Mark Briggs

Well, a new year has just been heralded. So, this is an opportune time to highlight some of my favourite beers, that have been immensely enjoyed during the previous 12 months. It’s a year in which I have consumed many outstanding alcoholic beverages; beers deemed, in my opinion, to have had the wow factor.

THIS week I read of the proposed demolition of a traditional pub, namely, The Albion, in Southwark, south London. The owners, the Albion Pub Co, closed the pub some time ago, and plans have been submitted to replace it with a four-storey block of flats.

I HAVE to say I was quite surprised earlier in the year, when the Samuel Smith’s pub chain became the first in the UK. to ban all mobile devices in their outlets.

I think many discerning beer drinkers will agree that traditional mild ale has become one of the nation’s endangered beer styles. Some of the more cynical commentators would say it is a type from a bygone era - an outmoded beer that only chunnering old men consumed, sat round a table in the corner of the pub.

I think it’s fair to say that the pub industry is presently experiencing turbulent waters. Latest figures suggest that 18 pubs a week in the UK are calling last orders. So, how refreshing to report that Rawtenstall brewer, Northern Whisper, has recently opened a new drinking and social destination in Colne.

THE latest data published in the 2018-19 Cask Report, showed the average price of cask beer was £3.39. It also revealed that the lowest average price of £2.94, was in Wales.

THERE is a rather special celebration of beer commencing at 6.30pm today in Clitheroe – a three-day social gathering at the St Michael and St John’s Assembly Room.

THE demise of the traditional pub has been well-documented in this column.

I WAS very intrigued last week, after reading about a poll that had been conducted in the Lancashire Telegraph, they were endeavouring to identify where the most popular pub in East Lancashire was.

THERE are many hardworking pub landlord and landlady teams across the locality. And one of the most popular and successful pairings in the East Lancashire pub trade, bade a fond farewell after six and a half years at the Hare and Hounds, Padiham last week.