Witch Ale News 2019
DECEMBER 2019
A great turnout for the Turkey Trot Christmas Branch Social to Chorley, which took in various pubs, micropubs and even a bottle shop. Cheers to all who made it. Blackburn with Darwen
Coronation Street took over the Royal Arms in Tockholes to film scenes for the show's 10,000th episode.
In Darwen, the Spitfire Sports Bar has opened above The Vaults Late Bar, and serving one hand pump (both are run by the Darwen Bars and Leisure who also have The Taps Bar which now has 2 real ales)
Burnley
News from John Sandiford, Moonstone BLO (Brewery Liaison Officer), that the Ministry of Ale brewpub will be closing in January 2020 after being unable to find a buyer for the pub and brewery.
Hyndburn
The Peel Park in Accrington remains up for sale.
Pendle
Ribble Valley
Also, what do you think about the volunteer’s t-shirts for the Pendle Beer Festival 2020 modelled by Steve, Tom Fishwick, Karen and Martyn Pashley? Robinsons Brewery announced the acquisition of Individual Inns, which included the Spread Eagle in Sawley. They said they have no fixed plans to change the cask range or other products until they fully understand the businesses and if it would enhance the business if they did.
Rossendale
Sad news for the Cabin Nano Bar in Rawtenstall having to close despite a successful six months. After the Clog Market informed them on Boxing Day that they would not renew the licence, an appeal has been placed with the market owners Rossendale Council with a decision due in late January.
NOVEMBER 2019
Four members caught several trains from Lancaster to Colne on a lovely sunny but very cold day. We joined up with two members of the East Lancashire CAMRA Branch. 
We walked up hill to the Wallace Hartley, the Wetherspoon’s pub named after the Titanic bandsman, sampling a Blond Violin from Worsthorne Brewery, from Briercliffe and a Peerless Triple Blond from Birkenhead. 
We moved further along Church Street to the new Northern Whisper Tap Room, from the brewery in Cloughfold, I sampled three thirds of their Beltic, Fine Fetler and Rum Bugger. 
We moved on to the Red Lion, the oldest pub in town and a Samuel Smith house and a half of their Best Bitter. 
A short walk back to New Market Street and the three micros. 
Starting in Boyce’s Barrel and a Great Newsome Jem’s Stout from South Frodingham. 
Next door at the Cask ‘n’ Keg and a Reedley Hallows Monkholme Premium from nearby Burnley. 
Two doors down was the Tapster’s Promise and a Hophurst Milkshake IPA from Wigan, better than it sounds. Glad you enjoyed your day out. Cheers!
Blackburn with Darwen
Caskbar in Darwen closed with Anthony and Rachel deciding to sell up after a year to focus on their young family, however the bar reopened just a week later after being quickly snapped up by Mayflower Brewery based near Wigan taking it on as their first pub. Two of their own beers will be on tap with various bottles as well as 2 guest beers. The Golden Cup is closed whilst looking for a new manager and not good news is that The Vault have removed both their handpumps.
Meat Stout was served up for the first time in 75 years at the Black Bull in Blackburn. Phil Dixon who was bequeathed the recipe for Mercer’s Meat Stout by his father Derek, sampled the first pint brewed by Rob and Mark Bell from Three B’s Brewery on the same site (not Darwen brewery as the Lancashire Telegraph & Radio Lancashire would like to have you to think).
The Asset of Community Value 6-month moratorium period on Uncle Jack's in Lower Darwen has been triggered.
Burnley
The Brun Lea in Burnley, which was sold by Wetherspoons earlier in the year and bought by Cheshire Estates, had a grand red-carpet reopening after a five-day refurbishment with former Burnley manager Stan Ternent cutting the ribbon.
Moorhouse’s are doing a 2-month Dark Series from their pilot kit (only 288 pints are brewed so get them whilst you can). First up was a Mocha Breakfast Stout 5.5% with a 6.8% Milk Stout, a 4.8% Black IPA and an interesting sounding 4.8 Cheeky Vimto Porter to follow.
