View Full Version : Preston Crawl, Friday 22nd April 2022
sheffield hatter
11-01-2020, 23:46
This is from the original Northern crawl thread, but will do to kick off discussion about the route:
Preston is pretty good, but there's quite a long way between pubs. I was there in August with a crew from Beer and Pubs Forum - see this thread: my post on 13 August has itinerary and walking distances, to save you reading the whole thing (https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/beerandpubs/preston-trip-friday-23-august-2019-t284-s40.html#p5150). Their suggested lunch stop in the Wellington was pretty awful, despite being in the Good Beer Guide, so in the interest of research I also visited Hogarths (cheap beer but good condition), the Princess Alice (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19788/), the Wellfield (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/55918/) and the Plug & Taps microbar (standing room only at tea time). My idea of the best of Preston based on this visit would be as follows:
Continental (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19661/)
Old Vic (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19853/)
Hogarths (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19852/)
Old Blue Bell (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19635/)
Guild Ale House (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/83929/)
Moorbrook (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19759/)
Vinyl Tap (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19851/)
Market Tap (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19752/)
Black Horse (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19630/)
Plug & Taps (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/86609/)
Others that may be worth a try: The Orchard (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/86728/), Plau (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/85618/), The Northern Way (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54193/) or even the (no longer Mad) Ferret (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/53695/). Any more, anyone?
Suggested route:
Old Vic
Continental
Plug & Taps
Black Horse
Plau/Northern Way/Ferret (wild cards)
Vinyl Tap
Moorbrook
Guild Alehouse
Twelve Tellers/Olde Blue Bell/Hogarths
Market Tap
Haven't checked opening times except Plug & Taps which is 1pm, so should be open by the time we get back from the Continental.
This is only a rough draft and it's more than three months until the day, so I hope there'll be some more ideas.
Aqualung
12-01-2020, 10:03
Suggested route:
Old Vic
Continental
Plug & Taps
Black Horse
Plau/Northern Way/Ferret (wild cards)
Vinyl Tap
Moorbrook
Guild Alehouse
Twelve Tellers/Olde Blue Bell/Hogarths
Market Tap
When I visited Preston 5 years ago I went to the Old Black Bull (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54173/) which was probably GBG listed at the time. It's close to the Black Horse etc, but has it gone to pot?
sheffield hatter
12-01-2020, 10:28
When I visited Preston 5 years ago I went to the Old Black Bull (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54173/) which was probably GBG listed at the time. It's close to the Black Horse etc, but has it gone to pot?
Yes. At least, the review from Jon B in 2018 would suggest so. However, WhatPub from last August says there are two hand pumps with beers from micros or small independent breweries.
When I visited Preston 5 years ago I went to the Old Black Bull (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54173/) which was probably GBG listed at the time. It's close to the Black Horse etc, but has it gone to pot?
It went to pot during my time there from June 2016 to August 2018. The crawl looks well planned, I'd perhaps switch the Conti and Old Vic around but I suppose as it stands is useful for the station.
Brainypool
12-01-2020, 11:56
I like Preston, a quite vibrant city centre which has been revitalised in recent years. And pubs don't really get much better than The Black Horse as far as I'm concerned.
Old Boots covers most pubs that are worth visiting. I would also mention the Roper Hall which is a chain student pub but with very good beer, the Otters Pocket which is a pie and ale place with three good ales on (I usually eat here when I'm in Preston) and Wings & Beer Co which is an American sports bar with five good ales on. The Princess Alice is also handy for the Moorbrook but not worth going out of your way for.
The Dog & Partridge, Old Black Bull, Stanley Arms, New Brit, and Ale Emporium/Speakeasy all used to be very good pubs but I would not recommend any of them now. The Wellington has been GBG listed recently but it's Marstons and mediocre in my opinion.
Aqualung
12-01-2020, 12:19
It went to pot during my time there from June 2016 to August 2018. The crawl looks well planned, I'd perhaps switch the Conti and Old Vic around but I suppose as it stands is useful for the station.
It sounds like a waste of time now!
Aqualung
12-01-2020, 12:27
I'd perhaps switch the Conti and Old Vic around but I suppose as it stands is useful for the station.
I tend to agree with that. I would only go to the Continental if I could get a bus there but the Vic opens at 10:00 rather than midday.
oldboots
12-01-2020, 19:29
The Old Vic is probably best placed as a meeting point being handy for the station and the better pubs, there are worse pubs in Preston. I've never been in the Continental due to its location.
sheffield hatter
12-01-2020, 20:13
I would only go to the Continental if I could get a bus there
How about a taxi share with three other non-walkers?
sheffield hatter
12-01-2020, 20:25
The Old Vic is probably best placed as a meeting point being handy for the station and the better pubs, there are worse pubs in Preston.
Couldn't be much better placed for the station.
I've never been in the Continental due to its location.
The most direct route to the Continental from the railway line is to leap from the train just after crossing the Ribble (if approaching from the south). Probably not advisable.
There is a fairly pleasant walk of just over half a mile*, for those with the legs, lungs and heart to take it on, but the bad news is that it's a similar distance back, and uphill.
* West on Fishergate, crossing the railway bridge and passing County Hall, then left on Walton's Parade, right as it peters out, then left on West Cliff. This looks like it's heading for a dead end, but it continues as a footpath into Avenham and Miller Park. Avoid the railway underpass by turning right on a path and following the railway track (from below) as it approaches the river. Google maps loses the path at this point (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/53.757302,-2.7065102/53.751284,-2.7070023/@53.7529001,-2.7059597,603m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!4m1!3e2), but on the ground it emerges beside a sports ground with the pub in sight just before the river, on the corner of South Meadow Lane to the right.
I tend to agree with that. I would only go to the Continental if I could get a bus there but the Vic opens at 10:00 rather than midday.
The Continental is a bit of a problem. GBG listed with 6 or 7 beers on but out on a 15 minute ramble. Two PuG reviews describe it as boring and disappointing,being more like a restaurant. Not ideal for a "meet up" place. There is a No.114 bus (to Chorley) that leaves from Fishergate outside the station at 20/past the hour. Arrival bus stop is 4 Google minutes (10 Aqualung minutes) from the Continental along South Meadows Lane. Might not be as good getting back though!! Seems like it uses the same stop and circles its way back.
The Continental is a bit of a problem. GBG listed with 6 or 7 beers on but out on a 15 minute ramble. Two PuG reviews describe it as boring and disappointing,being more like a restaurant. Not ideal for a "meet up" place. There is a No.114 bus that leaves from Fishergate outside the station at 20/past the hour. Arrival bus stop is 4 Google minutes (10 Aqualung minutes) from the Continental along South Meadows Lane. Might not be as good getting back though!!
In good weather worth it, with riverside(ish) beer garden. Wouldn't fancy it if raining.
sheffield hatter
13-01-2020, 12:26
The Continental is a bit of a problem. GBG listed with 6 or 7 beers on but out on a 15 minute ramble*. Two PuG reviews describe it as boring and disappointing,being more like a restaurant. Not ideal for a "meet up" place.
Please don't let my jaundiced review (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19661/) put you off! I agree that it's not ideal for a meeting point. But if we meet in the Old Vic around 11:30 to 12, it's a long wait for the Plug & Taps to open at 1. So perhaps we need an alternative second pub for those who don't want to bother with the Continental?
* Not as much as 15 minutes if using my shortcut! See #10 above.
Bucking Fastard
13-01-2020, 12:35
So perhaps we need an alternative second pub for those who don't want to bother with the Continental?
* Not as much as 15 minutes if using my shortcut! See #10 above.
I'm happy to do the walk,but is there a wild card near the Old Vic that could fit the bill for those that don't ?
Aqualung
13-01-2020, 21:01
It won't be a viable target for me on the day but I could get to it on arrival in late march.
sheffield hatter
13-01-2020, 22:10
I'm happy to do the walk,but is there a wild card near the Old Vic that could fit the bill for those that don't ?
Just going to the Black Horse first would do it. Or the Black Bull if the WhatPub update mentioned above (#3) is not overoptimistic.
Aqualung
13-01-2020, 23:25
Just going to the Black Horse first would do it. Or the Black Bull if the WhatPub update mentioned above (#3) is not overoptimistic.
For those not averse to JDWs, the Grey Friar is opposite the Black Bull if I remember rightly. For those not going to the Concertina it might make a better starting point than the Old Vic which can easily be included at the end.
The Orchard seems to be on the route and is GBG listed. Despite Real Ale Ray's Grannygate it looks worth a visit.
Pangolin
14-01-2020, 01:20
My feeling is that putting the Continental in near the start, one that a number of people are unlikely to go to, is rather divisive and will fragment the group before we have really started. Also putting a late opener (Plug & Taps) near the start is a bit limiting. I would suggest starting at the 12 Tellers/Hogarth and picking up the central ones round Church St, then circling up to the north via the Guild Alehouse and Market Tap, sweeping back down via the Friargate ones towards the Old Vic and the station, leaving the Continental as a later option, especially for those staying overnight. (Admittedly not having checked all opening times).
My feeling is that putting the Continental in near the start, one that a number of people are unlikely to go to, is rather divisive and will fragment the group before we have really started. Also putting a late opener (Plug & Taps) near the start is a bit limiting. I would suggest starting at the 12 Tellers/Hogarth and picking up the central ones round Church St, then circling up to the north via the Guild Alehouse and Market Tap, sweeping back down via the Friargate ones towards the Old Vic and the station, leaving the Continental as a later option, especially for those staying overnight. (Admittedly not having checked all opening times).
Starting at the Old Vic has a few advantages. Easy to see and get to from the station, it opens at 10 for early arrivals, it serves breakfast for the early eaters to save the walk to one of the spoons, it is one minute to the 12.20 no.114 bus stop for those who want to ride to the Continental (the 11.20 gets there too soon!).
On the other hand, Hogarths also opens at 10.00 (a spoons with no food!) and the early eaters can go across the road to the "12 Spoons"!
My feeling is that putting the Continental in near the start, one that a number of people are unlikely to go to, is rather divisive and will fragment the group before we have really started. Also putting a late opener (Plug & Taps) near the start is a bit limiting. I would suggest starting at the 12 Tellers/Hogarth and picking up the central ones round Church St, then circling up to the north via the Guild Alehouse and Market Tap, sweeping back down via the Friargate ones towards the Old Vic and the station, leaving the Continental as a later option, especially for those staying overnight. (Admittedly not having checked all opening times).
Chucking an idea in, we could do Old Vic, Conti then arrange a minibus for the uphill two miles to Moorbrook before working some sort of reverse of the original route.
Aqualung
20-01-2020, 19:43
Advance tickets are now available on the fast trains from and to Euston up to 17th April but not Saturday 18th. I couldn't get an advance ticket to Preston but the online super off peak is only 2 quid more than the not that cheap advance ticket returning to Wolverhampton. I'll be arriving just before 11:00 and returning on the 18:17.
Advance tickets are now available on the fast trains fro and to Euston up to 17th April
I'm in..
Will be arriving into Preston just before 11.30AM and am on the 20.00PM out of Town..
Bucking Fastard
22-01-2020, 15:31
I'm in..
Will be arriving into Preston just before 11.30AM and am on the 20.00PM out of Town..
Yes I'm booked on the same services so should be in pub #1 just after 11.30am :drinkup::drinkup::drinkup:
Am trying to get in around 11.30.:drinkup:
oldboots
13-02-2020, 11:29
I'm booked to arrive at 11:38 and leave at 18:46.
