to conversion to residental apartments, as Hornby seems to be a sought after location for residence at present. However, having seen that the Royal at Kirby Lonsdale is being refurbished to be let as a 14 bed hotel, there is still hope that it will remain as a hotel or catering establishment of some sort. However, as this is rapidly becoming an eyesore in the centre of the village, it needs something to be done and soon - somebody has poisoned or cut the roots of the Virginia Creeper on the facade, and it really looks sad when compbined with the boarded up doors and windows. "; Reply

On 20 November 2006, JonS wrote re: King’s Arms (Burton-in-Kendal):"This is just outside the area in Westmorland territory, but is worth a visit. Quiet village inn, no muzak, selling six real ales.Tonight two from Everards, two from Moorhouses, Black Sheep bitter & Jennings mild. I only had the mild (driving) and it was excellent. Regarding South Lakeland pubs, just found this interesting website which may give some ideas of where else to try: http://www.storth.com/pubs.htm "; Reply

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On 21 November 2006, martin wrote re: King’s Arms (Burton-in-Kendal) (reply to JonS of 20 November 2006):"I'd like to endorse Jon's remarks on the King's Arms, and also to point out that his link has been on the links page of this site for years."; Reply

On 21 November 2006, JonS wrote re: Longlands (Tewitfield):"Three real ales on this evening: Black Sheep Bitter, Bomber and Tirrel Old Faithfull. I deliberately tried the Tirrel brew as on previous occassions I'd been underwhelmed by it and hoped for better, but have to report the same again. Bland, sweet and uninviting - almost a home-brew taste. I don't think its a fault of the pub, just (to my palate) a poor brew. If you try this pub (and there is every reason that you should - its a good place) stick to the Black Sheep or Bomber"; Reply

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On 22 November 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: Fenwick Arms (Claughton) (reply to flashredtiger of 19 November 2006):"Well - Mr Ramsay did have a few words to say about this pub, didn't he? Shame that we never actually saw what cask beers were being offered (at least I couldn't make out the clips). Did anybody see somebody they knew supping there?"; Reply

On 22 November 2006, anonymous wrote re: George & Dragon (Lancaster):"There will be a texas hold 'em poker night held here on friday 24th November, starting at 8pm. Its free to enter, and there are various prizes available. There is also a chance to win a trip to Las Vegas. Why not come down and take the opportunity to sample the top notch food, and fantastic cask range!"; Reply

On 22 November 2006, martin wrote re: Fenwick Arms (Claughton) (reply to Brewmaster of 22 November 2006):"I definitely spotted a Black Sheep pump clip, which is what they usually sell. I also spotted myself (on the relaunch night, standing looking gormless in a red shirt, and, no, I didn't know what was going on till I got there)."; Reply

On 22 November 2006, JonS wrote re: Davy Jones' Locker (Morecambe):"I have to correct what I said in a thread elsewhere about this pub - I went in this afternoon and Martin & RedflashTiger are correct: it DOES now have real ale. Two hand pumps, only one in use selling Bomber (of average quality -tasted just like a sugared-up version of Thwaites bitter) Very cheap - £1.86/pint, but worth the trip to visit it? - NO! "; Reply

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On 24 November 2006, anonymous wrote re: New Inn (Galgate):"Super Pint - lovely staff"; Reply

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On 26 November 2006, Mr and Mrs Mcdonald wrote re: Blue Anchor (Bolton-le-Sands):"what a brilliant atmosphere. The landlord and landlady made us feel really welcome definatley will return very soon. "; Reply

On 26 November 2006, JonS wrote:"Cider should've thought of this before given the recent focus on real cider, but if anyone is looking for guides to makers of real cider try these web sites. Could be worth adding to the "links" section http://homepage.ntlworld.com/scrumpy/cider/makers.htm http://homepage.ntlworld.com/scrumpy/cider/brewers1.htm http://ukcider.co.uk/wiki/index.php/Cider_Pub_Guide http://www.ukcider.co.uk/real.htm"; Reply

On 26 November 2006, JonS wrote re: New Inn (Galgate) (reply to of 24 November 2006):"super pint of what?"; Reply

