This week I have taken the liberty of swerving the usual pub review.

The reason for this being, that I wanted an opportunity to recommend some of the outstanding pubs I have visited in the last few months.

Premier watering holes, that never fail to provide a good service, value for money, friendly environment – and a fine range of well kept, cask condition ales.

I suppose the boozers mentioned below, represent a mini, premier pub guide – in my humble opinion. Six local ale houses, that simply tick all the boxes, for the discerning beer connoisseur.

Let's kick-off in the Ribble Valley. The Dog Inn, Whalley, is a must-visit. Ideally situated in the centre of the village and close to the bus terminus.

Six cask ales available, mainly from local microbreweries – and all priced at well under three quid. This old-fashioned pub provides a friendly welcome from the regulars, relaxed atmosphere and first-rate service. A boozer that takes pride in the quality of its beers – a gem of a pub.

A trip down the road, is the New Inn, Clitheroe. In the shadow of the castle, another ideally positioned hostelry, close to the bus and railway station.

This down-to-earth, unpretentious pub offers a quite superb range of local, cask-conditioned ales – ten in total. If you are looking for 'smooth flow' then swerve it. This traditional boozer offers three cosy rooms, spacious rear beer garden and friendly banter at the bar. As Frank Carson would have said: “It's a cracker.”

Third on list finds us close to Accrington town centre. Grant's Bar is a top notch pub – a favourite of mine.

Imposing structure externally. Contemporary, spacious and appealing internally – it even houses the only brewery in Hyndburn. Eight cask ales are available – of which five are from the Big Clock Brewery, situated behind the bar.

Grant's appeals to all ages. Owner, Justin Grant and his staff have done a remarkable job rescuing a condemned boozer, and converting it into one of the premier pubs of East Lancashire and beyond – no argument.

The next two pubs are two Burnley town centre locations – and in my opinion, first class for their range of beers.

Firstly, it's the Bridge Bier Huis – a regular haunt of mine. Unrivalled beer selection. Five cask ales, real cider, premium foreign draught lagers and bottled beers from around the world. Friendly abuse and banter guaranteed.

Secondly, the Beer Shack appeals to the ale ‘aficionados’, it’s fair to say.

Beers here are mainly unfamiliar and that is its attraction. Eight ales and four ciders to tempt your taste buds. No music, no fizzy lager, no TV. Beer and conversation is paramount in this establishment.

Lastly, I felt it appropriate to include the most improved pub in the area – no argument in my opinion. The Hare and Hounds, Padiham, was an ailing, tired boozer eighteen months ago – and was under threat of closure.

Now, a free house, it’s thriving. A remarkable transformation by hosts, Stef and Laura Riley.

Six local cask ales, real cider and two annual beer festivals for good measure – next one being August 8 to 10, with 20 ales from Lancashire and Cumbria. Aye, t'Hare, beery heaven indeed.

So, there you have a 'super six'. I could have mentioned many more that were equally appealing. Maybe I should publish a book on the localities finest.

One day perhaps, one day.