Hyndburn
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Pendle
Presentation to one of the partners of Boyce's Barrel Colne, well known as 'Smiler', their Good Beer Guide Licensee Pack for 2020 by a group of local Pendle members. Ribble Valley
It was announced that the Swan with Two Necks in Pendleton is now in the Top 4 of the CAMRA National Pub of the Year with the presentation taking place on Saturday 7th December at 2:30. The overall winner will be announced in February 2020. Can they follow up on their success in 2014?
Rossendale
BOHO has opened at 63A Bank St, Rawtenstall on the 21ST by owner Tony Kershaw who has been in the pub trade since 2007 with pubs in Accrington, Bacup, Burnley and Blackpool. 5 pumps offered 2 from Oscars, 1 from Holts, Wainwright and Black Cat from Moorhouses. (One Holts beer was replaced by Speckled Hen by Sunday).
Strata Brewing Co, currently “cuckoo” brewing out of Mighty Medicine in Whitworth won the Beer of the Year 2019 at Bury Beer Festival with Vaalbara, a 4.8% Breakfast Porter despite it only being on for one night. They followed this up with Fram, a 4.8% Kveik pale taking second place!!
The Old Boot Cafe and Wine Bar in Bacup are under new management and now has 2 handpumps, one usually from nearby Bluestone Brewery. They are also selling take away ale in a growler, 5 pints for £15 plus a £5 returnable deposit. Is this the only place in our region to offer this?
OCTOBER 2019
Blackburn with Darwen
The Zy Bar in Blackburn reverted back to its former name, the Dun Horse. A very lively place with one ever changing handpump which is always served in top condition.
Hopstar Brewery released a 15th Anniversary 4.3% ale with more hops and more bitter than they’ve done before.
Burnley
Moorhouse’s WIN A BREW DAY winner Beth, created her own beer and she clearly has great taste! Only 180 pints were brewed and sold as Demdike Bonfire Treacle Stout. Just what you need on a cold evening.
Reedley Hallows’ Griffin IPA was spotted on the news as local MP Nigel Evans was behind the bar of The Red Pump Inn, Clitheroe talking all things local.
Hyndburn
Big Clock Brewery’s craft dept, Two Faced Brew Co. has served up a 6% triple hopped then dry hopped West Coast IPA 'Idaho 68' & 'Sorry not sorry' which is a little different from a traditional ale with an array of hops and flavours and at 4% it's a bit of a session beer.
Pendle
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Ribble Valley
Fantastic and well-deserved news as Angela Aspin, West Pennines Regional Director, presented the West Pennines Pub of the Year 2019 award to Steve and Christine Dilworth of the Swan with Two Necks in Pendleton. This now puts them in the top 16 pubs in the country, and more than ready for the next stage! Rossendale
Casked in Rawtenstall have started putting on an open piano night on Thursday’s evenings.
SEPTEMBER 2019
Blackburn with Darwen
The Barlow in Edgworth held a beer festival in honour of Rob Dobie, who passed away as a result of MND in 2018 and was a very dear friend to all involved with the beer festival and had worked there on many occasions.
Burnley
A Pride of Lancashire beer festival was held at the Padiham Town Hall on 13th & 14th, whilst the Burnley Cricket Club held their 4th annual beer festival too over the same weekend.
Hyndburn
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Pendle
Don from our Pendle branch was pleased to present Peter from the Rising Sun in Blacko, with their Good Beer Guide 2020 Licensee Pack. With 4 beers always on the bar with a mix of Moorhouses and guest ales Peter has built up a reputation for top notch beer. Ribble Valley
As part of Cask All Week, Bowland Brewery put on and Ale Trail starting at the Waddington Arms, taking in The Lower Buck, Clitheroe Cricket Club, Holmes Mill, Brown Cow in Chatburn and New Inn. Congratulations to all who survived what turned out to be on a very wet Saturday afternoon.
