The Red Lioness Cathy Price bags another pub in her epic journey

Cathy Price, 59, spent four years on her unusual journey and visited 656 Red Lions.

The new Victorian-theme Red Lion, which has opened inside the iconic landmark, even named a guest cask ale after Cathy – the Red Lioness.

Cathy said: “To have a beer named after me is just amazing. This is a first.

“I’ll be telling all my friends that they need to swing by and have a drink here.

“We’re in short supply of great pubs to visit in the UK so it’s fantastic for the Tower to be joining the cause.”

Kenny Mew, general manager at the Tower, said: “There used to be a Red Lion in The Blackpool Tower many years ago and we decided to bring it back, because they are so important to British heritage.

“It is family friendly and somewhere to relax while enjoying our seven attractions.

“Cathy has been our guest of honour and we are thrilled to name our new craft ale after a local lady who has been on an incredible journey.

“It’s an amazing achievement to have visited 656 Red Lions and we’re very proud to be opening a new Red Lion for everyone to come and enjoy.”

Cathy, a personal trainer, was named beer drinker of the year in 2016 by an all-party Parliamentary beer group in recognition, and has also written her own book.

And she said that, while drinking should be done in moderation and as part of a healthy lifestyle.

“It is a very natural drink,” she added.