An ancient thatched and cruck-framed pub that claims to be “the oldest inn in Lancashire”, and features on CAMRA’s National Inventory. It must originally have been in a rural location, but has now been enveloped by nondescript suburbia on the northern fringes of Liverpool. The heavily beamed interior comprises three rooms – the cosy, wood-panelled area on the left by the bar, a central one with dartboard and old fixed seating, and a more modern but still comfortable lounge at the far right end, all warmed by real fires in winter. There’s also extensive outside seating, making it a good place to go out to for a drink on a sunny summer’s day or warm evening.
On my recent visit, there were three cask beers available – Holts Two Hoots, Pendle Blond Witch, and a house beer called Piper 1320, the origin of which the barman didn’t know. No food is currently available. For many years it was a Burtonwood tied house, but is now owend by Admiral Taverns. The pub was recently badly damaged by fire, but fortunately has been restored to its former glory.