On 26 November 2006, JonS wrote re: Blue Anchor (Bolton-le-Sands) (reply to Mr and Mrs Mcdonald of 26 November 2006):"which beer did you drink and what was it like?"; Reply

On 26 November 2006, JonS wrote re: Ma Murphy's Irish Bar (Morecambe):"Just for the record for any casual visitors, this pub does not have real ale. Guinness tastes OK if you like that kind of thing"; Reply

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On 27 November 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: Lancaster Brewery Co:"New occasional from Caton Road has turned up in the Sun (and prbably the Witch before its transfer to Mitchells) Dark Side if the Lune - a very dangerously drinkable dark brew, which tastes very dark, due to inclusion of a fair slug of chocolate malt in the grist, but also very hoppy and dry by comparison to many of the stronger and slightly paler semi-dark brews produced thus far - it is almost a stout in darkness and dryness - in fact, the taste is lingering yet - twenty minutes after I walked out of the bar. The nearest that I can get to this one is actually some of the dry Czec dark lagers like Budvar Dark. It's a corker."; Reply

On 27 November 2006, Flashredtiger wrote re: New Inn (Galgate) (reply to JonS of 26 November 2006):"Good point JonS. Keep the focus where it should be, on the beer. There's getting to be more free ads. here than in a copy of Loot."; Reply

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On 28 November 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: Lancaster Brewery Co (reply to Brewmaster of 27 November 2006):"Today, the Dark Side had been sitting a little longer, and in keeping with most Lancaster brews, has improved for the sitting - cellar men, take note, these beers are quite slow to mature once racked and spiled. An initial sweetness can now be picked up which was masked yesterday by the bitterness, and today, that bitterness has retreated a bit. However, the brew is still quite dry by comparison to most other 4.7 darks that I have tasted where the bitterness gives way to sweetness (or is missing altogether. This brew is back to front in that respect and the sweetness disappears to leave a fairly dry and bitter finish. I believe from a barside converastion that this brew is also currently on offer in at least one of the Wetherspoon houses in town, but is not in particularly good fettle."; Reply

On 28 November 2006, JonS wrote re: New Inn (Galgate) (reply to Flashredtiger of 27 November 2006):"Precisely. There have been a lot of anonymous or possibly pseudonymic postings recently praising pubs without giving any detail of the beer, or of the reason WHY the pub deserves praise. Seems fishy to me, especially as so many have been Mitchells houses (New Inn, Golden Ball, Blue Anchor come to mind). I've nothing against landlords posting to say what they're doing / whats changing / what beers are on: after all thats real news, but I don't like this current trend towards wants seems almost sycophancy (I would say hagiography but can you use that term about a pub?)"; Reply

On 28 November 2006, JonS wrote re: Lancaster Brewery Co (reply to Brewmaster of 28 November 2006):"After Dark Side of the Lune, is it true they're releasing one called "Wish You Drank Here"???"; Reply

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On 29 November 2006, JonS wrote re: Eric Bartholomew (Morecambe):"I occasionally go in here during the daytime, simply due to proximity to the town centre. I was amazed today by the service: for the first time in the last ten visits I did not have to queue at the bar. Mainly because no-one else was waiting. Most days there are four staff on, of which only one serves beer, the rest stand about chatting, or moving empty glasses around, or "managing". On four of the last ten visits I was waiting so long I walked out. On three occaasions I've eaten there and regretted it: half-cooked cardboard microwave chips. I have to give credit and say that on each occasion when I've managed to get served the beer has been drinkable. I had a lager-style real ale today the name of which I can't remember, which from the taste probably had a fair degree of wheat in it. Had a bit of an acid taste, a bit cidery. Which brings me to the last point: there no longer seems to be any attempt to sell cask cider there now. For the last few visits the "Old Rosie" pump was labelled "off", now there isn't a cider pump at all. In my view Old Rosie is not the best cider to sell in a pub like this: they'd be better off with a weaker 5%, less ascerbic brew. For most people the taste of Old Rosie is simply too much to take in more than a pint at a time. Thats probably why they dont have the sales to justify keeping it."; Reply