Rossendale
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AUGUST 2019
Blackburn with Darwen
The multi award winning Number 39 Hopstar Brewery Tap in Darwen has announced it will be closing on New Year’s Eve after 10 very successful years and being put up for sale. Barry is retiring, Gary needs a break from the commitment of weekly events promotions and Ben needs a new challenge having been the bar manager since he was in his teens and he is now the longest serving licensee in the town centre. Hopstar Brewery will continue to operate as normal.
After Star Pubs and Bars put the Uncle Jack’s in Lower Darwen up for sale for £160,000 freehold. A community meeting was held with over 20 people put their names down to help out.
Hyndburn
The Greyhound in Altham owned by Samuel Smiths has closed. Is this due to the restrictive policies?
Big Clock brewery knocked out ‘When life gives you lemons’ a super zesty, bitter blonde, infused with load of lemongrass, 4% abv 100% natural. Perfect on a hot summer’s day.
Rossendale
Casked in Rawtenstall moved back from its temporary home in Bank Street and have rebranded themselves as Casked Ale House & Ginporium after the expansion in doubling in size.
The Whitworth & Healey Vale Band Club held their 7th annual beer festival. Remember this club has got through to the last 16 in the National CAMRA Club of the Year competition.
MAY / JUNE / JULY 2019
Blackburn with Darwen
Brian Leach (with Gordon Moulding, Neil Stevenson and Peter Grogan) presenting the Blackburn with Darwen Club of the Year 2019 award to manager Lilli Hartley of Cherry Tree Cricket Club near Blackburn, who along with co-owners Ian Robertson & Peter Fielding must be congratulated in making a successful and welcoming club
A group of very happy regulars of the Cherry Tree Cricket Club (can’t remember the occasion or where they were going dressed like that)
Ben Morris, bar manager of Number 39 in Darwen, receiving the East Lancs CAMRA & Blackburn with Darwen Cider Pub of the Year 2019 awards form Brian Leach & Neil Stevenson
Ben with Barry Tyson, co-owner of Number 39, with the sign from when they won the East Lancs Branch award in 2017 
Neil Stevenson presenting a very proud Katy Quayle of the Drummer's Arms in Blackburn, with the Lord Mayor Jim Shorrock in attendance no less, the Blackburn with Darwen Pub of the Year 2019 award. (A big shout out must go to James Quayle for preserving a lot of memorabilia from local lost pubs when creating the Drummers)The Beehive free house at Cherry Tree has been run by Barry & Carol for over 17 years! Reedley Hallows Pendleside is a regular along with a couple of guests. Further up the road, Cherry Tree Cricket Club has been awarded our Blackburn area Club of the Year and they have a 20p a pint discount for card carrying CAMRA members!
In Blackburn the Knowles Arms is to be known as EGO at the Knowles Arms Mediterranean Restaurant - quite a mouthful! They usually serve 2 beers from Moorhouses. The Brownhill Arms is now being run by Wes Smith and serves beers from the Thwaites range. The Rising Sun now has Moorhouse's White Witch on permanently alongside 2 changing guests.
There's lots of news and changes in Darwen. The British Queen has reopened serving 2 beers from Thwaites. The Golden Cup has seen a change of licensee and they are now serving the full Thwaites core range on rotation. The Caskbar has relocated from the Market Hall to Duckworth Street and Anthony & Rachel offer a 20p a pint discount to card carrying CAMRA members! The Black Horse has reopened under the stewardship of Pam & Wayne who also run the Punch at Chapels. There's cask beer on at the Alexandra after it's reopening. The Millstone under manageress Julie Taylor is a sports bar with Thwaites beers on. The Crown is another one to reopen with Page & Jay in charge of the 3 real and 1 cider pump. Michelle & Graham are the new licensees of the Park which has 2 changing beers. The Bird in t'Hand has opened as a micro bar on Duckworth Street with 4 handpumps serving changing beers. Finally, the Taps Bar (opposite Wetherspoon's) serves 2 changing cask beers every day from noon except Monday.
