Becko's Burnley Boozer of the month, June 2002
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The General HavelockThe General Havelock Inn
101 Accrington Road
BURNLEY
BB11 4AX
Tel: 01282 423034 |
Map |
Jennings bought this pub about three years ago, one of several in the local area, but the only one that I'm aware of that sells its Dark Mild. At 3.1% it's well drinkable, and has the bitter taste that the Best Bitter was renowned for. Personally I think the bitter has been made more marketable, thus losing the bitter aftertaste, so the Mild is a more than adequate substitute. Mild has only recently been put on, at the request of the brewery. Apparently it's selling well, which can't be bad in a town that we're frequently told doesn't drink mild!
Situated at what would once have been a busy crossroads - before the motorway was built - the Havelock is an unusual-looking pub. Don't get me wrong - it's prominent enough, with the unmistakable dark blue Jennings sign, but the layout inside is different. The only entrance is right on the corner of Accy Road. On entering, you must either turn left or right. The latter takes you into the main bar, which would originally have been two rooms, but they have now been knocked into one. The bar itself is not the easiest to access, being right next to the door. There are two real fires, in keeping with the original layout, and darts and football teams represent the pub. Wood panelling and mirrored walls make the lounge a comfortable place to drink, although the carpet could do with replacing.
Editor's note: shortly after this article was published, the landlord contacted us to say that the carpet was replaced relatively recently.
If you take the left turn when entering (as I usually do), you go into a basic tap room with a pool table, lino floor and pew seats. However, what makes this room is the plethora of Burnley photos and articles adorning the walls. Only recently this room was decorated, and I was disappointed to see the pictures taken down. Fortunately they have now been restored, and if you have never been in this room, it's worth checking out. The pictures include a signed photo of Ian Brennan's 30-yard winner at Anfield in 1974, and a large team photo from the following season (when we played in the 'V' kit).
The mild sells at £1.65, and the bitter at £1.68. It's not the most expensive pint in town, but for me it's one of the best.
Becko
June 2002
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