And don't forget the OXO cubes! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj-WJHUO6ag) :evilgrin:
oldboots
14-02-2020, 07:18
And don't forget the OXO cubes! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj-WJHUO6ag) :evilgrin:
snork
Aqualung
23-02-2020, 09:33
I'm currently booking advance rail tickets for mid May and Hotels for June. Should the Summer outing be on the agenda?
oldboots
23-02-2020, 11:45
I'm currently booking advance rail tickets for mid May and Hotels for June. Should the Summer outing be on the agenda?
Good thinking I’ve started thread for venue suggestions. As we should be in the middle of the country this autumn I guess it will be southerly in the summer
Aqualung
17-03-2020, 21:50
I'm pretty certain to miss this one. I've got an operation lined up for bowel cancer on Friday week.
I'm pretty certain to miss this one. I've got an operation lined up for bowel cancer on Friday week.
Very sad to hear this. I hope all goes well for you.
Mobyduck
18-03-2020, 05:49
I'm pretty certain to miss this one. I've got an operation lined up for bowel cancer on Friday week.
Oh dear, good luck
Bucking Fastard
18-03-2020, 07:57
I'm pretty certain to miss this one. I've got an operation lined up for bowel cancer on Friday week.
Sorry to hear that,hope everything goes well.Maybe Winchester ?
Wittenden
18-03-2020, 08:19
I'm pretty certain to miss this one. I've got an operation lined up for bowel cancer on Friday week.
Very sorry to hear this,take care.
sheffield hatter
18-03-2020, 08:49
I'm pretty certain to miss this one. I've got an operation lined up for bowel cancer on Friday week.
Hope it goes well and you make a good recovery.
Pangolin
18-03-2020, 09:23
I'm pretty certain to miss this one. I've got an operation lined up for bowel cancer on Friday week.
That's a hell of a piece of timing in the current situ. Hope all goes well.
Aqualung
18-03-2020, 21:28
Thanks for all the good wishes. There is a real danger that it will be cancelled at the last minute, despite all sorts of preparations.
I'm pretty certain to miss this one. I've got an operation lined up for bowel cancer on Friday week.
Best of luck sir and hope to see you out and fighting fit when the current situation is brought under control....
Aqualung
19-03-2020, 10:30
Best of luck sir and hope to see you out and fighting fit when the current situation is brought under control....
Thanks, it looks like being a write off this one and the future of the Summer one isn't yet certain.
london calling
19-03-2020, 21:21
Hope things work out well.cheers john
Thanks, it looks like being a write off this one and the future of the Summer one isn't yet certain.
It doesn't look great considering we're two or three weeks behind Italy. Let's hope some sunshine helps out
oldboots
20-03-2020, 10:19
The train service is going to be reduced from next week for "the duration". Naturally I'm happy going into pubs in spite of the advice from a government desperate to manage the numbers but I realise some people may not agree with my support for pubs in this form.
So assuming the Government doesn't forcibly shut pubs and we can still get to and from Preston who's still up for the trip?
So assuming the Government doesn't forcibly shut pubs and we can still get to and from Preston who's still up for the trip?
I think that's become academic now...
oldboots
20-03-2020, 17:04
I think that's become academic now...
Indeed, although there are murmurings of civil disobedience in the pub I’m in now, at least for tomorrow. This pub has 7 lines in action so that’s up to 7x72 pints as ullage plus in whatever is in opened casks in prep. Fortunately I’m going to drink as much Sarah Hughes as I can afford while remaining upright
I'm pretty certain to miss this one. I've got an operation lined up for bowel cancer on Friday week.
Yup - wishing you a speedy recovery.
Real Ale Ray
20-03-2020, 17:16
Best wishes Aqualung, hope all goes well
Best wishes Aqualung, hope all goes well
Hear, hear!
sheffield hatter
20-03-2020, 21:17
So assuming the Government doesn't forcibly shut pubs and we can still get to and from Preston who's still up for the trip?
Well, I would have been with you - Civil Disobedience is my middle name - but as Richard says, it's all academic now.
I’m going to drink as much Sarah Hughes as I can afford while remaining upright
I could have done with some of that tonight. I had an afternoon session with a couple of friends in a Chantry pub in Rotherham (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/34048/) - their very good beers at only £2.70/pint. Then after the news broke, a desperate scramble to find some pubs still open but some of the beer was pretty ropy after the downturn in trade this week. Best on Ecclesall Road was a Castle Rock stout called Single Origin 5%; a pint or two of Sarah Hughes' Dark Ruby Mild would have done me nicely for a farewell drink.
Brainypool
21-03-2020, 07:30
Best of luck Aqualung, hope it works out for you.
london calling
09-04-2020, 20:06
Now Preston is cancelled is the next one Winchester or still Preston next.
Now Preston is cancelled is the next one Winchester or still Preston next.
If we are all 'unlocked' in time, I would still be up for Preston in May or June.
Aqualung
09-04-2020, 22:33
Now Preston is cancelled is the next one Winchester or still Preston next.
I'm out anyway as the future is so uncertain.
Mobyduck
10-04-2020, 05:56
Now Preston is cancelled is the next one Winchester or still Preston next.
I assumed we would stick with the current time line, so Winchester next if pubs are open, with Preston coming up next time the north comes around, the same with Winchester if pubs still closed, or else it will cock up any thoughts of an anniversary Brum meet up in the Autumn?
Bucking Fastard
10-04-2020, 10:16
I assumed we would stick with the current time line, so Winchester next if pubs are open, with Preston coming up next time the north comes around, the same with Winchester if pubs still closed, or else it will cock up any thoughts of an anniversary Brum meet up in the Autumn?
Yes ,I agree with this......it seems logical.
I assumed we would stick with the current time line, so Winchester next if pubs are open, with Preston coming up next time the north comes around, the same with Winchester if pubs still closed, or else it will cock up any thoughts of an anniversary Brum meet up in the Autumn?
Yes ,I agree with this......it seems logical.
Yup.
Aqualung
11-04-2020, 18:46
My main priority will be the Brum visit but nobody knows for sure if the virus will all be over by then.
Bucking Fastard
11-04-2020, 18:48
My main priority will be the Brum visit but nobody knows for sure if the virus will all be over by then.
We can only pray :pray:
Mobyduck
11-04-2020, 19:19
My main priority will be the Brum visit but nobody knows for sure if the virus will all be over by then.
Bloody well hope so.
Pangolin
17-04-2020, 11:19
I must say the turnout for this one is a bit disappointing...
sheffield hatter
18-04-2020, 13:48
I must say the turnout for this one is a bit disappointing...
I was there in spirit.
Bucking Fastard
01-12-2021, 09:11
Thought it worthwhile to BUMP this thread now that thoughts are turning to the next PuG crawl venuue (Omicron scientific data willing ,obviously)
Reading through the thread,quite a bit of research and planning had taken place without any definitive plan.Consulting the 2022 GBG , it shows a very similar list of Preston real ale options with the only addition Winckley Street Ale House (formerly Otters Pocket) (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/87164/).I've never been drinking in Preston,so can't help much with ideas or route for this crawl,but several other members do seem familiar with what looks like a decent option for a PuG crawl.
The original crawl fell victim to the first COVID lockdown,is there interest in trying Preston again ?
If so we will need to discuss dates,with late March /early April seeming to fit the bill. The title of this thread will also need changing.
I'm up for Preston in Spring 2022.
ROBCamra
01-12-2021, 14:33
And me (us)
Yes. Omigod withstanding, should we just continue with the crawls as voted: Preston then Winchester.
100% Preston - never been and would love to go!
sheffield hatter
01-12-2021, 20:48
I suggest this thread needs splitting from the BUMP @61 onwards.
sheffield hatter
01-12-2021, 20:59
I was there with the Beer & Pubs Forum guys in 2019 - see this thread (https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/beerandpubs/preston-trip-friday-23-august-2019-t284.html). That was more than two years ago, and there have been changes. The Winckley Street Ale House (formerly Otters Pocket) (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/87164/)mentioned by Nev @61 didn't even appear on our radar, though Pub Curmudgeon insisted on the Wellington (in the GBG at the time) (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19859/), a couple of streets away, for a lunch stop. I popped in but it was on its last legs; I have read recently that it is on the way back (or was that just a dream?).
I did look at a possible route, with alternatives on the bus out to The Plungington Hotel (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19784/), which had a pretty good rep at the time. Another good pub, but a little out of the town centre, is The Moorbrook (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19759/), and some might prefer the bus than walking 15 minutes along the A6. The trouble is, who knows if these pubs are still worth the effort? (The man on the spot in Preston is Matthew Lawrenson (just M.Lawrenson on that forum, which could lead to msitakes for the unwary), but I'm not sure he's forgiven me yet for knowing the short-cut [see #10] (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?30810-2020-Spring-crawl-Preston-on-Friday-17th-April) to the Continental from Preston station (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubmap/19661/). If he'd known it too he'd have been impressed, but he didn't, so he wasn't.)
I also toyed with the idea of quickly scooting up to Lancaster on the train. More than toyed with - I bought advance tickets for £1.30 each way (!) with time for two or three pubs within a quick sprint of Lancaster station.
But that was then, this is now. Or next spring.
To get the ball rolling, this from nearly two years ago was Alan Hurdle's take on the possible start of the crawl, which seems pretty sound to me:
Starting at the Old Vic has a few advantages. Easy to see and get to from the station, it opens at 10 for early arrivals, it serves breakfast for the early eaters to save the walk to one of the spoons, it is one minute to the 12.20 no.114 bus stop for those who want to ride to the Continental (the 11.20 gets there too soon!).
Let's take it from there. Any ideas?
sheffield hatter
01-12-2021, 21:06
... we will need to discuss dates,with late March /early April seeming to fit the bill.
Easter is mid-April, with Good Friday on the 15th. Should we also consider the 22nd and 29th? That gives us a choice of six dates: March 18th & 25th, April 1st, 8th, 22nd and 29th.
The two March dates are before the clocks go forward, so the extra April dates give us the option of voting for (possible) better weather and (certain) extended daylight.
These are my most recent (2021) Preston ratings:
Black Horse
Preston - Central
9
Continental
Preston - Avenham
7
Forum
Preston - Central
5
Gin Jar Ale
Preston - Penwortham
7
Market Street Social
Preston - Central
6
Orchard
Preston - Central
7
Plau
Preston - Central
7
Plug & Taps
Preston - Central
7
Stanley Arms
Preston - Central
6
Tap & Vine
Preston - Penwortham
7
Winckley Street
Preston - Central
7
Wings & Beer Co
Preston - Central
7
NB - Not deliberately visiting well-known pubs only, because there were some pot luck stops involved too.
Easter is mid-April, with Good Friday on the 15th. Should we also consider the 22nd and 29th? That gives us a choice of six dates: March 18th & 25th, April 1st, 8th, 22nd and 29th.
April the 8th is the start of the Camra members weekend in Eastbourne.
sheffield hatter
01-12-2021, 22:08
April the 8th is the start of the Camra members weekend in Eastbourne.
Oops!
The Moorbrook is definitely still worth it. Go via Roper Hall and/or Plau then Vinyl Tap and it's barely five minutes walk via Moor Lane between each.
There's a couple of micros towards Lane Ends for a proper excursion out...