On 29 November 2006, JonS wrote re: Blue Anchor (Bolton-le-Sands) (reply to JonS of 26 November 2006):"Just realised this is not the first posting of this type for the Blue Anchor Bolton-le-Sands: a similar was posted on 8th October by "Mrs N Joseph" It seems a secret shopping visit may ne in order to see what the place and beer is really like...and whether it really is good or whether someone is trying to pull a fast one"; Reply

On 29 November 2006, JonS wrote re: Shrimp (Morecambe):"Still closed, signs indicate reopening scheduled for 4th December (as a Toby Inn) Also signs recruiting for staff, so what happened to the previous lot? Were they all sacked? Sounds a bit iffy somewhow "; Reply

On 29 November 2006, conner wrote re: Royal (Heysham):"Did a crawl around the local hostelries yesterday. As usual the beer here was much better than anywhere else on the peninsula. It seems to have recovered from its poor patch (as evinced by Mike's posting). Moorhouse's seems to be flavour of the month with Mitchells, not that I'm complaining, although I would like to see more Brysons."; Reply

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On 30 November 2006, JonS wrote re: Shrimp (Morecambe) (reply to JonS of 29 November 2006):"sorry - factual error there - it reopens on the 11th December. Other comments sill valid though"; Reply

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On 1 December 2006, JonS wrote re: Blue Anchor (Bolton-le-Sands) (reply to JonS of 29 November 2006):"Well the mystery shopper went to the Blue Anchor. Good busy atmosphere in the pub, mainly the elder set enjoying old-fashioned pub banter. (In marked contrast to the Packet Boat which had four customers) However when it gets to the beer, less pleasing news. Choice of four: Black Sheep Bitter, Moorhouses Blond Witch & Premier, and Everards Beacon. First to be tried was the Black Sheep. This lasted like it had been hanging around too long. No life in it at all, flat warm, almost salty. Not offensive to drink, just not very attractive. I would score it 1/5. Next was the Blond Witch. This had a bit more taste to it, and wasn't quite as warm. It sill had a slight trace of carbonation so was probably a fresher barrel. 2/5. I didn't have time to taste the other two. In my opionion - and it is only an opionion based on one visit - I would suggest the problem is too many beers on tap for the turnover. Better a village pub like this has a choice of two fresh beers, than four stale ones."; Reply

On 1 December 2006, JonS wrote re: Ranch House (Morecambe):"I know this pub is not to everyones tastes, but a visit on wednesday evening was worthwhile. Four beers on draught, all priced at £1.80 / pint. Thwaites Bomber, Wells Bombardier, Roosters Leghorn and Dogs Bollocks. I had pints of the Leghorn and Bollocks and both were excellent - except for being pulled through an Angram swanneck with the nozzle too tight, making them too frothy (to my southern taste). Because of that I'd give both 4/5 - with a decent pump I'd have marked them both as 5. I'll repeat what I said a few weeks ago - if you object to paying £2.50 / pint for the same beer in Lancaster, come to Morecambe. On four pints (or thereabouts) you'll save the cost of the return bus fare"; Reply

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On 3 December 2006, JonS wrote re: Cumberland View (Heysham):"spent an hour in here at lunch time today, and the Thwaites Original was as good as last time. As a rule I don't like Thwaites bitter, but this is probably as good a pint of it as you'll get anywhere, and is very drinkable Cheap as well - £1.84 / pint. What does it cost in Lancaster?"; Reply

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On 5 December 2006, oakham wrote re: Victoria (Glasson Dock):"This is a rare "Oasis" in a desert of "same old pubs" Why? This year there has been a constantly well presented selection of Guest Beers (normally 4 available) recently, fine examples from Clarks, Holden's, Moorhouses and Tom Woods to name but a few. All beers are in 1st class condition and well kept by an enthusiastic management team and pleasant staff who are genuinely interested in providing a good product and service, again a rare and refreshing experience. To complement the fine ales, there is a fine menu for diners, again, produced to the same high standard as the beers. Drinking and dining areas as with the whole pub are clean, tidy and frequently maintained both inside (and outside when weather permits). This is defiantly worth the small detour down to the harbour, if only other pubs were like this! Must be a contender for "Country Pub of the Year" a credit to the Team at the Victoria keep it up! "; Reply

