Pubs in Lancaster

John O'Gaunt

53 Market Street, Lancaster LA1 1JG

A handsome Edwardian frontage hides a narrow pub in which the walls are decorated with a beer mats and photos of musicians (reflecting one former licensee's enthusiasms). At lunchtime most of the customers are from nearby banks and offices, in the evening mostly regulars.

Pendle Witch

90-92 Penny Street, Lancaster LA1 1XN

Bright and airy bar with a mainly varnished wood floor and a long counter. In recent years, has concentrated on serving cheap food and drink to students, although it was opened in 1976 as a wine bar. Many TV screens showing sport most evenings.

Borough

3 Dalton Square, Lancaster LA1 1PP

A pub which succeeds in appealing to both food-lovers and ale aficionados.The front area resembles a gentlemen's club with deep-buttoned chairs and chandeliers, the large back room is a restaurant and the bar is in a passage between them. Outside is a sheltered patio with covered smoking area. Comedy club Sun eve.

Merchant's

29 Castle Hill, Lancaster LA1 1YN

Converted wine-merchants cellars built in 1688 and an extensive outdoor drinking area create a peaceful haven from the hubbub of the city centre. The main drinking areas are in three separate 'tunnels' with a fourth forming the entrance and bar area. Quiz night on Sundays. Look out for the stoneware bottles used in the construction of the cellar walls. House beer "Castle Blonde" brewed by Old School. Many board games available. Live music every Saturday eve.

Study Room

32 Church Street, Lancaster LA1 1LH

Contemporary monochrome-plus-wood style, enlivened by a wide variety of light fittings, a couple of chesterfields, glazed cupboards with books and old typewriters. The new name presumably hints at an orientation towards students but it is too early to tell how it will really pan out. Music Fri night.

Stonewell Tap

8 (Lower)Church Street, Lancaster LA1 1NP

Old pub with modern big windows, distinct rooms and rather basic furnishings. Change of ownership in late 2017, it remains to be seen how it develops but you can expect good beer..

Park

1 St Oswald Street, Lancaster LA1 3AS

Built 1890 as an imposing street-corner "hotel”. The ground floor has been entirely opened out but there are still three areas with contrasting characters. A local for the nearby streets, also gets trade from the University of Cumbria.

Penny Bank

51 Penny Street, Lancaster LA1 1XF

Former bank converted to a pub in 1991 and has managed to give the feeling of a much older town centre corner pub. Popular with shoppers during the day, it is part of the vibrant Lancastrian social scene during the evenings.

Bobbin

36 Cable Street, Lancaster LA1 1HH

Large mainly Victorian pub (part eighteenth century), entirely open-plan but still divided up by raised areas and pillars. Very handy for the bus station; also frequented by a goth/metal crowd (but they are by no means the only customers). 70s-style flock wallpaper and laminate floor Extremely eclectic jukebox.

Holiday Inn

Waterside Pk Caton Rd, Lancaster LA1 3RA

Mint

34 Church Street, Lancaster LA1 1LH

Boot & Shoe

171 Scotforth Road, Lancaster LA1 4PU

A village inn until Lancaster grew around it. Completely altered in 2016 making one large bar-room divided into distinct areas. Decor mainly shades of brown with lots of woodwork. Opens a bit beyond midnight at weekends. 50p off cask ales on Mondays.