Bucking Fastard
02-12-2021, 14:49
The Moorbrook is definitely still worth it. Go via Roper Hall and/or Plau then Vinyl Tap and it's barely five minutes walk via Moor Lane between each.
There's a couple of micros towards Lane Ends for a proper excursion out...
Local knowledge is always helpful,thanks.Will you be joining the crawl ?
Local knowledge is always helpful,thanks.Will you be joining the crawl ?
Very possible. If I'm allowed :nishelypished::nishelypished:
Pangolin
02-12-2021, 22:59
I fear the pub landscape is changing so much nowadays that there is little point in getting too bogged down in detail until much closer. Let's just get the date fixed for now.
Brainypool
03-12-2021, 06:25
There’s also a new micro in the middle of town, Friargate Tap (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/89681/). I haven’t visited yet though so don’t blame me if it’s crap! :)
I believe the Plungington Hotel has gone massively downhill since changing ownership during lockdown. Certainly not worth a detour anyway.
ABeerInPreston is a good account to follow on Twitter who gives regular updates on Preston pubs and bars. Although he’s more of a craft keg man, he should be able to give some good advice on where to visit or avoid.
There’s also a new micro in the middle of town, Friargate Tap (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/89681/). I haven’t visited yet though so don’t blame me if it’s crap! :)
I believe the Plungington Hotel has gone massively downhill since changing ownership during lockdown. Certainly not worth a detour anyway.
ABeerInPreston is a good account to follow on Twitter who gives regular updates on Preston pubs and bars. Although he’s more of a craft keg man, he should be able to give some good advice on where to visit or avoid.
Along with Black Horse, a Wetherspoons, Plau, Roper Hall and Vinyl Tap on the way to Moorbrook it's really putting the Adelphi at a disadvantage..
sheffield hatter
03-12-2021, 13:00
I fear the pub landscape is changing so much nowadays that there is little point in getting too bogged down in detail until much closer. Let's just get the date fixed for now.
Good idea! Does someone want to set up a poll?
sheffield hatter
03-12-2021, 18:00
I'm still unconvinced there was anything more than a bad flu going about, with excess deaths caused mainly by withdrawal of health care from the very old and frail.
I think you may be on the wrong thread, as well as on the wrong website. The idea that Covid-19 is just "bad flu" is very old hat. And not at all relevant to the date of our trip to Preston in the spring next year.
Bucking Fastard
19-12-2021, 11:23
It's all gone quiet on this thread,although nobody seems unhappy with the idea of Preston this coming spring.
Does anyone have a crystal ball regarding pub restrictions next spring ?
It maybe worth thinking about a date,will rail fare deals become available which might be helpful especially for southern based travellers ?
Does anyone have a crystal ball regarding pub restrictions next spring ?
My Restrictions Crystal Ball doesn't see any further than tomorrow.
My Restrictions Crystal Ball doesn't see any further than tomorrow.
But more importantly the Government’s crystal ball and ability to provide clarity also doesn’t stretch further than a few days, so I say go for it and let’s plan Preston in Spring…
Who knows where we are going to be in three months. At the current infection rate we might even have heard immunity in the drinking population by then.
The train companies were good at returning fares affected by lockdowns and I would be sure they would honour that again.
Of course I mean Herd, before some smart arse pipes up. :)
Mobyduck
20-12-2021, 13:06
Of course I mean Herd, before some smart arse pipes up. :)
I hurd you right the first time, what do you mean by smart arse? :lol:
Bucking Fastard
24-01-2022, 15:27
Would it be possible that somebody with admin permission can alter the title of the thread to someting like ..."Pubsgalore Preston Crawl,Friday 22nd April 2022 " so that we can build upon the solid research in the early parts of this thread now that the crawl is within three months.
With many thanks in advance,
BF
ROBCamra
24-01-2022, 15:41
Would it be possible that somebody with admin permission can alter the title of the thread to someting like ..."Pubsgalore Preston Crawl,Friday 22nd April 2022 " so that we can build upon the solid research in the early parts of this thread now that the crawl is within three months.
With many thanks in advance,
BF
Yes. :D
Bucking Fastard
24-01-2022, 16:09
Yes. :D
:notworthy:
an_ecumenical_matter
09-02-2022, 16:55
Tony and I shall attend.
arthurchappell
15-02-2022, 16:55
Seeing as I live in Preston I am happy to come along
Mobyduck
15-02-2022, 18:52
Seeing as I live in Preston I am happy to come along
Would be good to meet you.
Seeing as I live in Preston I am happy to come along
Excellent!
Bucking Fastard
16-02-2022, 08:47
Seeing as I live in Preston I am happy to come along
Local knowledge is always useful,look forward to meeting you.
Strongers
16-02-2022, 10:53
Booked up this morning... Be good to catch up with you all again :)
Does the route take in this place (https://www.wallpaper.com/architecture/John-puttick-associates-preston-bus-garage-wmf-knoll-modernism-prize-2021)?
Strongers
16-02-2022, 17:10
Does the route take in this place (https://www.wallpaper.com/architecture/John-puttick-associates-preston-bus-garage-wmf-knoll-modernism-prize-2021)?
Looks like a gillette!
Does the route take in this place (https://www.wallpaper.com/architecture/John-puttick-associates-preston-bus-garage-wmf-knoll-modernism-prize-2021)?
Preston central bus station and car park is truly a work of art, well worth its Grade II listing...
Wittenden
16-02-2022, 17:56
Does the route take in this place (https://www.wallpaper.com/architecture/John-puttick-associates-preston-bus-garage-wmf-knoll-modernism-prize-2021)?
Looks like Hell on Earth.
Looks like Hell on Earth.
Yes. It has certainly been a controversial building.
Pangolin
17-02-2022, 00:05
Those who are coming by train and stopping over (and not yet qualified for a twerly bus pass) might be interested in Plusbu (https://plusbus.info/preston)s - covers local bus services for just £3.80, or less for railcard holders. Add on to your train ticket (which you can also do if you have already bought one).
Do we have a meet-up time and venue as this will determine my departure time and price.
Bucking Fastard
20-02-2022, 09:16
Do we have a meet-up time and venue as this will determine my departure time and price.
Given that people are coming from all over the country,I would imagine that a midday start is most likely,no doubt at a pub near the station.We probably need to start thinking about a route so that late arrivals can catch up with the crawlers.
I am waiting for dynamic pricing to kick in before buying my tickets,but I am aiming to be in Preston before noon.
sheffield hatter
20-02-2022, 13:27
Do we have a meet-up time and venue as this will determine my departure time and price.
Given that people are coming from all over the country, I would imagine that a midday start is most likely, no doubt at a pub near the station.
See mine @67 on this thread (page 7) (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?30810-Preston-Crawl-Friday-22nd-April-2022/page7), also this from Alan H (#19, page 2) (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?p=104948#post104948). It makes sense to have the meeting point near the station, as Nev has said. But as the original discussion mentioned two years ago, it's a matter of where to go next.
Continental: walk, bus or taxi? And then it's another walk, bus or taxi back and then where to?
Black Horse: Perhaps a good idea to appreciate this stunning heritage interior while still relatively sober, and it's an easy walk from the Vic.
Plug & Taps: Opens at 1pm, so maybe after one or other (or both) of Continental/Black Horse. (It gets pretty busy later in the afternoon and it's quite small.)
Then perhaps choice of various bars on Friargate (some local knowledge would be useful here) on the way to Vinyl Tap and Moorbrook.
Brainypool
20-02-2022, 14:42
See mine @67 on this thread (page 7) (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?30810-Preston-Crawl-Friday-22nd-April-2022/page7), also this from Alan H (#19, page 2) (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?p=104948#post104948). It makes sense to have the meeting point near the station, as Nev has said. But as the original discussion mentioned two years ago, it's a matter of where to go next.
Continental: walk, bus or taxi? And then it's another walk, bus or taxi back and then where to?
Black Horse: Perhaps a good idea to appreciate this stunning heritage interior while still relatively sober, and it's an easy walk from the Vic.
Plug & Taps: Opens at 1pm, so maybe after one or other (or both) of Continental/Black Horse. (It gets pretty busy later in the afternoon and it's quite small.)
Then perhaps choice of various bars on Friargate (some local knowledge would be useful here) on the way to Vinyl Tap and Moorbrook.
Continental is quite a pleasant walk through the Avenham/Miller Park, and you can always do the Winckley Ale House en route..
Your best option on Friargate is probably the impressive Plau (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/85618/).
arthurchappell
20-02-2022, 14:57
See mine @67 on this thread (page 7) (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?30810-Preston-Crawl-Friday-22nd-April-2022/page7), also this from Alan H (#19, page 2) (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?p=104948#post104948). It makes sense to have the meeting point near the station, as Nev has said. But as the original discussion mentioned two years ago, it's a matter of where to go next.
Continental: walk, bus or taxi? And then it's another walk, bus or taxi back and then where to?
Black Horse: Perhaps a good idea to appreciate this stunning heritage interior while still relatively sober, and it's an easy walk from the Vic.
Plug & Taps: Opens at 1pm, so maybe after one or other (or both) of Continental/Black Horse. (It gets pretty busy later in the afternoon and it's quite small.)
Then perhaps choice of various bars on Friargate (some local knowledge would be useful here) on the way to Vinyl Tap and Moorbrook.
The Continental is a short walk from the railway station if you go through the beautiful Avenham Park, following the river (Ribble) though it is the only pub in that area - from there you'll need to double back and retrace your steps to the city centre - the strongest concentration of pubs is the Friargate corridor, highlights, Friargate Taproom, Plau, and the unique Vinyl Tap (further up on Adelphi Street) - also the heritage quality Black Horse is well worth calling in - meeting, I'd suggest The Station Inn, - pretty standard real ale bar but right outside the main station concourse - for those who want to eat in a pub, food in Plau is exceptional. Friargate tap doesn't do food but lets you bring food in from any of the takeaways surrounding it - this is the edge of the student district for the UCLAN campus - Arthur
Do we have a meet-up time and venue as this will determine my departure time and price.
Whether coming from home or Birmingham, I am aiming to get to the Old Vic (assuming that's still the meeting point) between 11:30 and 12 noon.
arthurchappell
20-02-2022, 15:09
Looks like a gillette! appropriate that this form of architecture is called Brutalism - very apt, I find it hideous. The station has a Marmite effect on the people of Preston. I don't like Marmite either.
arthurchappell
20-02-2022, 15:10
the old vic is fine - that is just a short walk from the train station and a decent little pub
sheffield hatter
20-02-2022, 15:20
the old vic is fine - that is just a short walk from the train station and a decent little pub
Yes, and I'd have thought a better pub than the Station, though to be fair I only went in the Sation one time and didn't like it, so would prefer the Vic anyway!
trainman
20-02-2022, 15:29
appropriate that this form of architecture is called Brutalism - very apt, I find it hideous. The station has a Marmite effect on the people of Preston. I don't like Marmite either.
Eh? The Preston photo I saw was not 'brutalism' architecture - that was 50s/60s concrete abominations, mostly in post-war re-build-up but also visible in the styles like the abominations like south bank centre, national theatre, queen elizabeth hall, all defacing that area of the thames waterfront.
sheffield hatter
20-02-2022, 15:37
Continental is quite a pleasant walk through the Avenham/Miller Park, and you can always do the Winckley Ale House en route..
Your best option on Friargate is probably the impressive Plau (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/85618/).
