Longridge is a market town to the North of Preston, retaining a distinctive character it is well served by a diversity of watering holes. Here is a quick guide to Longridge pubs, not exhaustive, but my favourite run.

As you approach from Preston via Grimsargh (No 1 Bus) the first Pub you encounter is;

The Old Oak, a pleasant traditional pub with something for everyone. Always 4-5 decent beers on tap, traditional style food of the “Sunday roast” variety, and three different drinking/eating areas to suit all tastes. A good springing off point to our journey.

Moving on into town taking the right fork and up the hill you wil come across;
The Duke William, family run by Danny and Charlotte, a large, pleasant, traditional pub majoring on food, but again with never any less than 5 top quality ales on at any time, and always a good variety from cask mild to blonde beers. Although I’m a vegetarian myself I can report that the Wednesday and Thursday “Steak nights” pack em in.

Up yet another hill (good for burning off the ale), carry on past the little family run Palace cinema (worth a visit in itself), turn left down Berry Lane and you will find;

The Durham Ox, this is a small rough and ready local boozer, with a “vault” type atmosphere and a good place for “local character” spotting, the banter can be raucous but is always good natured. Order is maintained by Landlady Irene who operates a rotating Guest ale policy, you get pot luck but I havent had a bad one yet.

Exiting the Durham Ox and continuing down the hill, the next place is the Conservative Club, apparently they stock a wide range of real ales and come highly recommended by West Lancs CAMRA. However I pass by for idealogical reasons and arrive at the;

Towneley Arms, this is a magnificent building at the heart of Longridge, and once was, in effect, the railway pub before Dr Beeching decided otherwise. This is a large buzzing newly refurbished traditional pub, with a large open fire. There is always at least 2 decent beers on, with a rotating guest ale policy. A fringe benefit is the late afternoon arrival of free pies and other savouries from the local bakery which is owned by the pub owners. Happy days!

Arriving at the bottom of the hill lies the Forrest Arms(locally known as the Forresters). Owner, and Bolton Wanderers fanatic, Alex maintains  an interesting balance of pub and bar appealing to all demographics, and featuring a unique free standing circular bar. There are always at least 3-4 proper beers on, with the house beer good value at £2.20 a pint. Sunday is a particularly good day to visit, with football heavily featured during the day, and good quality live music in the evening.

Turning right from the Forresters a mere 50 yards brings you to the Bull and Royal. A spotless and pleasant traditional pub, with always a nice welcome from Andy and Denise. there is no guest beer policy here, but the Thwaites Original and Bomber are always bob on. This is an especially good pub for traditional pub games, including pool, darts, and “ringing the bull” (google it!).

Again turning right on exit, a brisk half mile walk will aid the recovery process, and will bring you back to the Old Oak for a flier whilst waiting for the bus back to Preston.

So, if you fancy a change, jump on the No 1 and give Longridge a try sometime.
Cheers!