A pub in Lancashire has been named among the UK’s top 17 by CAMRA.
The news comes as CAMRA revealed the top 17 winners from the regions and nations.
CAMRA said: “A total of 17 fantastic pubs have battled it out with thousands of pubs across the UK to be crowned the winner in their area. Pubs in the competition are scored on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression, but most importantly – the quality of live beer, real cider and perry.
“The regional and national finalists will now compete for the UK National Pub of the Year award, with judges whittling the 17 pubs down to just four in late September. CAMRA’s esteemed National Pub of the Year title is the topmost accolade the campaigning group can bestow upon a pub. The overall winner will be announced in January 2025.”
Black Horse in Preston came out on top in the West Pennines category.
What CAMRA said about the 'visually stunning' Preston pub
CAMRA said: “A visually stunning Victorian Grade II listed pub opposite the historic Preston open market. Having an interior of national historic importance, the Black Horse is a fantastic example of Victorian architecture, retaining original fittings from the era.
“Most noteworthy is the beautiful semi-circular ceramic bar, tiled walls and meticulous mosaic flooring throughout the pub. A seating area has been dubbed the ‘Hall of Mirrors’ due to the impressive use of original stained glass.
“The Black Horse serves ten handpumps including four changing guest beers from far and wide, plus a range of ciders.”
You can find out more about the pub via its profile page on the CAMRA website.
Black Horse has proved popular with visitors on Tripadvisor as the pub has accumulated 83 reviews and boasts a 4.5-star rating.
One customer said: “Had a cheeky pint of Peggy in this stunning award winning CAMRA, pub. My boy was with me and I'd say this Preston beauty is one of the finest in the world!!”
Another commented: “I am not usually a fan of Robinson’s pubs but the Black Horse is the exception that proves the rule. It’s a beautiful ‘arts and crafts’ style with an outstanding range of non-Robinson’s beers.
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“I plumped for a Lancaster Brewery offering that was tasty and well kept. Also of note is there’s an upstairs which, when we were there, had over 17 different ciders on. Great pub.”
Andrea Briers, National Coordinator for the Pub of the Year competition says: “These amazing pubs really are the crème de la crème and I would encourage the public to seek out the 17 winners from across the nations and regions of the UK – they are top-tier pubs serving excellent beer, cider and perry, run by welcoming, hardworking staff.
“It’s also important to support your local all year round. With constant pressure from stubbornly high energy prices, fluctuating running costs and grossly unfair business rates threatening to drown pubs across the UK, it’s vital to get out and support the licensed trade.”