My shortcut to the Continental (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/''/53.7513255,-2.7070058/@53.7543639,-2.7090762,16z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m5!1m1!1s0x487b727bcec34679:0x74d18 5868bf1a84b!2m2!1d-2.7065427!2d53.7574412!1m0!3e2) is a bit quicker (about 11 or 12 minutes - Google maps doesn't recognise it as a footpath, but I've walked it and it is easy enough): turn right out of the Victoria and go over the Fishergate bridge and past County Hall; turn left on Walton's Parade, right on South Cliff Street and then left on West Cliff. Continue towards the railway embankment but just before going through a tunnel to Avenham Park, turn right by Preston Sports Club on a path which ends up underneath the bridge and opposite the Continental. *
Then, as you suggest, the return route (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/''/Winckley+Street+Ale+House,+8b+Winckley+St,+Preston +PR1+2AA/Black+Horse,+Friargate,+Preston/@53.7549426,-2.7092362,15.58z/data=!4m20!4m19!1m5!1m1!1s0x487b727b67467443:0x19b bf206256e4b2!2m2!1d-2.7069173!2d53.7502469!1m5!1m1!1s0x487b738e444cf78 1:0xa3920e4b6a5c0ea4!2m2!1d-2.7019331!2d53.7574061!1m5!1m1!1s0x487b727ab47d719 7:0x230f9dd4e3d487de!2m2!1d-2.701368!2d53.7598383!3e2) would be through the park to Winckley Street Ale House then the Black Horse.
* If walking is out of the question, there is a bus at 12:25 which gets to within 100 yards of the Continental, with a return at 13:04.
Eh? The Preston photo I saw was not 'brutalism' architecture - that was 50s/60s concrete abominations, mostly in post-war re-build-up but also visible in the styles like the abominations like south bank centre, national theatre, queen elizabeth hall, all defacing that area of the thames waterfront.
The Grade II listing details from Historic England (https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1416042?section=official-list-entry) assigns it to the New Brutalism school of architecture, but the curved edges to each floor of the car park above does make a huge difference compared with the stark examples along the Thames's South Bank.
More from The Beauty of Transport (https://thebeautyoftransport.com/2013/09/25/the-saving-of-a-brutal-bus-behemoth-preston-central-bus-station-and-car-park-preston-uk/) blog.
sheffield hatter
20-02-2022, 15:50
Looks like a gillette!
appropriate that this form of architecture is called Brutalism - very apt, I find it hideous. The station has a Marmite effect on the people of Preston. I don't like Marmite either.
Eh? The Preston photo I saw was not 'brutalism' architecture - that was 50s/60s concrete abominations, mostly in post-war re-build-up but also visible in the styles like the abominations like south bank centre, national theatre, queen elizabeth hall, all defacing that area of the thames waterfront.
The Grade II listing details from Historic England (https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1416042?section=official-list-entry) assigns it to the New Brutalism school of architecture, but the curved edges to each floor of the car park above does make a huge difference compared with the stark examples along the Thames's South Bank.
More from The Beauty of Transport (https://thebeautyoftransport.com/2013/09/25/the-saving-of-a-brutal-bus-behemoth-preston-central-bus-station-and-car-park-preston-uk/) blog.
Well, I like Marmite, so here are some more photos of Preston bus station (https://www.google.com/search?q=preston+bus+station+english+heritage&client=firefox-b-d&channel=nrow5&sxsrf=APq-WBtZfnNZwBVFkAkqtHrpuBCOW2L8IA:1645375572325&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiXq4rU3Y72AhUUV8AKHaXeA3IQ_AUoA3oECAIQB Q&biw=1525&bih=655&dpr=0.9).
sheffield hatter
20-02-2022, 15:55
Here's another idea: Hopwoods Tap House (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/90210/) is due to open in a couple of weeks, according to their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/hopwoodstaphouse/). It would fit in nicely between (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/''/Winckley+Street+Ale+House,+8b+Winckley+St,+Preston +PR1+2AA/Hopwoods+Tap+House,+Church+Street,+Preston/Black+Horse,+Friargate,+Preston/@53.7550428,-2.7111878,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m26!4m25!1m5!1m1!1s0x487b727b674674 43:0x19bbf206256e4b2!2m2!1d-2.7069173!2d53.7502469!1m5!1m1!1s0x487b738e444cf78 1:0xa3920e4b6a5c0ea4!2m2!1d-2.7019331!2d53.7574061!1m5!1m1!1s0x487b73c78c9983f d:0x2b5a828ecf405f83!2m2!1d-2.6978615!2d53.758216!1m5!1m1!1s0x487b727ab47d7197 :0x230f9dd4e3d487de!2m2!1d-2.701368!2d53.7598383!3e2) Hinckley Street and Black Horse.
Well, I like Marmite, so here are some more photos of Preston bus station (https://www.google.com/search?q=preston+bus+station+english+heritage&client=firefox-b-d&channel=nrow5&sxsrf=APq-WBtZfnNZwBVFkAkqtHrpuBCOW2L8IA:1645375572325&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiXq4rU3Y72AhUUV8AKHaXeA3IQ_AUoA3oECAIQB Q&biw=1525&bih=655&dpr=0.9).
And here's one I took last year:
2711
A national treasure!
Here's another idea: Hopwoods Tap House (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/90210/) is due to open in a couple of weeks, according to their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/hopwoodstaphouse/). It would fit in nicely between (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/''/Winckley+Street+Ale+House,+8b+Winckley+St,+Preston +PR1+2AA/Hopwoods+Tap+House,+Church+Street,+Preston/Black+Horse,+Friargate,+Preston/@53.7550428,-2.7111878,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m26!4m25!1m5!1m1!1s0x487b727b674674 43:0x19bbf206256e4b2!2m2!1d-2.7069173!2d53.7502469!1m5!1m1!1s0x487b738e444cf78 1:0xa3920e4b6a5c0ea4!2m2!1d-2.7019331!2d53.7574061!1m5!1m1!1s0x487b73c78c9983f d:0x2b5a828ecf405f83!2m2!1d-2.6978615!2d53.758216!1m5!1m1!1s0x487b727ab47d7197 :0x230f9dd4e3d487de!2m2!1d-2.701368!2d53.7598383!3e2) Hinckley Street and Black Horse.
Agreed!
Given that people are coming from all over the country,I would imagine that a midday start is most likely,no doubt at a pub near the station.We probably need to start thinking about a route so that late arrivals can catch up with the crawlers.
I am waiting for dynamic pricing to kick in before buying my tickets,but I am aiming to be in Preston before noon.
Whether coming from home or Birmingham, I am aiming to get to the Old Vic (assuming that's still the meeting point) between 11:30 and 12 noon.
the old vic is fine - that is just a short walk from the train station and a decent little pub
Yes, and I'd have thought a better pub than the Station, though to be fair I only went in the Sation one time and didn't like it, so would prefer the Vic anyway!
So The Old Vic (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19853/) at midday then? The Station is not as well reviewed and is a slightly longer walk; on leaving the station you can't miss the Vic according to Google.
Well, I like Marmite.
Marmite is a by-product of the brewing industry.
And here's one I took last year:
2711
A national treasure!
Eh? The Preston photo I saw was not 'brutalism' architecture - that was 50s/60s concrete abominations, mostly in post-war re-build-up but also visible in the styles like the abominations like south bank centre, national theatre, queen elizabeth hall, all defacing that area of the thames waterfront.
Along with Basil Spence's Home Office Building (https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=basil+spence+home+office&qpvt=basil+spence+home+office&form=IGRE&first=1&tsc=ImageBasicHover), Chamberlain, Powell & Bon's Barbican complex (https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=barbican+london+pics&qpvt=barbican+london+pics&form=IGRE&first=1&tsc=ImageBasicHover) and Denys Lasdun's University of East Anglia (https://www.thebrutalist.co.uk/denys-lasden/denys-lasduns-university-of-east-anglia-uea-1962d-1968/).
sheffield hatter
20-02-2022, 18:26
So The Old Vic (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19853/) at midday then? The Station is not as well reviewed and is a slightly longer walk; on leaving the station you can't miss the Vic according to Google.
There's a side exit from the station which is handy for the Station, but this doesn't make it a better meeting place, as the Old Vic is a much better pub (unless something has changed).
Wittenden
21-02-2022, 08:32
and Denys Lasdun's University of East Anglia (https://www.thebrutalist.co.uk/denys-lasden/denys-lasduns-university-of-east-anglia-uea-1962d-1968/).
Nowt wrong with Sir Denys:you should have seen Waveney Terrace.
Bucking Fastard
21-02-2022, 12:57
My shortcut to the Continental (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/''/53.7513255,-2.7070058/@53.7543639,-2.7090762,16z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m5!1m1!1s0x487b727bcec34679:0x74d18 5868bf1a84b!2m2!1d-2.7065427!2d53.7574412!1m0!3e2) is a bit quicker (about 11 or 12 minutes - Google maps doesn't recognise it as a footpath, but I've walked it and it is easy enough): turn right out of the Victoria and go over the Fishergate bridge and past County Hall; turn left on Walton's Parade, right on South Cliff Street and then left on West Cliff. Continue towards the railway embankment but just before going through a tunnel to Avenham Park, turn right by Preston Sports Club on a path which ends up underneath the bridge and opposite the Continental. *
Then, as you suggest, the return route (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/''/Winckley+Street+Ale+House,+8b+Winckley+St,+Preston +PR1+2AA/Black+Horse,+Friargate,+Preston/@53.7549426,-2.7092362,15.58z/data=!4m20!4m19!1m5!1m1!1s0x487b727b67467443:0x19b bf206256e4b2!2m2!1d-2.7069173!2d53.7502469!1m5!1m1!1s0x487b738e444cf78 1:0xa3920e4b6a5c0ea4!2m2!1d-2.7019331!2d53.7574061!1m5!1m1!1s0x487b727ab47d719 7:0x230f9dd4e3d487de!2m2!1d-2.701368!2d53.7598383!3e2) would be through the park to Winckley Street Ale House then the Black Horse.
* If walking is out of the question, there is a bus at 12:25 which gets to within 100 yards of the Continental, with a return at 13:04.
That's a very good short cut from the Old Vic ,I often find the quoted walking times are conservative. It also sounds like the first 5 pubs are now sorted and that route will allow any late arrivals an idea of where to catch up with the group.
So look forward to The Old Vic at noon.
Strongers
21-02-2022, 16:35
My train pulls into Preston just before 11:00 and leaves at 21:15... I thought 10 hours on the sauce would be enough!
I'm staying in Crewe so hoping to find a Spoons there for breakfast.
sheffield hatter
21-02-2022, 16:41
It also sounds like the first 5 pubs are now sorted and that route will allow any late arrivals an idea of where to catch up with the group.
I've done a route description for those first five pubs (attached).
Once we're at the Black Horse we're pretty central, with Plug & Taps (https://whatpub.com/pubs/LAW/17094/plug-taps-preston) in one direction and the Market Tavern (https://whatpub.com/pubs/LAW/5298/market-tavern-preston) in the other, then the various delights of Friargate such as the Old Black Bull (https://whatpub.com/pubs/LAW/5302/old-black-bull-preston) and Plau (https://whatpub.com/pubs/LAW/17102/plau-preston).