The Royal Arms at Tockholes (a GBG regular over the years) has been bought by Robin Tilbrook who is making a few changes. The pub is open from noon every day with food served 12-2 and 5-7 Tue to Fri and 12-6 at weekends. Beers are from Three Bs plus changing guests.
Burnley
On a sunny Saturday afternoon East Lancs Club Officer Colin Goodwin (3rd from left), presented the Burnley Club of the Year 2019 award to club steward Brian of Molly Rigby's in Padiham 
Thomas Fishwick presenting the Burnley Pub of the Year 2019 award to owner Sharon Goldsbrough in a very packed out New Brew-m in Burnley The Starkie Arms and the Flying Dutchman at Padiham both appear to have stopped serving real ale. The Cask Marque accredited Bridge Inn always has at least one Thwaites beer on from their core range. Molly Rigby's Club was voted the Burnley area Club of the Year and usually serves 4 real ales, often from the 3 Burnley based breweries.
In Burnley the New Brew'm was voted the Burnley Pub of the Year. They usually serve Reedley Hallows Pendleside & New Laund Dark together with 3 or 4 changing guests sourced from all over the country.
Hyndburn
Congratulations to Barry at the Forts Arms in Clayton-le-Moors, the Hyndburn Pub of the Year 2019 The Knuzden Tap has opened directly across from the Cabin End which closed in April and is serving 2 beers. The Stahnill in Oswaldtwistle is now serving 2 real ales whilst across the road the Stanhill Social Club has one beer - usually on from Thu to Sun.
Long time GBG regular, the Peel Park in Accrington has been put up for sale with a £575k price tag.
The Forts Arms at Clayton-le-Moors has been voted the Hyndburn Pub of the Year and Sydney Street Sports and Social Club has been voted the Hyndburn Club of the Year.
Pendle
Rossendale based brewer Northern Whisper have now opened (25/7/19) their new bar situated in what was the former NatWest bank in Colne. Both real ales and keykeg beers are available together with burgers and hotdogs. Both beer and food are competitively priced.
The White Swan in Fence have been claiming on social media that they are the only outlet for Taylor's Landlord in Burnley. The pub is actually in Pendle!
Ribble Valley
Martin Snelling, Branch Membership Secretary, presenting the Ribble Valley Club of the Year 2019 award to the Waddington Village Club in Waddington nr Clitheroe 
A couple of ladies certainly look like they're enjoying the Waddington club’s hospitality 
Our lustrous chairman Thomas with a pint of dark in his hand, presenting Steve Dilworth and the Swan with Two Necks in Pendleton the East Lancs CAMRA Pub of the Year 2019 & Ribble Valley Pub of the Year 2019 awards 
A very happy and right so, Steve and Christine Dilworth 
There followed afterwards a presentation to the East Lancs Hospice a charity cheque for £1140.08 raised from donations at the Clitheroe Beer Festival The White Bull in Ribchester has reopened after being closed for about 2 years! Meanwhile the Feilden's Arms at Mellor has closed and the Bonny Inn has its lease for sale at £150k with rent of £65k pa and full tie to Thwaites.
The Judge Walmsley at Billington closed unexpectedly (due to a disagreement over the lease according to the LT).
The Swan with Two Necks at Pendleton (the East Lancs CAMRA Pub of the Year) will be presented with the Lancashire Pub of the Year award on Saturday 17/8/19 at 2.30. Well done to Steve, Christine and all the team once again!
The Waddington Club has been voted the Ribble Valley area Club of the Year.
Thwaites have launched their revised core range of six beer which are all brewed at the new brewery at Mellor Brook in the Ribble Valley (five miles or so from their former home in Blackburn) which commenced brewing in August, 2018. These five brews plus TBC (Thwaites Best Cask) @ 3.8% abv, which usually appears as a "house beer", are now available all-year-round exclusively in the company's pubs, Inns of Character and hotels and lodges. Additionally, throughout the year those outlets selling sufficient cask volume are able to sell eight seasonal real ales from Thwaites plus, on average, two guest ales per month from breweries selected by Thwaites. Of the core beers, three new names appear: IPA @4% abv, Gold @ 4.1% abv and Amber @ 4.4% abv. Original @ 3.6% abv is the only retained name from the previous range. The previous dark mild was named Nutty Black and is replaced by MIld @ 3.3% abv.
