7 best pubs and bars near Preston according to Good Pub Guide 2021

The Good Pub Guide 2021 has been released - celebrating some of Lancashire’s best drinking establishments.

No fewer than seven pubs within an hour’s drive of Preston made the list recommended by inspectors, with hundreds more suggested by readers.

It's been a tough year for pubs as many landlords were forced to take the unprecedented step of shutting the doors during national lockdowns.

The full impact of the Covid pandemic could be long lasting on the hospitality sector but when restrictions are finally lifted, there will be no better time to support our local pubs.

Purchase The Good Pub Guide 2021 HERE.

Haighton Manor, Preston

Described as a "rather grand stone building surrounded by lawns and countryside with thoughtful drinks and food choice, and seats outside".

The guide's review paints the picture of a quintessentially British pub with the bustling bar featuring an open fire, wooden chairs and a large farmhouse kitchen table.

There's even a selection of board games and a tractor outside for children.

The "cheerful staff serve Phoenix Brunning & Price Original" plus guest handpumps, including Lancaster Blonde, as well as more than 70 gins, 50 malt whiskies and 10 ciders to choose from.

The kitchen offers a selection of "appealing modern food" from garlic and chilli king prawns to braised shoulder of lamb with minted crushed new potatoes and rosemary gravy.

Clog & Billycock, Pleasington

Like Haighton Manor, the Clog and Billycock is a member of the Brunning & Price family.

Located nine miles east of Preston, in Pleasington, the pub is described as having "a wide range of good food and drink in an appealing and well run stone-built village pub".

An open fire, leathered chairs, wooden tables and "laden bookshelves, mirrors, prints and pictures" set the scene for this village pub, with a choice of handpump beers, eight wines and a wide range of rums, malt whiskeys and gins.

The food is "interesting, bistro-like", with the menu including deep fried cod in beer batter with chips, mushy peas and tartare sauce.

Aspinall Arms, Great Mitton

Situated by the river, and located in the heart of the Ribble Valley, the pub is home to walkers, cyclists, anglers and more.

Seating outside as well as various rambling rooms inside for guests to pull up a chair and enjoy a pint of the Moorhouses Aspinall Witch, or a selection of handpumps, wines, ciders, gins and an astonishing 150 malt whiskies.

The menu includes a buttermilk chicken burger with bacon, garlic mayonnaise and fries among its "up-to-date food" offerings.

Bay Horse, Lancashire

"A characterful, gently civilised, family-run place with a series of small, rambling linked rooms" is how the Bay Horse is described.

The scene also includes a log fire, wood burning stove and views over the garden, which also offers seating. A good selection of handpumps, wines, malt whiskies and gins too - near the M6.

The menu is cooked by the chef owner and includes chicken breast with haggis and mustard and whisky sauce.

Eagle & Child, Bispham Green

Based outside of Lancashire in neighbouring Ormskirk, The Eagle & Child promises a warm welcome to this "well run rural all rounder".

With a wide selection of refreshments, including Hawkshead Windermere Pale and Thwaites Original on handpumps, the pub also holds an annual beer festival in May.

The bar is furnished with plenty of oak chairs and tables and patrons might get a visit from one of the pub's dogs Beryl and Rolo.

Beer battered fish and chips is its benchmark dish on a menu which has "high quality food".

The Inn at Whitewell, Whitewell

Situated high on the banks of the River Hodder, the manor house has a "smartly pubby atmosphere, top quality food, exceptional wine list, real ales and professional, friendly service".

With around 230 wines to choose from, a roaring log fire, a selection of reading material and even a piano, it's clear to see why it has also been crowned Lancashire Dining Pub of the Year.

Not only does the pub cut a handsome figure against the countryside backdrop but it also has 23 bedrooms or a separate holiday cottage for overnight guests.

The pub makes its own bread, jams and chutneys and prides itself on using the best local produce, also serving afternoon teas.

The Red Pump Inn, Bashall Eaves

A popular stop off for hungry walkers nearby the River Hodder, it is described as "beautifully placed pub with a cosy bar and first class food in contemporary, inviting dining rooms".

A cosy bar setting helps create the feel of a cheerful, relaxed and friendly atmosphere with views of Pendle Hill and Longridge Fell.

Handpumps might include Black Sheep, Copper Dragon and one or two others set to whet your whistle, wines, around 35 gins and 30 whiskies.

It may be a pub but that doesn't stop it from offering pizzas on the menu, with its benchmark dish sirloin banquet steak with melted cheese top and Worcestershire sauce.