I suggest that there's not much point doing a detailed route after this, because some people may want to head out towards Vinyl Tap (https://whatpub.com/pubs/LAW/5347/vinyl-tap-preston) and Moorbrook (https://whatpub.com/pubs/LAW/5299/moorbrook-preston) while others might want to try the Guild Ale House (https://whatpub.com/pubs/LAW/16979/guild-ale-house-preston) (micropub), Twelve Tellers (https://whatpub.com/pubs/LAW/16867/twelve-tellers-preston) (Spoons), Olde Blue Bell (https://whatpub.com/pubs/LAW/5306/olde-blue-bell-preston) (Humphrey) or even Hogarths (https://whatpub.com/pubs/LAW/5286/hogarths-preston) in the opposite direction, depending on personal taste and whether they've been to Preston before. No chance of doing all those!
There's a side exit from the station which is handy for the Station, but this doesn't make it a better meeting place, as the Old Vic is a much better pub (unless something has changed).
I think the better pub is the better choice of meeting place. The Vic advertises itself as 'Prestons Premier Real Ale Pub'.
Pangolin
26-02-2022, 16:37
I'm staying in Crewe so hoping to find a Spoons there for breakfast.
You're out of luck there - gone!
Wild Rover
26-02-2022, 20:37
Before i get to old and knackered i think the Preston trip in April is an ideal opportunity to meet and show my appreciation for all the work and dedication
the Pub's Galore team have given over the last 14 years i have been a member. Is it OK to bring a guest.
sheffield hatter
26-02-2022, 20:49
Before i get to old and knackered i think the Preston trip in April is an ideal opportunity to meet and show my appreciation for all the work and dedication
the Pub's Galore team have given over the last 14 years i have been a member. Is it OK to bring a guest.
Of course it's OK to bring a guest, many people have done so before. It'll be good to meet you.
Mobyduck
26-02-2022, 21:09
Of course it's OK to bring a guest, many people have done so before. It'll be good to meet you.
Ditto.
I've done a route description for those first five pubs (attached).
Great work as usual Will. As Preston is totally virginal territory for me I will be trying to do as many of the others as possible. I particularly fancy taking in the Plug and Taps , Market Tavern and the Guild Ale House so will probably put a Part II route map together that others are welcome to join.
My cousin lives in Preston so I am coming up on Thursday and as he lives north of the Vinyl Tap and the Moorbrook I will see if I can do these on Thursday. However as he is notoriously unreliable at doing social events and likely to blow me out at the last moment interested if anyone else is staying over on Thursday night as there is a possibility I could find myself free at short notice.
This has now turned into a bit of a trip for me as I also have an old work colleague who has now retired and moved back to his birthplace of Wallasey, so I am stopping over to see him on the Saturday. Although I don’t know how I am going to get back to London as there is major engineering work planned for the Sunday around Milton Keynes and currently no direct trains out of Liverpool scheduled.
Bucking Fastard
27-02-2022, 12:39
Great work as usual Will. As Preston is totally virginal territory for me I will be trying to do as many of the others as possible. I particularly fancy taking in the Plug and Taps , Market Tavern and the Guild Ale House so will probably put a Part II route map together that others are welcome to join.
That's a good idea ,a Part II will help as I'm in the same boat having never visited Preston before.Besides the three you mention ,I would also like to try Plau (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/85618/),Vinyl Tap, (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19851/)Moorbrook (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19759/) and Princess Alice (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19788/) as I'm just coming for the day trip.I was thinking of the Plug & Taps on the way back to the station.
I've got a guest coming along who has never been on a PuG crawl but was brought up in Preston and is keen to revisit some of his early drinking haunts and also see the newer ale scene.
Mobyduck
27-02-2022, 13:08
Although I don’t know how I am going to get back to London as there is major engineering work planned for the Sunday around Milton Keynes and currently no direct trains out of Liverpool scheduled.
I am now considering staying 2 nights in Manchester(training it to Preston and back on the 22nd) and traveling up from south on coach via Mega bus as the trains are not being very helpful at the moment.
I am now considering staying 2 nights in Manchester(training it to Preston and back on the 22nd) and traveling up from south on coach via Mega bus as the trains are not being very helpful at the moment.
Train Line app says revised timetable will be known after March 7th. So I’m going to give it until then and see what comes up and then make a decision if I coach it back.
That's a good idea ,a Part II will help as I'm in the same boat having never visited Preston before.Besides the three you mention ,I would also like to try Plau (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/85618/),Vinyl Tap, (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19851/)Moorbrook (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19759/) and Princess Alice (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19788/) as I'm just coming for the day trip.I was thinking of the Plug & Taps on the way back to the station.
.
I've had a play with inserting all the targets into a spreadsheet (I work better in excel :) ) to see if the remaining target 7 pubs are doable..
It makes it a long day and train home would realistically have to be after 8.15pm.. You can shorten the day by leaving out the Market Tavern ( back to station by 19.40) or the Princess Alice (back by 19.30)
Any other proposals and I can have a play with my spreadsheet..
Strongers
28-02-2022, 12:53
You're out of luck there - gone!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooo!!!!!!
Bucking Fastard
28-02-2022, 12:55
I've had a play with inserting all the targets into a spreadsheet (I work better in excel :) ) to see if the remaining target 7 pubs are doable..
It makes it a long day and train home would realistically have to be after 8.15pm.. You can shorten the day by leaving out the Market Tavern ( back to station by 19.40) or the Princess Alice (back by 19.30)
Any other proposals and I can have a play with my spreadsheet..
That's really useful ,many thanks. I guess I will just have to wait for the revised train schedule.I can always get a lift from my friend Brian on the Thursday (he will be visiting rellies so I might slope off to a pub that evening) but I would like to return on the Friday evening by train (8pm ?)to catch some footie the next day.
That's really useful ,many thanks. I guess I will just have to wait for the revised train schedule.I can always get a lift from my friend Brian on the Thursday (he will be visiting rellies so I might slope off to a pub that evening) but I would like to return on the Friday evening by train (8pm ?)to catch some footie the next day.
I dont think the Friday evening train back to the smoke are affected by the works, it looks like its just over the weekend..
The train line currently has the 20.00 and 20.59 back to Euston at £20.95 with an old farts rail card..
sheffield hatter
28-02-2022, 13:23
I've had a play with inserting all the targets into a spreadsheet (I work better in excel :) ) to see if the remaining target 7 pubs are doable..
It makes it a long day and train home would realistically have to be after 8.15pm.. You can shorten the day by leaving out the Market Tavern ( back to station by 19.40) or the Princess Alice (back by 19.30)
Any other proposals and I can have a play with my spreadsheet..
Brilliant! That makes everything clear. The Market Tavern is so close to the Black Horse that it seems rude not to pop in for a half.
Unfortunately an error has crept in, perhaps because of several places in Preston with "Guild" in the name. The Guild Alehouse is only three minutes walk from The Market Tavern, not 15 (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/The+Market+Tavern,+Market+Tavern,+33-35+Market+St,+Preston+PR1+2ES/53.7601304,-2.6982283/@53.7602918,-2.7003433,17.87z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m5!1m1!1s0x487b726555f4c783:0xf2a27 c5fa74c75e0!2m2!1d-2.7006486!2d53.760467!1m0!3e2)! Which saves on legs and shoe leather, to say nothing of time. :)
The main decision to make the day is likely to be whether to include the Princess Alice or to go straight from the Moorbrook to the Vinyl Tap, with a saving of 10 minutes walking plus however long it takes to get served and sup a drink in the Alice.
A minor point is that the Plug and Taps can get very busy on a Friday afternoon, so maybe popping in quickly after visiting the Black Horse might suit some, especially if going there as last pub makes catching the train a little tricky.
sheffield hatter
28-02-2022, 13:30
Unfortunately an error has crept in, perhaps because of several places in Preston with "Guild" in the name. The Guild Alehouse is only three minutes walk from The Market Tavern, not 15 (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/The+Market+Tavern,+Market+Tavern,+33-35+Market+St,+Preston+PR1+2ES/53.7601304,-2.6982283/@53.7602918,-2.7003433,17.87z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m5!1m1!1s0x487b726555f4c783:0xf2a27 c5fa74c75e0!2m2!1d-2.7006486!2d53.760467!1m0!3e2)! Which saves on legs and shoe leather, to say nothing of time. :)
I've just noticed that the walking distance from Guild Ale House is also wrong, so it looks like Google Maps has used the distances to and from The Guild (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubmap/19726/) instead of the Guild Ale House. So Market Tavern to Guild Ale House is 3 mins, and from there to Moorbrook is 13 minutes (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/The+Market+Tavern,+Market+Tavern,+33-35+Market+St,+Preston+PR1+2ES/53.7601304,-2.6982283/The+Moorbrook,+North+Road,+Preston/@53.7641248,-2.7097656,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m15!4m14!1m5!1m1!1s0x487b726555f4c7 83:0xf2a27c5fa74c75e0!2m2!1d-2.7006486!2d53.760467!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x487b727250d1 e707:0xe5e007062e21b1f3!2m2!1d-2.7042499!2d53.7680691!3e2).
Those who want to do the Guild Ale House might do better going there before the Black Horse, then approaching the Moorbrook via the Vinyl Tap.
Bucking Fastard
28-02-2022, 15:18
I dont think the Friday evening train back to the smoke are affected by the works, it looks like its just over the weekend..
The train line currently has the 20.00 and 20.59 back to Euston at £20.95 with an old farts rail card..
Again, thanks Gann .I might still just make it a day trip.
I am now considering staying 2 nights in Manchester(training it to Preston and back on the 22nd) and traveling up from south on coach via Mega bus as the trains are not being very helpful at the moment.
If I go with Megabus (v. attractive rates from Reading plus it goes from the station now) I'll be in Manc as well, up Thurs and back Sun, might as well make a few days of it....
I've had a play with inserting all the targets into a spreadsheet (I work better in excel :) ) to see if the remaining target 7 pubs are doable..
It makes it a long day and train home would realistically have to be after 8.15pm.. You can shorten the day by leaving out the Market Tavern ( back to station by 19.40) or the Princess Alice (back by 19.30)
Any other proposals and I can have a play with my spreadsheet..
Still working on my long promised pub crawl tool, made some progress in the past couple of weeks but not quite ready for people to try out yet.
I've just tried putting this version of the crawl into it though
https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pub-crawl/d743a0d3-6217-4544-92ee-5108cb472538/
When I've finished the editing code I'm thinking everyone can use this version as a template and then alter it to their own personal preferences. We are all individuals after all. I might lock in the first 5 though as Will says we all have to do those in exactly that order. :whistle:
Before i get to old and knackered i think the Preston trip in April is an ideal opportunity to meet and show my appreciation for all the work and dedication
the Pub's Galore team have given over the last 14 years i have been a member. Is it OK to bring a guest.
That is great news. Looking forward to meeting you.
sheffield hatter
28-02-2022, 22:56
I might lock in the first 5 though as Will says we all have to do those in exactly that order. :whistle:
Hence the use of the words "timings are approximate", which means no deviation from the stated timings will be allowed. And "take any path through the park", meaning anyone who deviates from following in my exact footsteps will be shot.
I do so look forward to a nice relaxing day out. :pray:
sheffield hatter
28-02-2022, 23:05
Still working on my long promised pub crawl tool, made some progress in the past couple of weeks but not quite ready for people to try out yet.
I've just tried putting this version of the crawl into it though
https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pub-crawl/d743a0d3-6217-4544-92ee-5108cb472538/
It's looking good! You've got the route from the Old Vic to the Continental that Google Maps insists doesn't exist - very impressive.
