Mark Briggs has been a real ale connoisseur for over 35 years.  A self-professed ‘beer geek’, Mark visits East Lancashire’s pubs for his weekly column.
Read of Mark’s adventures in ale at his blog realaleupnorth.blogspot.com or follow him on Twitter @realaleupnorth

THIS week’s review takes me to one of the finest examples of a quintessential English hostelry in the area.

Set in the village of Barley, at the foot of Pendle Hill, this most popular countryside inn looked delightful in the early afternoon sunshine.

The date above the stone arched entrance reveals the pub was built in 1930.

However, it feels more dated with its stone-flagged floors, beamed ceilings, open fires, dark oak-panelled walls and furnishings, giving the pub a warm, old-fashioned and traditional feel.

It boasts lots of varied social space. The areas in front and adjacent to the bar are most appealing, with open fireplaces, wood flooring, comfy seating and attractive old-fashioned light fittings.

There is also a good-sized pool room and a small, more private room to the right of the main entrance and a most impressive conservatory at the rear forming the main restaurant area.

An attractive L-shaped bar boasted six cask beers and there is always a great selection on, with both local and the not so local brewers being supported. Two from Moorhouse’s are permanent ales, with Reedley Hallows’ brews also regularly available.

I had a Wynchwood Full Brazilian, a refreshing, robust and peachy-flavoured quaff in superb condition.

Mind you, the ales are always in great nick on every visit and it remains a mystery why the pub is not in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide as ale kept in consistently good condition is the prime criteria for inclusion.

The weather was glorious so I headed for the beer garden at the front of the pub.

This lawned area with its half a dozen bench-seated tables provides a most tranquil and idyllic setting.

The Pendle Inn is undoubtably one of the area’s premier watering holes and eating establishments.

Friendly clientele in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

The staff are always helpful and polite and Stuart and Helen behind the bar were most friendly and cheery hosts.

All in all, a pub to thoroughly recommend and it certainly will not be long until my next visit.