Rossendale
Lancashire Branches Area Organiser Rick Pickup (at the back in his salmon coloured top) made the long-distance trip on a Sunday afternoon from the Fylde coast to present both the Lancashire Branches & West Pennines Region Club of the Year 2019 awards to the Whitworth Vale & Healey Band Club Casked in Rawtenstall are expanding into next door. Will it then be a midi rather than a micro pub?? During the building works they have set up a "pop up bar" on Bank Street. Three Valleys Brewery (formerly Bare Art) have opened a "nano" bar on Rawtenstall market which is open Thu -Sun 9am - 10pm with 3 cask ales and a selection of bottle conditioned ales.
The Bare Art pub in Stacksteads is open every Friday between 17.00 and 21.45, They are introducing a series of Sunday music events starting on Aug 4th at 3pm. They sell a great range of bottle conditioned beers.
A cuckoo brewery has hatched in Whitworth. The Strata Brewing Co is being run by one of the guys from Rammy Craft which closed last year. The Whitworth Vale and Healey Band Club (our East Lancs Club of the Year) has progressed straight through to the last sixteen of CAMRA's national COTY competition!
Beyond Whitworth!
Stonegate have agreed, subject to shareholder approval, to buy the Ei Group (formerly Enterprise Inns) for a staggering £1.27bn. Let's hope the new owners treat the long suffering tenants a great deal better.
APRIL 2019
Blackburn with Darwen
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Burnley
The Dugdale Arms in Burnley has now closed and contrary to what we were told, the pub has been put up for sale by Thwaites without a restrictive covenant.
Hyndburn
Sydney Street Sports and Social Club in Accrington receiving the Hyndburn Club of the Year 2019 award
The Old England Forever in Clayton-le-Moors has reopened under the ownership of Bolton's Bank Top Brewery. 
Dave Sweeney of Bank Top welcomed everyone on opening night and there were six handpumped ales (5 Bank Top and a guest from Prospect) together with three boxed ciders.
A recent recce of Baxenden revealed that the Dog & Partridge has Theakston Best Bitter on permanently together with 3 guest beers, the Alma was serving Wainwright's whilst the Thwaites owned Bay Horse had no real ale.
Pendle
The Four Alls at Higham has eventually been saved from the self destruction caused by Enterprise Inns and has been bought as a free house and is once again being run by Michael Bann who successfully ran it under lease a few years ago when it gained entry into the Good Beer Guide and had an excellent reputation for its food. The locals are flocking back and food should be available once again by the end of April. Good Luck for a fresh start!
The Station Hotel in Nelson has undergone a £150k refurb by its owners, Hawthorn Leisure. Two real ales - Wainwright's and Marston's Pedigree - have been available but the increase in prices across the board has not gone down well with the regulars. Stuart Kirkpatrick, manager of the nearby Lord Nelson, the pub after which the town is named, has taken over responsibility for both town centre venues.
Rossendale based brewery, Northern Whisper, have applied to convert the former NatWest bank in Colne into a pub.
Ribble Valley
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Rossendale
East Lancs Branch Chairman Thomas Fishwick doing the honours in presenting the East Lancs CAMRA & Rossendale Area Club of the Year 2019 award to the Whitworth Vale and Healy Band Club
Some happy branch members enjoining top quality beers in perfect condition and why not? 
Pam Seymour getting caught out with which camera to look at, after presenting the Rossendale Pub of the Year 2019 award to Mike and Amanda Jones of Casked in Rawtenstall The Duke of Wellington on the Grane Road coming out of Helmshore/Haslingden has suddenly closed and has been boarded up and put up for sale. It was trading as a Toby Carvery.