Mobyduck
01-03-2022, 05:54
Hence the use of the words "timings are approximate", which means no deviation from the stated timings will be allowed. And "take any path through the park", meaning anyone who deviates from following in my exact footsteps will be shot.
I do so look forward to a nice relaxing day out. :pray:
:eek: Think I'll follow Will.
Strongers
01-03-2022, 08:56
What is happening with the trains? I can see there are major engineering works on the bank holiday weekends either side of our crawl, but nothing on the actual weekend, unless I'm looking in the wrong place?
Avanti website doesn't mention anything about engineering works, it just says that tickets have not been released yet.
Hence the use of the words "timings are approximate", which means no deviation from the stated timings will be allowed. And "take any path through the park", meaning anyone who deviates from following in my exact footsteps will be shot.
I do so look forward to a nice relaxing day out. :pray:
I'll reprise my role as camp commandant, last seen on the PuG Reading crawl when we all melted on the hottest day of the year.
What is happening with the trains? I can see there are major engineering works on the bank holiday weekends either side of our crawl, but nothing on the actual weekend, unless I'm looking in the wrong place?
Avanti website doesn't mention anything about engineering works, it just says that tickets have not been released yet.
From further back on the thread it seems that tickets will be fully up on March 7th because reasons.
Mobyduck
01-03-2022, 18:24
I'll reprise my role as camp commandant, last seen on the PuG Reading crawl when we all melted on the hottest day of the year.
From further back on the thread it seems that tickets will be fully up on March 7th because reasons.
A new clipboard?
Prices will be more expensive than you could have booked in Feb.
A new clipboard?
Prices will be more expensive than you could have booked in Feb.
Indeed they will, Megabus almost certainly going to be my mode of transport.
arthurchappell
03-03-2022, 08:36
That's a good idea ,a Part II will help as I'm in the same boat having never visited Preston before.Besides the three you mention ,I would also like to try Plau (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/85618/),Vinyl Tap, (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19851/)Moorbrook (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19759/) and Princess Alice (http://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19788/) as I'm just coming for the day trip.I was thinking of the Plug & Taps on the way back to the station.
I've got a guest coming along who has never been on a PuG crawl but was brought up in Preston and is keen to revisit some of his early drinking haunts and also see the newer ale scene.
Princess Alice is great but a bit of a way from the city centre
Mobyduck
03-03-2022, 12:19
If I go with Megabus (v. attractive rates from Reading plus it goes from the station now) I'll be in Manc as well, up Thurs and back Sun, might as well make a few days of it....
Have now reserved my hotel in Manc, as it stands for 2 nights, Thurs and Fri, will almost certainly be travelling up by Mega bus.
It's looking good! You've got the route from the Old Vic to the Continental that Google Maps insists doesn't exist - very impressive.
Open Street Maps is more than happy to show that your short cut exists :) :notworthy:
All booked! Arriving Thursday and off on Sunday. Might as well have a potter somewhere interesting on the Saturday seeing as I've made the effort to get up there. Bolton? Rochdale? Somewhere like that.
Arriving 11.41 Preston railway station and considerably poorer for doing so.:(
Arriving 11.41 Preston railway station and considerably poorer for doing so.:(
Found it was cheaper to get a Megabus AND a night in Manc AND a day return to Preston from Picc than a day return to Preston from Reading!
Mobyduck
09-03-2022, 05:47
Found it was cheaper to get a Megabus AND a night in Manc AND a day return to Preston from Picc than a day return to Preston from Reading!
Snap.
Found it was cheaper to get a Megabus AND a night in Manc AND a day return to Preston from Picc than a day return to Preston from Reading!
Snap.
Hmmm. I'm rather regretting the waste of resources now. :o
Mobyduck
09-03-2022, 18:23
Hmmm. I'm rather regretting the waste of resources now. :o
Means I get into Manc 2 or 3 hours later than prefered but still get a full evening at it.
Means I get into Manc 2 or 3 hours later than prefered but still get a full evening at it.
At least I get a choice of clean lavs on the [short] way up. And buffet service. Aaahhhh...the Golden Age of Steam! (https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=tune+youtube+coronation+scot&cvid=37251666805546cba30cd36973584eaa&aqs=edge..69i57.5877j0j9&PC=EDGEDB&ru=%2fsearch%3fq%3dtune%2byoutube%2bcoronation%2bs cot%26cvid%3d37251666805546cba30cd36973584eaa%26aq s%3dedge..69i57.5877j0j9%26FORM%3dANAB01%26PC%3dED GEDB&view=detail&mmscn=vwrc&mid=BD7DE9810EB71DB1BDDDBD7DE9810EB71DB1BDDD&FORM=WRVORC):)
arthurchappell
10-03-2022, 18:27
All booked! Arriving Thursday and off on Sunday. Might as well have a potter somewhere interesting on the Saturday seeing as I've made the effort to get up there. Bolton? Rochdale? Somewhere like that. There are stagecoach buses out to much of central lancashire, including Blackpool, Blackburn, and firther afield Skipton and Clitheroe as well as Bolton & Wigan - trains too
Brainypool
15-03-2022, 11:29
Here's another idea: Hopwoods Tap House (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/90210/) is due to open in a couple of weeks, according to their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/hopwoodstaphouse/). It would fit in nicely between (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/''/Winckley+Street+Ale+House,+8b+Winckley+St,+Preston +PR1+2AA/Hopwoods+Tap+House,+Church+Street,+Preston/Black+Horse,+Friargate,+Preston/@53.7550428,-2.7111878,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m26!4m25!1m5!1m1!1s0x487b727b674674 43:0x19bbf206256e4b2!2m2!1d-2.7069173!2d53.7502469!1m5!1m1!1s0x487b738e444cf78 1:0xa3920e4b6a5c0ea4!2m2!1d-2.7019331!2d53.7574061!1m5!1m1!1s0x487b73c78c9983f d:0x2b5a828ecf405f83!2m2!1d-2.6978615!2d53.758216!1m5!1m1!1s0x487b727ab47d7197 :0x230f9dd4e3d487de!2m2!1d-2.701368!2d53.7598383!3e2) Hinckley Street and Black Horse.
Hopwoods is now open and I can report that it is eye-wateringly expensive and the cask is nothing to write home about. Nicely done inside though.
Hopwoods is now open and I can report that it is eye-wateringly expensive and the cask is nothing to write home about. Nicely done inside though.
This is beyond eye-wateringly expensive. Over the last two days I've had six halves of cask from small-scale brewers at the following pubs. I can't remember what I had where, but it was a wide variety of styles and ABVs from 3.7% to 6.00%, the prices taken from my phone's payment log:
Earl of Essex (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/23607/) - £2.60
The Myddleton Arms (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/23644/) - £2.35
Old Fountain (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/23350/) - £2.60
Southampton Arms (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/23788/) - £2.35, £2.88
The Wenlock Arms (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/23683/) - £2.40
Mobyduck
16-03-2022, 17:53
This is beyond eye-wateringly expensive. Over the last two days I've had six halves of cask from small-scale brewers at the following pubs. I can't remember what I had where, but it was a wide variety of styles and ABVs from 3.7% to 6.00%, the prices taken from my phone's payment log:
Earl of Essex (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/23607/) - £2.60
The Myddleton Arms (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/23644/) - £2.35
Old Fountain (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/23350/) - £2.60
Southampton Arms (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/23788/) - £2.35, £2.88
The Wenlock Arms (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/23683/) - £2.40
I would say given It's London thats within the going rate and Wenlock and Southampton Arms not too bad assuming the £2.88 was the 6%er. Also the venues suggest decent beer.
I would say given It's London thats within the going rate and Wenlock and Southampton Arms not too bad assuming the £2.88 was the 6%er. Also the venues suggest decent beer.
Yup. Little Critters - Nutty Ambassador Hazelnut Milk Stout at 6.00% (too sweet to have more than a half). The point is, these pubs are in relatively pricey areas, so £2.88 is not bad compared with keg 'craft', but better priced than the £3.00 half had in Preston.
Mobyduck
16-03-2022, 18:32
but better priced than the £3.00 half had in Preston.
Agreed, I hadn't read the £3.00 Preston review.
Brainypool
17-03-2022, 07:30
To clarify, the cask in Hopwoods is ‘only’ £5.50 a pint, I think the half that Peter Ashworth had was a keg beer. Still pretty extortionate for Preston.
Mobyduck
17-03-2022, 09:55
To clarify, the cask in Hopwoods is ‘only’ £5.50 a pint, I think the half that Peter Ashworth had was a keg beer. Still pretty extortionate for Preston.
£5.50 is London prices.:eek:
£5.50 is London prices.:eek:
Not bad for keg, but outrageous for cask; I've paid £3.85 for a half of Neck Oil. I can get a pint for under £4.50 at the Southampton, Admiral, Cock and the Railway Porter last night at Railway Tavern (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/25636/) was £4.30, though they were using some pretty coercive pricing measures, with a half costing £3.00; the Five Points XPA was also £4.30 but £2.20 for the half.
Mobyduck
17-03-2022, 18:42
Not bad for keg, but outrageous for cask; I've paid £3.85 for a half of Neck Oil. I can get a pint for under £4.50 at the Southampton, Admiral, Cock and the Railway Porter last night at Railway Tavern (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/25636/) was £4.30, though they were using some pretty coercive pricing measures, with a half costing £3.00; the Five Points XPA was also £4.30 but £2.20 for the half.
Absoloutley, there are still some proper pubs in London (with proper prices), but probably about 75% or more are rip off merchants.
Strongers
18-03-2022, 14:26
Managed to get a train back from Crewe to London on the 23rd for £9.50... Trip is back on!
sheffield hatter
18-03-2022, 23:50
Managed to get a train back from Crewe to London on the 23rd for £9.50... Trip is back on!
Wow! Nice one.
arthurchappell
19-03-2022, 10:16
Hopwoods is now open and I can report that it is eye-wateringly expensive and the cask is nothing to write home about. Nicely done inside though.
I went to the opening night - seriously rammed, expensive unexceptional beer choices, sports TV screens, a quite good singing duo who got no introduction or applause or credit at all - piped music between theit sets. Like it was trying to be every kind of pub at once. Not too impressed. Will try it again once it settles down.
I went to the opening night - seriously rammed, expensive unexceptional beer choices, sports TV screens, a quite good singing duo who got no introduction or applause or credit at all - piped music between theit sets. Like it was trying to be every kind of pub at once. Not too impressed. Will try it again once it settles down.
Seemingly very few compelling reasons to visit, unless it settles down into being a quiet ale emporium.:nishelypished:
sheffield hatter
19-03-2022, 23:16
Seemingly very few compelling reasons to visit
Personally, I just want to visit to tick the pub! I may not bother reviewing it, so early in its existence. If everyone else wants to swerve it, that's fine. Going straight from Winckley Street Ale House to the Black Horse would be a shorter distance as well as one pub less, obviously.
Mobyduck
20-03-2022, 09:35
Personally, I just want to visit to tick the pub! I may not bother reviewing it, so early in its existence. If everyone else wants to swerve it, that's fine. Going straight from Winckley Street Ale House to the Black Horse would be a shorter distance as well as one pub less, obviously.
I may join you.
Absoloutley, there are still some proper pubs in London (with proper prices), but probably about 75% or more are rip off merchants.
Indeed. The more the London pub is geared towards real ale, the more sensible the pricing; not a problem getting a wide choice of ales around the 4% - 4.5% for well under a fiver, sometimes closer to £4.00.
gillhalfpint
24-03-2022, 08:44
We are looking into coming to Preston on 22nd April too with split tickets costing £29.05 each on the train.
