It’s National Pubs Week (21-28 February), which is a time to celebrate the very best boozers on our doorstep and the important contribution that independent pubs make to local communities.

The Campaign For Real Ale's (CAMRA) The Good Beer Guide 2022 lists the best real ale pubs and clubs in each town and city – and dozens of Lancashire venues are been named.

In the 2022 guide, you will find over 4500 listings across the UK’s best pubs, bars and breweries, chosen by local CAMRA volunteers as having the best cask beers available.

In total, 119 Lancashire venues are featured in the guide with 32 in East Lancashire specifically.

The Barlick Tap Ale House in Barnoldswick, Bridge Bier Huis in Burnley, Admiral Lord Rodney in Colne and Hare & Hounds in Padiham, are just a handful of venues featured in the guide.

Carl Pawson, co-owner of Boyce’s Barrel on New Market Street, Colne, said: “We’ve been in it for several years now and it’s always good to be featured.

“Our real ales stand out because they are in good condition and it’s the care and attention that CAMRA recognised, which is why we were featured.”

The Swan With Two Necks in Pendleton also received a special mention in the guide.

Steve Dillworth said it’s their 20th year being featured.

He said: “I was so happy to be included in this years guide.

“We’ve been here for nearly 35 years and have spent 50 years in the industry. The quality of our ale has made us stand out.”

It’s not the first award the pub has won after it was named CAMRA’s pub of the year in 2013.

Bird inth’ Hand bar, on Duckworth Street in Darwen, stocks a variety of locally sourced cask ales and beers.

It opened in 2018 by John Connelly.

He said: “I’ve always wanted to sell the best real ales and have a wide variation of ales too – I’ve achieved that but it’s been a lot of hard work.

“I sell modern cask ales with lots of hops that are very refreshing. I only sell ales from independent breweries.

“I will also listen to customers for their opinion on what they like and what they don’t.”

Simon Scott, owner featured for the last 18 years

Bridge Bier Huis on Bank Parade in Burnley has featured in the Good Beer Guide for 18 years.

Owner, Simon Scott, said: “It feels good to have been mentioned for so many years and to be recognised for looking after your cask ales.”

They are well known for selling their real ale real cider and German beers in bottle and on tap.

Scott Bell, sales manager of The Black Bull/ The Three Bs Brewery in Darwen, thinks their beers are the best on the market.

He said: “Our ales are locally brewed and brewed with passion. We’re also a family-run business ourselves.

“In my opinion, we sell the best beer around”

You can view the full list of Lancashire venues mentioned in Camra’s The Good Beer Guide 2022 in the table below: