The sun is out and hopefully it’s going to remain that way across the weekend.
Nothing marks the start of summer to us quite like a pub crawl across the city centre (we may stretch that definition) with friends, family and loved ones.
Preston is blessed with some truly exceptional places to grab a pint, wine or whatever it is you like to throw down your neck when you’re out.
So we thought we’d let you know what our recommend pub crawl would be around the city. Feel free to comment and tell us we’re lazy because we missed off your favourite pub!
Drink responsibly!
Pub #1: The New Continental
You need neutral ground for your first pub. Something everyone is going to like. It might even be that someone in your group loves a moan. The New Continental is perfect as an opener.
There’s an excellent beer garden, a huge array of drinks and then a lovely walk across the park for pub number two when you’re done.
To us, the Conti has always had a special occasion vibe that you’re looking for to kick off such a day.
Pub #2: Hartleys Wine Bar
A swift walk across Avenham (or taxi if you’re lazy/the sun has gone away/the walk is too much) makes Hartleys a natural stop off point.
We think it’s worth a visit just for the artwork in the outside area but it also acts as a handy bridge to link the Conti to the rest of town so there’s not too long between stops.
They do food now – and it does look great – but we’re saving that for later.
Pub #3: Guild Ale House
Comfortably the newest on our list and also one of the most unique. This entire place was refitted by the owner and bartender Gary Quinn.
The times we have been in here the place has been rammed and that’s great because he’s put a lot of work in.
MORE: Guild Ale House opens in Preston
You might not immediately know what to order so ask for a recommendation. The man knows his stuff.
Pub #4: Black Horse
A real ale shrine and a pub of genuine character acting as a handy stopping point between one end of the city and what people might refer to as “the student end.”
The pub features a fairly rare semi-circular bar and plenty of little nooks and crannies to get into that means it can house a lot of people without feeling overwhelming.
We feel the Black Horse is often overlooked by many and that’s something of a crime.
Pub #5: Roper Hall
Big student vibes but, you know, probably the best of the student bars at the moment thanks to a very impressive renovation undertaken recently.
The games room upstairs is great with far more than just pool (air hockey, arcade games) on offer, a lovely outdoor area and an ideal place to watch sport if there’s something going on.
MORE: Roper Hall receives extensive renovation
Either way, it easily nabs the crown of our favourite pub on Friargate.
Pub #6: Adelphi
This comes with the disclaimer that if it’s absolutely rammed, which it quite often is, you should feel free to give it a miss.
As a pub, there’s nothing we can pinpoint as being particularly exceptional and yet it remains a cornerstone and really nails mixing the clientele without ever leaning too far in any direction.
Pub #7: The Ferret
End of the night (unless you’re going to Warehouse after all this) and we’ve hit The Ferret.
The live music on offer is regularly fantastic and the pub food here sits comfortably as the strongest in Preston.
So whether entertainment or nourishment is in order at this point, it’s the ideal place to bring your night to a close. Drink lots of water before bed.