Mike and Amanda Jones, fresh from receiving their award as Rossendale Pub of the Year, are planning on doubling the size of their Casked micro-pub in Rawtenstall by extending into next door.
Beyond Whitworth!
Carlsberg have finally admitted (in their advertising blurb) that their bog standard offering here in the UK is probably NOT the best lager in the world! They have gone with a new recipe and a new name - Carlsberg Pilsner - but it's still only 3.8% and we suspect that it is not matured (lagered) for six weeks either!
MARCH 2019
Blackburn with Darwen
The Blackamoor on Roman Road, Blackburn has suddenly closed and has reportedly been put up for sale by Thwaites. They claim to have other pubs in the area so will they sell it with a restrictive covenant preventing its future use as a pub or restaurant?
The Adelphi, near Blackburn railway station, has been closed for a few months. Owners, Admiral Taverns, are reportedly looking for new tenants. Given that some experienced tenants have tried and given up in the past, why don't Admiral try a different approach and give prospective tenants a fair chance? Or is it because the PubCo / Tenant model just doesn't work anymore?
The Greenfield in Darwen has opened an upstairs restaurant under the stewardship of owners Louise Hargreaves and her partner Barry Bentley, together with Louise's mum Angela. Louise and Angela used to be in charge of food at the Red Lion on Blacksnape Road. There are always a selection of real ales on in the downstairs bar.
Burnley
The Brun Lea on Manchester Road has been included in a list of 16 Wetherspoon pubs put up for sale. Remarkably, also on that list is the Isaac Merritt in Paignton, Devon which regularly appeared in the GBG and hosted South Devon CAMRA meetings.
Reedley Hallows Brewery have been awarded the silver medal in the International Cask Ale category for beers between 2.9% & 3.8% at the International Brewing Awards held at Burton on Trent for their Old Laund Bitter.
Hyndburn
The White Orchid Boutique Bar has opened on Market Square in the centre of Accrington with two real ales, both from the Marston's stable - Wainwright and Bombardier.
Pendle
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Ribble Valley
The Bowland Beer Hall in Clitheroe has won the Best Independent Rural Craft Beer Pub / Bar award at the SIBA Beer XUK held in Liverpool.
Thwaites won the gold medal for their 13 Guns in the 4.9% to 6.9% category at the International Brewing Awards. This is their first award since moving the brewery to Mellor. Keg and canned versions of 13 Guns are still produced by Marston's.
Rossendale
The Duke of Wellington on the Grane Road out of Helmshore has suddenly closed and has been boarded up.
Beyond Whitworth!
Carlsberg (Bless 'em) have revamped their bog standard 3.8% lager and called it Carlsberg Pilsner. Whilst Carlsberg Export at 4.8% is basically the same as that served in Denmark, Carlsberg Lager was brewed specifically for blokes who want to pour as much tasteless fizz down their neck in the shortest possible time here in the UK. Carlsberg felt that they had lost their way in recent years and have bravely aimed at the "Premium" market with their Pilsner which has had secret hops added to at least give it some taste whilst remaining at 3.8%. Meanwhile Foster's have added the word craft to their cans, Carling are advertising the Britishness of their product made in Burton on Trent and AB Inbev have changed their name to Budweiser Brewing Group in the UK and Ireland. Don't panic it's all the same tasteless liquid!
FEBRUARY 2019
Blackburn with Darwen
The Cabin End at Knuzden has reportedly been put up for sale.
Burnley
Moorhouse's have launched a new core beer to their range - Scaredy Cat, a 4.3% session IPA complete with Mosaic and Amarillo hops to give citrus orange and pineapple flavours with tropical mango on the nose. Their latest seasonal ale, available from February through March is Sabbath Flight, a 5% American Pale Ale.
Stef and Laura, who have successfully run the Hare & Hounds at Padiham for several years are leaving to take over a new challenge at the Hare & Hounds at Haggate - we wish them well!