On 5 December 2006, oakham wrote re: Fleece (Dolphinholme):"Recently had a disappointing experience at the Fleece, on arrival only 2 out of 6 pumps available, having settled and paid for the "Fleece own label" it turned out to be well past its sell by date. The badge was immediately turned round, and the glass replenished with the only remaining ale, an "average presented" Moorhouses Blond. Ok occasional mistakes happen, however its disappointing to be served expensive beer that quite clearly must have been off the previous day, the taste supported the odour, of which trained staff should automatically recognise and decline service. 1 out of 6 pumps available? deserved reputations are hard to achieve, "Country Pub of the Year?", the beer on the day in question certainly wasn't, shame, wont be rushing back!"; Reply

On 5 December 2006, oakham wrote re: Priory (Scorton):"Since surrendering title of "County Pub of The Year 2005" there has been no change in standard of beer at the Priory. Beer, consistently well presented, at a very competitive rates, encourages you to have another pint!. Bowland Beers have to be complemented on a fine range of differing beers all to a high standard, Hen Harrier an especially fine example. Great to see fame hasn't given way to complacency, looking forward to the seasonal Christmas Ales in the next few weeks, last years selection was probably some of the best in the area. Well worth a visit!"; Reply

On 5 December 2006, oakham wrote re: Limeburner's Arms (Nether Kellet):"This is a rare treat for those who just want to drink well presented beer without the "food experience" on the same premises. As the Landlord has the relative freedom of selection, beers can turn up from far and wide, many well known "classics" that aren't often available in this area (outside the usual beer festivals), provide the beer drinker with the anticipation of asking "what's on this week/next week". Regardless of make, model, it will be well presented and affordable! The Limeburers is slowly being refurbished, without changing any of its unique characteristics that make this pub standout. For those who can remember what "proper pubs" should look like inside this is a good example. No modern plastic, distasteful décor, that many recently locally refurbished pubs subject us too, and the inflated costs we have to pay for the privilege! Ok, so its not a big pub, easily missed driving past, the choice is limited, might not be the venue for that "first date" and the opening times (evenings and Sunday's) may not suit all, but........... if you like great beer and a bag of crisps with no frills this is the place you! For the dedicated beer drinker worth a visit! "; Reply

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On 6 December 2006, Ian S wrote re: Keys (Slyne):"Dec 2nd 2006 Called in for a meal in desperation,Slyne lodge was full! New manager had only taken over on the monday.Only one beer on Theakstons,but I was pleasantly surprised with the food,it was quite good and reasonably priced. The staff were friendly,the new menu starts this week."; Reply

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On 7 December 2006, JonS wrote re: Keys (Slyne) (reply to Ian S of 6 December 2006):"At a rough guess new menu launch timed to compete with the re-opening of the Shrimp It may not be obvious, but the two pubs compete in the lunchtime business trade, and the sunday "take granny to lunch" trade"; Reply

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On 8 December 2006, anonymous wrote re: Victoria (Glasson Dock):"Having not visited for a while we had a lovely suprise, the pub has been re decorated was spotless, the staff were pleasant and enthusiastic. what a change.The food was excellent as was the service. There was a good selection of cask ales which were all available we had the Black Sheep which was very good. Children are catered for but due to the fact there's no longer a play area they weren't running around as they were the last time we visited. A sheltered beer garden replaced that so we will definately be back. Well done."; Reply

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On 9 December 2006, Brewmaster wrote:"May I open a new debate on here - not about the quality of beer or of pubs, but about the great dearth of pubs which now allow customers to bring a dog into the establishement. I have been a dog owner for years, and used to be able to pop in for a pint with walkies - and usually the dog was fussed, fed with crisps, etc. Yesterday, I was in town with my really well behaved spaniel in tow - and was amazed by the number of pubs where we were not welcome - I felt as if I had been barred from over 70% of the pubs in town - and was being left with the less salubrious houses still open to me. Luckily one of my personal favourites and regulars still welcomed us - the JOG. How like old times that was! I don't accept that food hygene and dogs in the bar are incompatible - but many managers and landlords seen to be using the move to "meal service" as an excuse to rid their pubs of what is seen as a hinderance - but a well behaved dog under good control proves no problem to the running of the pub, or to its hygene. I live in one of the outlying villages to Lancaster, where the local used to let me take my dog in when we were having our constitutional - but the last change of management not only brought a new sign above the door - but also one on the door - the one with a picture of a dog crossed out - if I can't take the dog in, I won't go in - no doubt the value that my visits made to the profits will not hurt - but the current publican's attitude to dogs does hurt me!"; Reply

On 9 December 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: Black Bull (Brookhouse):"But will the new guv'nor lift the restriction on dogs in the bar (see my other general post on this topic) - if not, I doubt that I will be checking the quality of his beer."; Reply

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On 10 December 2006, JonS wrote re: George & Dragon (Lancaster):"I thought it was about time I paid this pub a visit as its had so many free adverts on the site. This was my first visit since the last change of ownership. On thursday two beers only on hand pump: Greene King IPA and Black Sheep bitter. I had a pint of Black Sheep and have to report it was in better condition than the same brew I'd just had in the John of Gaunt (and 20p cheaper) The JOG brew was overcold - and fizzy to taste! Thats the good news, now on to the rest. The pub was virtually empty - so empty that one member of staff was sitting at the bar typing the questions in a PC (presumably) for the next pub quiz, safe from anyone overlooking. I'm sure the lack of trade is because the ambience of the pub has gone from bad to worse, with the low-level seating installed during the last update removed, and replaced by three mock farmhouse dining tables (and matching chairs)and a number of high-level tables with tall stools (the kind of thing you see in railway bars becuse you can pile the luggage under the table easily). The wall seats have all gone. That means if you got more than 15 or so in the front of the bar you'd run out of seats. (Mind you theres probably not much chance of that many customers being in anyway) The floor has been ruined - they've tried to strip it back to bare wood and failed badly. You now have an offputting patchwork of clean and badly stained areas of wood. The whole lost needs grinding down, resealing and polishing like it used to be. The pub is overbright, with white walls and wallmounted high intensity uplighters. Finally, all the old historic photos have gone (including the one of the then British-record Sturgeon), to be replaced with a small number of "artworks" so trite I can't remember the details of them. Art with a capital F maybe. Overall the decor in offputting and unappealing to anyone except those used to working in hairdressing salons. Yet again someone has come to this pub and attempted to stamp their view of where they think people should drink - and it doesn't work. Didn't work last time either, or the time before. What this pub needs is to be turned back into a real pub again, - it worked in the past and it can work again. The more attempts there are to poncify it like this, the more the locals will vote with their feet - and go elswhere (eg the Wagon, which was full on the same night) The exterior of this pub is listed, its just a damn shame that the insides of pubs don't have preservation orders on them as well. If they did this pub could still be what it used to be, and should still be - a good, busy locals boozer. As a last comment, if anyone wonders why I only stayed for one pint - I object to what I presume was a member of the bar staff shouting unintelligible inanities at me across the room. "; Reply

On 10 December 2006, JonS wrote re: Wagon & Horses (Lancaster):"Happy to say that a visit on Thursday indicated that the staff now seem to understand why they are there - busy evening, but no waiting to get served. Also the beer seems to have recovered - certainly the XB was very drinkable"; Reply

On 10 December 2006, JonS wrote re: John O'Gaunt (Central Lancaster):"For me another step down the slippery slope of standards for this pub. Went in briefly on thurday evening, had a pint of Black Sheep, thoroughly unimpressed. Cold, tasteless, overfizzy (OK possibly a new barrel) and most disturbingly a short pint with a big head - something that would never have been tolerated before. The particular lady concerned seems to be increasingly making a habit of this. I really do get the impression that management has been devolved too far."; Reply

On 10 December 2006, JonS wrote (reply to Brewmaster of 9 December 2006):"Probably too far out of your way, but they love dogs in the Smugglers - some nights theres virtually a menagerie there! Going on to the food/dogs issue - this seemed to be something that was forced onto pub landlords a few years ago by the local Public Health Inspectors. I understood that locally they preferred to interpret the rules as meaning dogs & food are incompatible, even though inspectors in other areas took different views. It would be interesting to know if the same is still true "; Reply