I could not open the last pub list published, but found a running list v1 which we thought we could follow.
We have been to the Old Vic and Winkley Street Ale House before when changing trains from Blackpool, but anything else completely new.
If we make it, train gets in 11.51 so we would perhaps be able to go with you to the first 2 or 3 on that list, but go at our own pace from there. Will let you know if we get the train tickets.
Gill
sheffield hatter
24-03-2022, 10:07
We are looking into coming to Preston on 22nd April
That's good news! :)
I could not open the last pub list published, but found a running list v1 which we thought we could follow.
We have been to the Old Vic and Winkley Street Ale House before when changing trains from Blackpool, but anything else completely new.
My document on page 13 of this thread (#124 (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?30810-Preston-Crawl-Friday-22nd-April-2022/page13)) is the first five pubs, of which you've done two (Old Vic and Winckley St). The Continental is maybe too far for Ray to walk, but there is an hourly bus at 12:25 from almost opposite the Vic, but that only allows about 25 minutes in the pub before having to leave for the return at 13:04.
The penultimate pub of the initial five has been getting some abuse on this thread for being too expensive, but the final one, the Black Horse, is an absolute gem, and not to be missed.
The document on page 14 (Steve's spreadsheet #134 (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=2713&d=1646054766)) has some suggestions for the latter half of the crawl. The Moorbrook and Princess Alice are too far for Ray to walk, I would guess, but the bus station is not far from the Market Tap and the Guild Ale House on Lancaster Road, and you could certainly get to the Moorbrook and back that way. Vinyl Tap and Plau would involve walking quite a long way back from the Moorbrook.
So one possibility to minimise walking distance could be Black Horse ==> Guild Ale House ==> bus station for bus to Moorbrook, then bus back to bus station==> Market Tap==> Plug & Taps==> railway station.
See you soon.
gillhalfpint
25-03-2022, 07:16
Thanks Will,
I hadn't seen the one on 124, just 134 so have saved them both. May miss Continental, but will see on the day. Directions from pub to pub brilliant and will be a great help. Off to Reading tomorrow as always enjoy a few pubs there.
Looking forward to Preston as new places are always fun.
Gill
sheffield hatter
25-03-2022, 10:25
I've got my tickets sorted. I'm having to go via Leeds as there's a Rhinos game on at 20:00 on the 22nd (which is why I voted for dates other than this one!), but in fact it works out cheaper than the more direct route via Manchester. OK, it takes a bit longer, but that gives me a chance to sober up before the game.
arthurchappell
26-03-2022, 10:47
Thanks Will,
I hadn't seen the one on 124, just 134 so have saved them both. May miss Continental, but will see on the day. Directions from pub to pub brilliant and will be a great help. Off to Reading tomorrow as always enjoy a few pubs there.
Looking forward to Preston as new places are always fun.
Gill
Notes on directions - Many of the key Preston pubs are set out in a Letter T map shape on and around two major streets, Fishergate and Friargate (Church Street is a continuation of Fishergate). There are a few bars on side streets branching off from Fishergate/Church Street - a few are splintered away. like Market Tap and the Continental, but most are on or close to T shape. My preference is real ale bars. Plau / Market Street Social and Once Was Lost are conjoined (one pub split in three). Vinyl Tap is just a short walk past the end of Friargate - both Friargate and Fishergate have lots of food places and take aways and some of the pubs do great food too.
and some of the pubs do great food too.
As on all my Ooooop Norfff pub trips, I will be on the look out for a black pudding infused pork pie for sustinence.....
Anybody thinking of visiting the Sam Smiths in Preston may be disappointed...
Brewery Samuel Smith's eerily quiet on future of 'haunted' Preston pub the Ye Olde Blue Belle (https://www.lep.co.uk/business/consumer/brewery-samuel-smiths-eerily-quiet-on-future-of-haunted-preston-pub-the-ye-olde-blue-belle-3630905)
sheffield hatter
31-03-2022, 20:34
Anybody thinking of visiting the Sam Smiths in Preston may be disappointed...
Brewery Samuel Smith's eerily quiet on future of 'haunted' Preston pub the Ye Olde Blue Belle (https://www.lep.co.uk/business/consumer/brewery-samuel-smiths-eerily-quiet-on-future-of-haunted-preston-pub-the-ye-olde-blue-belle-3630905)
Bad news if it's true. I used to go in the Blue Bell at lunch time when I worked occasionally in Preston in the late 70s/early 80s.
arthurchappell
01-04-2022, 12:15
Lovely pub with so much history - hope they can rescue it
Brainypool
01-04-2022, 13:09
Almost certainly not a permanent closure (Sam Smiths don’t sell pubs off, as a rule), but it could be a lengthy one as they are really struggling to find managers to run their pubs these days.
Mobyduck
01-04-2022, 18:29
but it could be a lengthy one as they are really struggling to find managers to run their pubs these days.
I wonder why?:rolleyes:
arthurchappell
02-04-2022, 20:32
thier policy against offering free wifi is a deterant to many customers - it's often useful to me when away from home where a beer and quick email access is handy
See mine @67 on this thread (page 7) (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?30810-Preston-Crawl-Friday-22nd-April-2022/page7), also this from Alan H (#19, page 2) (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?p=104948#post104948). It makes sense to have the meeting point near the station, as Nev has said. But as the original discussion mentioned two years ago, it's a matter of where to go next.
Continental: walk, bus or taxi? And then it's another walk, bus or taxi back and then where to?
Black Horse: Perhaps a good idea to appreciate this stunning heritage interior while still relatively sober, and it's an easy walk from the Vic.
Plug & Taps: Opens at 1pm, so maybe after one or other (or both) of Continental/Black Horse. (It gets pretty busy later in the afternoon and it's quite small.)
Then perhaps choice of various bars on Friargate (some local knowledge would be useful here) on the way to Vinyl Tap and Moorbrook.
As I can't see an itinerary on this thread for the '22 trip I thought I'd bump this so it's easy to find and start building something a bit more concrete.
The general consensus is that we start here The Old Vic (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19853/) - GBG22
Then here whilst we are still sober Black Horse Hotel (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19630/) - GBG22
or here The Continental (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19661/) (GBG22) via public transport and then back to the above
Then to Plug & Taps (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/86609/) - GBG22
Then 'bars on Friargate'
Plau (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/85618/) - GBG22
The Ferret (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/53695/)
Northern Way (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54193)
(wild cards)
Then Vinyl Tap (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19851/) - GBG22
Then The Moorbrook (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19759/) GBG22
Original suggestions after that of
Guild Ale House (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/83929/) GBG22
The Twelve Tellers (Lloyds No 1 Bar) (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/82720/)
Olde Blue Bell (not listed now!)
Hogarths (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19852/)
The Market Tap (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19752/)
GBG22 pubs not covered above;
The Orchard (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/86728/)
Winckley Street Ale House (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/87164/)
The Princess Alice (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19788/)
And non-mentioned Spoons
The Grey Friar (JD Wetherspoon) (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/19718/)
Let's get all the suggestions in not specifically mentioned above posted below and shufty the list around to make sense.
sheffield hatter
07-04-2022, 10:32
As I can't see an itinerary on this thread for the '22 trip I thought I'd bump this so it's easy to find and start building something a bit more concrete.
I know you're trying to be helpful, but:
My document on page 13 of this thread (#124 (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/showthread.php?30810-Preston-Crawl-Friday-22nd-April-2022/page13)) is the first five pubs.
The penultimate pub of the initial five has been getting some abuse on this thread for being too expensive, but the final one, the Black Horse, is an absolute gem, and not to be missed.
The document on page 14 (Steve's spreadsheet #134 (http://forums.pubsgalore.co.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=2713&d=1646054766)) has some suggestions for the latter half of the crawl.
...and this:
Still working on my long promised pub crawl tool, made some progress in the past couple of weeks but not quite ready for people to try out yet.
I've just tried putting this version of the crawl into it though
https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pub-crawl/d743a0d3-6217-4544-92ee-5108cb472538/
I know the thread has become a bit cluttered with people's train and bus fares, and the closure of the Sam Smiths pub, but the information was there!
arthurchappell
07-04-2022, 10:41
good choices - The Continental can be walked to through a lovely park by the river on a dry day though it will mean backtracking to get back to the main bars - I'd generally avoid chain bars like spoons and Northern Way as they are just like the other pubs in the franchise - suggest Friargate Tap over Noryhern Way - also suggest Guild Ale House, a CAMRA favourite
sheffield hatter
07-04-2022, 12:05
The Continental can be walked to through a lovely park by the river on a dry day though it will mean backtracking to get back to the main bars
If you click on this link (https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pub-crawl/d743a0d3-6217-4544-92ee-5108cb472538/) to Dave's pub crawl tool, and then click on "show route" (under 1) the map will show the route between Old Vic and Continental, and then (under 2) between Continental and Winckley Street Ale House, and so on.
I know you're trying to be helpful, but:
...and this:
I know the thread has become a bit cluttered with people's train and bus fares, and the closure of the Sam Smiths pub, but the information was there!
Ah good - yes it has become very cluttered over the past two years, so it's excellent to have everything now in one place.
Hi Guys and Girls..
I have been having another play with a possible running order and have a suggestion..
Taking Will's point that the Plug and Taps gets crowded early on Fridays how about we put it in after the Winkley Street Ale House and then continue to the Black Horse and the Market Tavern and slip the Hopwoods Tap House to after the Market Tavern as its then not far from the Hopwoods to the Guild Ale House.
Attached pdf then carries on by going from here to the Moorbrook but not then the Princess Alice as this would make it a very late finish.
As it is this route is for trains after 19.35pm. If you are earlier departure then you can cut out the Moorbrook, or if much later add in the Princess Alice (I will do a pdf for this option as well)..
What do people think ?
trainman
07-04-2022, 17:18
Loving that strong middle-order challenge, with 5 pubs in 17min walking distance, hats-off to anyone playing jokers during that stretch...
Just watching the thread, haven't signed up, but it's... I was going to say still some way off... but it ain't - two weeks tomorrow!!
sheffield hatter
07-04-2022, 18:39
I have been having another play with a possible running order and have a suggestion..
Taking Will's point that the Plug and Taps gets crowded early on Fridays how about we put it in after the Winkley Street Ale House and then continue to the Black Horse and the Market Tavern and slip the Hopwoods Tap House to after the Market Tavern as its then not far from the Hopwoods to the Guild Ale House.
What do people think ?
I think, depending on how many people are in the group, that the Plug & Taps being busy might be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Playing it by ear might be an idea.
Bucking Fastard
08-04-2022, 11:00
Hi Guys and Girls..
I have been having another play with a possible running order and have a suggestion..
Taking Will's point that the Plug and Taps gets crowded early on Fridays how about we put it in after the Winkley Street Ale House and then continue to the Black Horse and the Market Tavern and slip the Hopwoods Tap House to after the Market Tavern as its then not far from the Hopwoods to the Guild Ale House.
Attached pdf then carries on by going from here to the Moorbrook but not then the Princess Alice as this would make it a very late finish.
As it is this route is for trains after 19.35pm. If you are earlier departure then you can cut out the Moorbrook, or if much later add in the Princess Alice (I will do a pdf for this option as well)..
What do people think ?
