Pub of the Week: The Clog and Billycock, Blackburn

This week we have chosen a fantastic local Blackburn pub, with a great selection of cask ales, amazing food, friendly staff.

Name of the pub:

The Clog & Billycock

Address of the pub:

Billinge End Road
Pleasington
Blackburn
BB2 6QB

The Clog and Billycock is situated just a short drive from Blackburn in Pleasington.

Steeped in all the history you might expect of a rural treasure, and originally known as the Bay Horse Inn, the pub now takes it's name from clogs and the billycock which were the favourite attire of a landlord who took over in the early 20th century.

Give us some history about the pub:

The Clog and Billycock was originally called the Bay Horse Inn, sometimes referred to locally as “The Steady Hoss’’.

It was one of two Bay Horses in Blackburn the other being where the bus station is now located.

During the period of around 1920 to 1940 the landlord was one Alfred Pomfret. He always wore a billycock and special 'boot clogs' that had been made for him by his brother who was a renowned leather craftsman.

One of the regulars during this time was Mr. Bill Adams. It was Bill who coined the name of the Clog and Billycock for the pub, obviously in honour of Alfred.

However, it was not until 1973 that the then landlord Mr. Alan Seed asked Thwaites if he could change the name permanently from the Bay Horse to the Clog and Billycock. In April of that year Thwaites rebranded the pub officially.

Is food served?

Each day, before midday staff upload the day's menus, they say 'it's always nice to wet your appetite before you even get to us' by buying a refreshing drink.

Staff also add in more detail about each dish, in case customers need to check out the ingredients for allergen information.

Dishes include Game suet pudding (venison, pheasant and rabbit) mash, buttered greens, Bacon chop, with colcannon mash, crispy black pudding, mustard sauce, apple puree, and Pan fried sea bass with bombay potatoes, wilted spinach, coconut raita.

Is there a beer garden? 

Local produce is given thoughtful treatment and served on the elegant, paved beer garden that is enjoyed by many whenever the sun shines.

The Clog & Billycock has a review of four stars on TripAdvisor, and is listed as the 11th most popular pub in Blackburn.

Alison B left a four star review and said: "Visited for the first time. There is nothing else to say other than great Service, gorgeous food, and lovely surroundings.

"Lots of parking and very spacious pub. The staff were brilliant and very attentive."

Another user left a five star review and said: "Have been meaning to come a while but [was] my first visit today. The pub is lovely, very cosy with open fire.

"Food menu is extensive, lots of gluten free options. We opted for the fish pie which was delicious and the crispy beef.

"Both cooked to perfection and we ate the lot! Well priced and drinks reasonable.

"Service made it all the better. Manager on duty was really chatty and attentive and was only his fourth day. Other young girls were equally as friendly and attentive.

"Would highly recommend. Can't believe we've never been before but will be back for sure."