On 10 December 2006, Angryman wrote:"I think the real reason why landlords don't encourage dogs is two-fold. Firstly a lot of dogs are beyond reproach: many dog owners ARE perfectly respectable and take care to keep their perfect pooches under control, unfortunately the majority treat their miserable mutts like the blessed results of self-financed IVF. God forbid such noble creatures are kept on a lead, God forbid that they're held back from begging at crisp eating customers tables and (most of all) God help any bar staff that dare to challenge the aforesaid sacred animals rights. Secondly, delightful doggies don't help a pub's image - there is nothing worse than wandering into a bar and witnessing random scraggy semi-domesticated animals running around making horrible noises and at certain (mainly Mitchell run pubs) the dogs make it even worse. No - Dogmaster - the day you're allowed to take your aforementioned canine companion to restaurants, cafes, shops and suntan salons (yes, it was me watching you there !!) will be the day that I acquiesce to an open doggie door policy. "; Reply

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On 11 December 2006, Jan wrote re: Smugglers' Den (Morecambe) (reply to JonS of 10 December 2006):"Dogs and food. Let's just say they do mix, esecially when they have responsible owners. You are right about the Smugglers Jon, dogs are allowed there with well behaved owners of course! Ruddles County is on special there this week at £2 per pint to clear as Deuchars IPA is due to replace it shortly. Other guests there include Fury from Highgate brewery and Dorothy Goodbody from Wye Valley Brewery. Coming soon Cornish Knocker from Skinners along with Sleighbell Everards and Rosy Nosey from Batemans. Xmas day the Smugglers will be open 11 till 2 and for regulars only of course there will be a free pint as usual."; Reply

On 11 December 2006, Brewmaster wrote (reply to Angryman of 10 December 2006):"I have to say that I don't believe that my dog is a sacred animal to be revered and allowed to run amok in licenced premises - or indeed any other premises. She is well behaved, is kept on a lead at all times whilst in an urban or suburban area - and I clean up behind her at every occasion. I have been welcomed with her into a number of hotels, and also to holiday cottages. Indeed one hotel in Wiltshire actually allows her to stay in the room with me and accompany me to breakfast, provided we eat in the lounge area instead of the dining room - and that hotel is a brewery owned three star hotel in a town centre - and they also don't charge me for her presence - she is also welcomed in the bar in the evenings. She does not beg crisps, or food from the dining customers, and sits quite happily at my feet whilst I eat and/or drink. Another in the same chain in Sussex has a similar policy, and even allocates me a room near to the rear entrance so that I can get her out to the back car park to do her business more quickly in the evening and first thing - but they do not insist that I use that door all the time. It is not often that I can find much good to say about Greeme King, but in this connection, many of their hotels are more dog friendly than most of the town centre pubs in Lancaster. If you ask the regulars in the JOG, they too will say that I have a very placid and well behaved animal which is not pampered beyond belief, and which is treated like a dog - i.e. a pet/companion rather than a surrogate child. I also acknowedge that in that respect I am probably very much in the minority, as I too have seen some horrendous examples of canine extremes of behaviour, largely coming from the treatment of the dog as a "little person". If dog owners would accept that this is an animal with its own behaviour patterns and needs, which can't be moulded to confirm with human standards, I suspect that more pubs would actually still welcome dogs through their doors. The late John Fisher had it right when he answered the majority of questions as to "why does my dog do that?" with the answer - "because it's a dog!"."; Reply

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On 12 December 2006, JonS` wrote re: Morecambe (Morecambe):"Information tonight while drinking in the Smugglers, was that the Morecambe Inn is closed with yet another landlord leaving at short notice. No news regarding possible reopening / replacement landlord, though it has to be said that recent history of this pub would suggest reopening would not be Punches best option. With two good locals pubs round the corner (one owned by Punch), a cheap club directly across the road, and a clientele marked by its legal inability to buy alcohol and a fondness for non-alcoholic mental "enhancement" there has to be a case for closing the place for good and selling the building for other uses. It has to be said that from an ale-drinkers point of view, the demise of this pub would not be noticed - and arguably should be welcomed if it brings more trade to the New Inn and Smugglers"; Reply