Happy enough with this updated version ,but will add the Princess Alice as a wild card as my mate Brian wants to pop in and I've got an 8pm train.The last few pub stops always become a bit randon after an extensive crawl anyway. Many thanks for the route info.
Bucking Fastard
08-04-2022, 11:26
I suppose it's worth doing a role call now that we are within a fortnight of this exciting crawl.Reading back over what is now a long thread the following seem to be turning up,but I'm sure I would have missed a lot of people who do intend to attend,so apologies for any inaccuracies.
I will ammend as corrections come in.
rpadam
ROB Camra
Tris39
Bucking Fastard + Brian +Clive
Quinno
sheffield hatter
Gann
Mobyduck
an ecumenical matter + Tony
Strongers
Pangolin
Gillhalfpint + Ray (both for some of the crawl)
Alan H
Real Ale Ray and Mrs Ale
ROBCamra
08-04-2022, 14:09
Ms CAMRA will not now be attending, her Mum isn't very well.
I suppose it's worth doing a role call now that we are within a fortnight of this exciting crawl.Reading back over what is now a long thread the following seem to be turning up,but I'm sure I would have missed a lot of people who do intend to attend,so apologies for any inaccuracies.
I will ammend as corrections come in.
rpadam
ROB Camra
Tris39
Bucking Fastard + Brian
Quinno
sheffield hatter
Gann
Mobyduck
an ecumenical matter + Tony
arthur chappell
Strongers
Pangolin
Wild Rover + guest
Gillhalfpint + Ray (both for some of the crawl)
AlanH
-
Bucking Fastard
09-04-2022, 08:48
-:bemerry:
Wild Rover
09-04-2022, 10:03
Sadly due to a very close family bereavement i will not be joining you on your Preston outing. I did try sending a private message but not sure if this was successful or not. Hope you all have a good day
Real Ale Ray
09-04-2022, 11:15
Mrs Ale and I will be there
Strongers
09-04-2022, 11:46
Mrs Ale and I will be there
:cheers:
arthurchappell
09-04-2022, 11:52
I'm away between the 12th and 19th April, exploring pubs in London over Easter (mostly round Camden) and attending a science fiction convention near Heathrow but I'l be back home in Preston ready for the walkabout - looking forward to it
sheffield hatter
09-04-2022, 13:07
Sadly due to a very close family bereavement i will not be joining you on your Preston outing. I did try sending a private message but not sure if this was successful or not. Hope you all have a good day
That's very sad news. Hope you can make it to another outing some time.
...exploring pubs in London...(mostly round Camden)
Doing the good ones won't take long, if in Camden Town rather than the wider borough.
Bucking Fastard
09-04-2022, 16:43
That's very sad news. Hope you can make it to another outing some time.
Agreed ,sorry to hear about the bereavement .
Wild Rover
09-04-2022, 20:06
Thanks Mr F. My wife sadly passed away quite recently and although i have started to go out weekly to take my mind off things i do not think i am ready yet to meet new groups of people but i am getting there. Thanks for your concern.
Mobyduck
10-04-2022, 08:28
Thanks Mr F. My wife sadly passed away quite recently and although i have started to go out weekly to take my mind off things i do not think i am ready yet to meet new groups of people but i am getting there. Thanks for your concern.
I'm very sorry to hear that Peter, glad that you are managing to get out a litte bit, keep your chin up if you can and hope to maybe meet up somewhen in the future.
arthurchappell
10-04-2022, 13:34
Doing the good ones won't take long, if in Camden Town rather than the wider borough.
hopefully i'll find some decent ones - cheers
Wild Rover
11-04-2022, 16:18
Thanks for your kind words and yes i could possibly meet up in the future
an_ecumenical_matter
13-04-2022, 11:10
Tony and me are on the 1151 arrival.
Pangolin
13-04-2022, 15:32
I have every intention of being there, with just one hostage to fortune which might yet prevent me. Should be 11.38 arrival otherwise.
Mobyduck
13-04-2022, 15:37
Staying in Manc Thursday night so will probably be in Preston 11ish on the Friday.
Bucking Fastard
13-04-2022, 16:17
I have every intention of being there, with just one hostage to fortune which might yet prevent me. Should be 11.38 arrival otherwise.
All being well ,I'm on the same service arriving at 11.38.
Strongers
13-04-2022, 16:18
I'll be there at 11ish also... Looking forward to a Greedy Pig mega fry-up for £6
I have every intention of being there, with just one hostage to fortune which might yet prevent me. Should be 11.38 arrival otherwise.
All being well ,I'm on the same service arriving at 11.38.
Spookily...
gillhalfpint
16-04-2022, 05:46
Just checked through v2 plan and reckon as we get there 11.51, our best plan would be to go straight to the Continental.
We have done the Old Vic a couple of times, and think starting at the Continental would mean we could keep up with the group better. Looking forward to a good day.
Gill
arthurchappell
20-04-2022, 11:48
AAaargh! Just tested positive for Covid, though I feel fine - won't be able to join the crawl now - on my own Preston doorstep too - have fun everyone, really sorry I couldn't be there - Arthur
Bucking Fastard
20-04-2022, 11:59
AAaargh! Just tested positive for Covid, though I feel fine - won't be able to join the crawl now - on my own Preston doorstep too - have fun everyone, really sorry I couldn't be there - Arthur
That's bad luck,hopefully you can join a future crawl when it's "in range".
ROBCamra
20-04-2022, 13:07
All being well ,I'm on the same service arriving at 11.38.
Should be arriving at 11:42 or 11:50 all being well. :cheers:
Will be on the 19:48 at latest back home, maybe earlier.
Real Ale Ray
20-04-2022, 15:59
Arriving on the 12.28. Haven't purchased a Plus Bus, do we need to?
Looking forward to a good day :cheers:
I'll be showing at 10.42 and wobbling off at 20.22.
I'm supposed to be visiting my parents in Fleetwood the next day so will be taking it easy - HA.
MD - are you on the Megabus out of Reading BR tomorrow at 11.45?
Real Ale Ray
20-04-2022, 19:43
Had a look at the route, will catch up with you all in the Continental
Mobyduck
20-04-2022, 20:59
I'll be showing at 10.42 and wobbling off at 20.22.
I'm supposed to be visiting my parents in Fleetwood the next day so will be taking it easy - HA.
MD - are you on the Megabus out of Reading BR tomorrow at 11.45?
I am indeed.
I am indeed.
I'll wave at you from the expensive seats then :)
I only have to travel from glamorous Wigan, so will probably head to the Twelve Tellers for breakfast (perhaps 10:00 to 10:30-ish?).
Mobyduck
20-04-2022, 21:36
I'll wave at you from the expensive seats then :)
I'm in seat 1:cool:
Pangolin
20-04-2022, 22:59
Arriving on the 12.28. Haven't purchased a Plus Bus, do we need to?
Not unless you are going off piste. If you were thinking of the bus to the Continental (119), that is now a private operator and not covered anyway.
Real Ale Ray
21-04-2022, 06:46
Not unless you are going off piste. If you were thinking of the bus to the Continental (119), that is now a private operator and not covered anyway.
Many thanks for that Graham
arthurchappell
21-04-2022, 08:22
Scrub me sadly as tested positive with covid - it would be like dining with Typhoid Mary for everyone else if I go - really disheatyened as looked forward to this
Real Ale Ray
21-04-2022, 13:08
Scrub me sadly as tested positive with covid - it would be like dining with Typhoid Mary for everyone else if I go - really disheatyened as looked forward to this
That's a real shame Arthur. Hopefully you can join us on another jaunt
Sorry I'm not going to be able to make this one. Have recently had COVID (well 4 weeks ago) and have been really struggling with fatigue and persistent cough.
Been getting much better this week, but sadly it would still be too long a day, I think I'd be asleep by the fourth pub.
Hope everyone has a good time, look forward to seeing reports and photos.
trainman
22-04-2022, 05:56
Blimey Dave, hope you manage to shake that properly very soon. Good to hear the trajectory sounds positive at least.
I only have to travel from glamorous Wigan, so will probably head to the Twelve Tellers for breakfast (perhaps 10:00 to 10:30-ish?).
I’m in town already so may well see you here at 10.30 for brecky…..
arthurchappell
22-04-2022, 08:28
hope everyone has a great time on your visit to my fair city today - sorry the dreaded curse of Covid prevents me joining the fun
Brainypool
22-04-2022, 11:31
Have a good day all. Would have liked to make this one since it’s so nearby, but other commitments got in the way.
gillhalfpint
22-04-2022, 14:18
In Plau and over the road is Friargate Taproom. Will have a look before going to Market Tavern
Gill
gillhalfpint
22-04-2022, 15:24
In Orchard craft beer bar with an Only with Love. Going down to Guild Ale House, then JDW for food, and then Hopwood Tap House. Brill day. Had a fantastic time thanks.
Gill and Ray.
gillhalfpint
22-04-2022, 15:53
In Guild Ale House. Amazing place. Love it. Many thanks to whoever suggested here. Would come back anytime. Will do Twelve trees JDW as need food, then Hopwood. Brill, Brill day. Cheers. Gill
gillhalfpint
22-04-2022, 18:12
Been amazing day. Last pub Hopwood OK but £3 a half, even the 3.5% Beer. At station for 1918 to London. 25 mins late. Looking forward to seeing the next destination. Hope you all had as much fun as we did.
Gill and Ray.
gillhalfpint
22-04-2022, 22:26
Back home after a brilliant day with so many new pubs and great beers too. All cask for us and all enjoyed.
Managed 11 bars, 9 new ones so total this year now 56.
Our route was Old Vic.....Continental...Whickley St Ale House...Plug & Taps....Black Horse...Plau...Market Tavern...Orchard Craft Beer Bar...Guild Ale House...Twelve Tellers JDW....Hopwoods Tap House.
Cheers.
Gill and Ray.
Bucking Fastard
22-04-2022, 22:55
2720
2721
Great crawl,hope everybody got home safely. A couple of group photos courtesy of Brian
Cracking day out, really enjoyed it, especially meeting those who missed Birmingham and consequently haven’t seen for over 2 years…
Some interesting places and some excellent beers. Pleased that others also enjoyed the liquid alcoholic sticky toffee pudding in a glass. .
Already looking forward to the next one
an_ecumenical_matter
23-04-2022, 11:19
Great day out thanks everyone, I introduced Tony to the concept of an "all you can eat Chinese buffet" on the way back to the hotel. Have vague recollection of meeting Gann in the street who'd lost everyone else
Sorry that a few of the Pubs Galore community couldn't make it for Covid reasons, but it was fine day out for those that did...
Picking up on various suggestions made during the day, candidates for the next outings might be:
South - Winchester
Midlands - Burton
North - Newcastle
Real Ale Ray
23-04-2022, 12:13
2720
2721
Great crawl,hope everybody got home safely. A couple of group photos courtesy of Brian
Mrs Ale here! Couldn't Brian have just cut me out of that photo OMG :sick: :D
Great day out and brilliant to see everyone again. Preston really delivered on the beer front. Can't wait for the next one!
arthurchappell
23-04-2022, 15:51
Sorry I'm not going to be able to make this one. Have recently had COVID (well 4 weeks ago) and have been really struggling with fatigue and persistent cough.
Been getting much better this week, but sadly it would still be too long a day, I think I'd be asleep by the fourth pub.
Hope everyone has a good time, look forward to seeing reports and photos.
I know how you feel - hope the event was succesful enough for a return visit
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