The Bowling Green, Darwen

Currently closed as of October 2010. Wait to see if it reopens. The pub itself is a lovely old coaching house so worth seeing for the architecture alone.

5 Oct 2010 19:41

The Black Horse, Darwen

On the last visit it was nice pub, with some great real ales from the Fallon microbrewery which was run by the owners. The only criticism was that the live music (for which the place was famed) was pretty loud for those just there for a quiet pint.

However the owners have just moved on in a dispute with the landlords over the rent so we will have to see what becomes of the place.

5 Oct 2010 19:39

The Bridgewater, Darwen

Depends when you visit the Bridgewater as to the experience you get. Midweek, it is quite quiet. The food is good but not gourmet. It has plenty of TV's showing major sporting events and at least 3 local real ales on. The VIP card is also well worth purchasing as it can mean big savings at the bar, plus they have a loyalty card scheme where you buy 6 pints and get the seventh free.

The bar is usually extremely well staffed and the staff are always quite friendly. Locals are also friendly as well and it has a nice atmosphere if not particularly intimate given the size of the place.

However, at the weekend the place is rammed which is great if you fancy a night out and some music, but not great if you fancy a quiet pint!

5 Oct 2010 19:34

Millstone, Darwen

First time I went here midweek it came across as a nice little pub. Tidy, well run, and with two a good selection of beers include a couple of cask ales.

Went again about 6 months later on a Friday night and got a completely different opinion. Not sure if the ownership has changed but the bar staff had no idea what they were doing, all the decent beers were off, the pool table was broken, the juke box was broken etc etc. However it was still a lively and friendly atmosphere and the karaoke was entertaining. Hopefully they can get the basics sorted because it can be a great place to visit.

5 Oct 2010 19:24