The Sparrow, as we know it, puts forward a very strong argument for the title of Burnley's
Premier Pub. A regular in the beer drinkers' bible 'The Good Beer Guide' since 1995, and deservedly so, the pub goes
from strength to strength. This is the London Clarets' meeting pub, and has been for about eight years.
You'll always find a good helping of Burnley fans in here, and not just on match days.
The atmosphere is first class.
Steve and Julia Baker have to be praised for getting the pub into the healthy state it now is in.
Since their well earned retirement in April, things have carried on in the same vein with one notable exception:
Moorhouses Black Cat has replaced Castle Eden as one of
the regular beers always available, Moorhouses Premier and Pendle Witch being the other two.
So it's now possible to get all three main Moorhouses beers in the Sparrow - it's a pity the same can't be said for the
all the Moorhouses pubs.
As well as the three regular beers there are four guests available; these are more often than not from
micro breweries. There is also a blossoming range of foreign bottled beers, including Belgian fruit beers.
If there is a criticism of the Sparrow, then it is quite small and gets very busy, particularly on match days
and at weekends (when the bar is open until 1am).
Bed and breakfast rates are very reasonable, and the food is competitively priced.
The pub consists of an L-shaped bar, and games room with pool table, and although doesn't sound much. you'll
find a warm and friendly welcome. There is a separate restaurant - but beware, there is no real ale here,
so make sure you take a pint with you!
Thursday night is quiz night, and as already mentioned there is a special hours certificate at weekends
when a good mixture of people attend.
All in all, no visit to Burnley is complete without a visit to the Sparrow.
