Lancaster
Water Witch
Tow Path, Aldclffe R 01524 63828
Independent brewery cask beers
The building is a former canal company stable block which assumed its present name and use in 1978 - the first true canalside pub on this canal. Wedged between the towpath and a retaining wall, it is very long and narrow. Walls and floors are mostly bare stone. There is a wood-burning stove. A mezzanine floor and the space underneath it are used mainly for dining. Seats on the towpath. Quiz Thursday.
The Water Witch was the most famous of the passenger “packet boats” which once plied the Lancaster Canal.
Open 11-12 (11 Sun)
Food: 12-3, 5.30-9; Sun 12-8.30; cheeseboards 12-8.30 (9 Sun)
Getting there: Getting there: On canal towpath opposite Aldcliffe Rd, most readily approached from the Penny St bridge (Infirmary bus stop: many routes). Also via footbridge from opposite Queen St., which is usually the nearest place to park.
News:
the lease on the has been taken by Mitchells. C2 are concentrating on the hotel-bar concept as prototyped by the Sun. Mitchells are promising to keep things the same, but in fact the cask beers will come from MBW who supply all Mitchell’s pubs — no national brands, but Brysons will replace Lancaster.
5 February 2006The Water Witch is to gain four new handpumps.
4 October 2006The lease on the Water Witch is to be taken by Mitchells. C2 are concentrating on the hotel-bar concept as prototyped by the Sun.
29 October 2006The Water Witch changes hands on the 11 November.
14 November 2006The Water Witch has not yet changed hands. Mitchells are dragging their feet.
2 January 2007The Water Witch has been acquired by Mitchells. First indications are we will be getting ten of the usual Mitchells line-up plus two Lancaster beers.
9 April 2008The Water Witch is closed for refurbishment.
9 May 2008The Water Witch reopened on 7 May. Not drastically changed: back to 9 handpumps, appearance a little blander and more corporate than before.
5 September 2008The manager who came to the Water Witch following the revamp has already left.
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