On 12 December 2006, JonS wrote re: New Inn (Galgate):"Quick visit tonight found just one real ale on - Moorhouses Premier. In good nick. very drinkable. Shame I was driving as I would have been happy drinking a lot more. Possibly a good example of a pub selling one real ale well, rather than a multitude badly. "; Reply

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On 13 December 2006, Jim Shepherd wrote re: Stork (Conder Green):"Beer Range is now Old Speckled Hen, Marstons Pedigree, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Boddingtons, Black Sheep Bitter. The Black Sheep was excellent. "; Reply

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On 16 December 2006, Sean wrote re: Water Witch (Lancaster):"Visited the Waterwitch last night, good crowd, really good night. I'm told it is now a Mitchells pub but seemed exactly the same as before to me."; Reply

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On 18 December 2006, JonS wrote re: Flag (Nateby):"My last memories of this pub are from the late 1970's when the local bikers made the "Chequered Flag" a quite intimidating place for a student to enter. Not any more - I dont know what the place has been like in recent years, but an afternoon visit today was an eye-opener following the recent refurb. The building has been opened out inside and is now a very very large lounge area with a mix of low-level couches and dining tables. The overall ambience is of comfort - its akin to the kind of foyer bar you'll get it a lot of higher-quality hotels. Two real ales on - Marstons Burton Bitter (very good) and Jennings Cockobin (untried). Fairly typical food menu, with main courses around £8-10. I had chilli and chips - chilli was good, the chips less so being obviously microwave specials. Overall this is a large clean comfortable pub which doubles as a road house and destination pub (for meals). And one point of note - smoking is barred throughout the pub"; Reply

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On 20 December 2006, JonS wrote re: Strawberry Gardens (Heysham):"Spent half an hour in there last night from 10:30pm . Three real ales on: Theakstons bitter (though pump hidden behind promotional material), Batemans "Rosy Nosy" and an Everards winter special (Sleighbell from memory - not sure). I had a pint of the Everards - warm, sweet sickly. Went back for a pint of the Batemans, and the barmaid starting pouring the Everards again - and more or less insisted on serving me that because she'd already started on it. So I drank a second pint of Everards, which was cooler and tasted more balanced. Probably don't sell enough to keep it cool in the pipes - during the time I was there I didn't see anyone else served with real ale. I would have liked to have tried the Batemans, but by the time I finished the second pint of Everards the bell had rung. It came as a bit of a shock to find that this is one of the few Morecambe pubs which appears not to have extended its opening hours till midnight. Overall ambience is of a large, brightly-lit one-room pub with central serving area. Raised area for darts board, giving the impression of a a "sports club" location, rather than a pub. Obviously popular with the locals, though definately not to my taste!"; Reply

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On 22 December 2006, Pete Stanstead wrote re: George & Dragon (Lancaster):"George & Dragon Lancaster I'm afraid I have to disagree with JonS with regard to the george and dragon, I enjoy this place greatly, I have similar wooden floors in my quayside flat, and the wood is dark and "patchy" in places its a type of salinisation, have you never seen it on wooden ships, probably not. The pub is quiet on occasions that I have been in, but the staff IS all very friendly. He has a Masters and a degree, and works for a local manufacturing company as a quality engineer. He always offers intelligent thinking and conversation, in fact within the whole place there is an air of intelligence from the owners. And intelligence for fresh thinking in their location, everybody always slates someone for trying something different, yet the beer is always on top form, and the range varies at the weekend, with 4 or 5 beers on tap, a small selection of foreign beers, and my wife loves their wines. And i'm pretty sure you spent too much time looking at the floor, to notice that there are more than 3 of those tables, which aren't mock in fact because i know the furniture maker from ulverston who actually made them. And white walls? I haven't seen a spot of white, certain parts are a creamy colour and the lower areas are brown, with some to the rear red. So did you try the food, did you look at how clean the place was, and finally JonS did you see what they were drinking "next door"? Probably not, stop trying to knock the lads for having a go, they are doing a good job at slowly rebuilding a pub that was closed for sometime and what a bloody hard job that must be!"; Reply

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On 24 December 2006, JonS wrote re: George & Dragon (Lancaster) (reply to Pete Stanstead of 22 December 2006):"The damage to the floor is nothing to do with salinisation - its where the glue from the carpet has not been stripped off properly and has retained dirt. It needs cleaning and sanding. Before the carpet was fitted the floor was pretty much a single varnished colour. Yes there are more than three of those tables, my point was that there were three of them in the front of the pub, and they are so oversized that they seriously restrict the available space in the front - which is where most customers used to prefer to sit. The ones at the back simply make the situation worse - they are too big for the size of the building. The fact that they are there severely restrict the number of customers who can get into the place. As to whether they are "mock" - well if they were recently made, in an historic style, and artifically "aged" - (as the tops appear to be), then in my view they count as mock. They certainly are not genuine period items. The walls - they looked white to me, maybe because the lighting is too bright. If you say they're cream, fine maybe they are, but given the brilliance of the illumination they appeared white. I couldn't fault the beer - I said that in my report. As for the food, I normally go to a pub to drink - and that's what I was reporting on. This is a beerdrinkers site, and the food is only a side issue. The is a CAMRA website. As for what was being drunk "next door": quite a lot of Robinsons and Hartleys, all in good condition and very drinkable. I've been drinking in the pubs on the quay for 30 years so I don't really need any lectures on what is sold in the Wagon. I've critised that pub in the past for poor beer, but recently it has improved a lot. As for knocking someone for trying something new, I've no problem with innovation where its suitable or necessary. Where I think its not, I'll say so. In this case its not - you have a place that until a couple of years ago was a successful pub - its only declined BECAUSE successive landlords have tried "fresh thinking" and driven the locals away. It needs someone to understand this and turn the clock back - it its not too late. And where are all the old photos which added a touch of local relevance to the place?"; Reply

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On 27 December 2006, Brewmaster wrote re: Brysons:"Interesting to see that it is proposed to increase the hopping rates of the Bryson's brews to meet a perceived demand for hoppier beers indentified by Mitchell's. This comes as a surprise, as I don't really remember that when they made beer, that they actually produces any particularly highly hopped products themselves. In my opinion, the one thing that does need to be addressed to make Bryson's beers more accessible to the drinking public is to reduce the sulphate content - I have often felt that these brews have a more pronunced Burton Snatch than most of the Burton brews had (Marstons included) - given that we do not have mains water which is not high in mineral content, this snatch must come from treatment of the brewing liquor with magnesium sulphate, and possibly, a little too much of that at times is the root cause of the heavily suphurous nose which can identify Bryson brews."; Reply

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On 29 December 2006, CS wrote re: George & Dragon (Lancaster):"Last visit just before Xmas - Black Sheep - v good, Green King (won't touch it, so don't know) and Hawkshead Bitter in top notch form. JonS's reviews obviously not impressed, however G&D has had a very difficult past over recent 6 or 7 years, and given resurgence of the 3 Mariners, then the fact that its open at all is something - don't knock it so hard. While it's obviously not some people's cup of tea, present staff are trying a lot harder than previous 3 or 4 operators/managers/tennants have. Its a big risk taking on a pub that's been ailing for so long - not just for a couple of years - even its 'glory real ale with regular Fullers' days are now 20 years ago. We drinkers have to remember that pubs are not real ale charities, but businesses that pay wages and also need investment. It would be an equal risk, if not more so. trying to revert to a 'traditional boozer', than cosmetic tinkering. The G&D is not really my cup of tea, but it might be someone's - don't knock someone at least trying harder than anyone has in this pub this century. Food's a side issue, perhaps a 'necessary evil', but its a fact of life. Most pub's can't do without it (or they could, but they would put beer prices up to comensate for lost income from food and non beer drinking sales), so the whole pub has to be viewed as more of a package than just though a beer glass. Count your blessings that its open at all and just diplomatically exercise your choice."; Reply

On 29 December 2006, Carl wrote re: Highwayman (Nether Burrow):"The pub is due to open in the middle of march 2007. It is going to be the second pub for ribble valley inns. It will be run with the same ethos as The Three Fishes at mitton. "; Reply