The Ministry of Ale, Burnley's only home brew pub, has been put up for sale at £180k as Mick is retiring.
Hyndburn
The White Bull, Oswaldtwistle has reopened after several months closure and following a £40k refurb by Thwaites.
Pendle
There's a Reedley Hallows brewery meet the brewer night at the Bay Horse, Roughlee on Thursday 28th Feb at 7.30.
Ribble Valley
The Swan with Two Necks, Pendleton has been voted the East Lancs CAMRA Pub of the Year 2019.
Rossendale
Great news for the real ale drinkers of Haslingden as the Room D at the top of Deardengate which formerly operated as a wine bar & bistro is now selling two real ales - either White or Blonde Witch from Moorhouse's together with a changing guest ale. Don Hinchcliffe, formerly of the Greyhound, Barnoldswick and Early Doors micro pub in Skipton, is behind the change in emphasis. Opening times and food menus are available online at www.roomdeardengate.co.uk
The Whitworth Vale & Healey Band Club has been judged to be the East Lancs CAMRA Club of the Year for 2019!
Beyond Whitworth!
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JANUARY 2019
Blackburn with Darwen
The Lemon Tree has closed but next door to the Drummers (opposite the Blackburn Town Hall) the Rock Box has opened with two handpumps.
In Darwen the Caskbar has moved from within Darwen market (where opening times were limited) to Duckworth Street where four real ales and a cider are available. Nearby the Bird in t'hand has opened in a former wine shop dispensing four real ales and two ciders together with Belgian and other bottled beers. The building was a pub a hundred years ago which is where the name comes from. The Greenfield has six handpumps, one of which is now serving a house beer brewed by Coach House Brewery of Warrington.
Burnley
The Royal Dyche, formerly the Princess Royal and now named after the Burnley FC manager, has been bought by Justine Lorriman from the previous owner for whom she had run the pub for five years. Two Bowland beers are usually on tap.
Hyndburn
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Pendle
No room at the bar when the coach pulls up on the annual Pendle Social Trip
The 15th annual Pendle Beer Festival will once again be held at Colne Muni from Thursday 31st January to Saturday 2nd February. Opening times for all days are 11.30 to 23.00 (please note early start on Thursday) with free entry to CAMRA members at all sessions. There will be 120 real ales, ciders, bottled beers and key keg beers.
The 12 Bar in Colne has closed and is reported to become a Thai restaurant.
The Moorcock Inn at Blacko has applied for planning permission for change of use.
Ribble Valley
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Rossendale
The Buffer Stops, on Rawtenstall railway station has new opening hours of - Mon-Tue 12-9; Wed 12-10; Thu-Fri 11-11; Sat 11-10; Sun 11-10. They are now offering CAMRA discount of 20p a pint and 10p a half. Northern Whisper beers are available throughout January at just £1.50 a pint! The Casked micropub is closed until Wednesday 23rd January whilst owners Mike & Amanda take a well earned holiday after a hectic first year trading. On Thursday 24th January there is a Tap Takeover / Meet the Brewer event from 7pm with Nightjar (formerly Slightly Foxed) Brewery of Mytholmroyd.
Beyond Whitworth!
The Manchester Beer & Cider Festival runs from January 23rd to 26th 2019 at Manchester Central (GMex). The Wednesday session between 17.00 and 21.00 is a preview event for CAMRA members with free admission. There will be 218 breweries represented with ones from Ireland featuring (no, not that big one!!). Only two of our East Lancs breweries, Brewsmith and Moorhouse's, are on the list.
Former national brewer Whitbread have completed the sale of Costa Coffee to Coca Cola for £3bn - paid in cash! Whitbread are now left to concentrate on their Premier Inn business together with their associated pubs such as Beefeater and Brewers Fayre.
Fuller's, the London brewer, have sold their brewery business to Japanese brewer Asahi, who also own Peroni and Grolsch. Fuller's will concentrate on their pub business. Fuller's also own Dark Star brewery in Sussex and they are included in the deal.
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