Burnley pub is crowned best in region (From Burnley and Pendle Citizen)

Burnley pub is crowned best in region

3:09pm Thursday 13th September 2012 in Burnley By Dan Clough, Reporter

AN East Lancashire pub is the best in the West Pennine region after scooping a top award.

The Bridge Bier Huis in Bank Parade, Burnley, won the award, making it the top pub in Lancashire, Cumbria and the Isle of Man.

The announcement came as the Campaign for Real Ale today launched the 2013 Good Beer Guide, including 12 East Lancashire pubs not previously listed and one brewery.

Landlady Emma Williams, who runs The Bridge with her partner Simon Scott, was delighted.

She said: “It was fantastic news. It’s all down to the the quality and choice of beer we offer.

“We give our customers what they want, which is a choice.

“And we sell local beers. We always have two Moorhouse’s beers on, and we have been getting them in from Worsthorne Brewery and Reedley Hallows.”

The book describes The Bridge as a ‘free house with a large open-plan bar area and a small snug to one side’.

“It offers two Moorhouse’s beers and three changing guests, mainly from microbreweries, alongside a real cider,” the book said.

“More than 60 foreign bottled beers are available as well as seven foreign beers on tap, usually including two rare German beers.

“Wednesday is quiz night and some weekends live music is hosted. This welcoming pub opens at 5pm on a Tuesday evening if Burnley FC are playing.”

Brewer Peter Goldsbrough, from the Reedley Hallows Brewery in Burnley, said he had been brewing for six months today.

The brewery has been included in the Good Beer Guide at the first possible opportunity.

Mr Goldsbrough said: “I am very pleased. It isn’t easy to get in there.

“This is a perfect way for us to celebrate our half birthday.”

Another new addition to the guide was Number 39 Hopstar Brewery Tap, Bridge Street, Darwen. Owner Barry Tyson, who started Hopstar brewery in 2004, said: “I am very pleased, especially as it is our first year.

“The place speaks for itself. We have good quality beer in a nice, pleasant European-style bar.”

The Good Beer Guide features the best 4,500 real ale pubs from across the UK, with details of food, opening hours, beer gardens, accommodation, transport links, disabled access and family facilities.