The London Clarets

Pub Guide

 

Becko's Burnley Boozer of the month, March 2002

The Talbot The Talbot Hotel 65 Church Street BURNLEY BB11 2RS Tel: 01282 412074

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This is a pub which, for me, has vastly improved. I'm not into the blues (although if it all sounded like The White Stripes, I would be), and I'm not particularly fond of Thin Lizzy or AC/DC tribute bands, so I've overlooked this pub on many a weekend. However, I've been visiting this pub fairly regularly recently, because the beer range has increased. Whereas before it was Theakston's Black Bull and Worthington's Best Bitter (my vote for worst real ale), there are now three or four guest beers, Cains Bitter being a permanent addition. Unfortunately, Worthington's is still available, but over recent weeks I've sampled Usher's Four Seasons, Black Sheep, Elgood's Black Dog Mild, Taylor's Golden Best (isn't it nice to see a Taylor's beer other than Landlord?) and, of course, Cains. Drink Cains if you can to help them out now they are in financial difficulties.

The pub is almost like three pubs in one. From the main door you can go either into the tap room (where there is a pool table, a dartboard, and a wooden floor), or turn left into the main room, which for the most part also has bare floorboards. Here, there is a stage with a Jimi Hendrix backdrop, advertising the pub's own website.

The supporting pillar in the middle of the bar can make getting served at busy times difficult, but otherwise makes a good leaning spot. The side door, which I use most, has another area to the right - more of a comfortable seating area, with carpets and a fire. You can sit round here and talk if you don't like the band - I know I have - but at weekends, most people will want to see whoever is on. During the week it's quieter, but there is a big screen with ITV Digital. Even on a matchday they aren't packed out, but they do pie and peas for £1.50! There is a sign up saying 'No Away Fans', but it's not a rough pub.

In the early 1980s, it changed its name to The City Limits, and was packed (particularly on a Sunday night, when for some reason I used to go down there). Fortunately it's now reverted, and is well worth a visit.

Ormerod Road separates the Talbot from the Sparrow Hawk, a pub we're all familiar with. It makes sense to visit both.

Becko
March 2002

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