This date is about slowing down together, tasting something local and maybe learning how it is made. Lancashire has a growing number of breweries with taprooms, tours and tasting events, so you can choose anything from a laid back afternoon in the countryside to a quick drink in a town centre microbrewery.
Look for a brewery or taproom within travelling distance that welcomes visitors. Check their opening times or tour dates, decide who is driving and then spend some time trying the delicacies made on site.
You can stay for a drink or two, take a tour if they offer one, or pick up a few treats to enjoy at home another day.
Country breweries and taprooms
For a proper ‘day out’ feel, you might head to a rural brewery in the countryside.
Rivington Brewing Co is a modern craft brewery and taproom at Home Farm near Rivington, set in the middle of the Lancashire countryside, with views of the surrounding hills and a relaxed, rustic feel.
Farm Yard Brew Co near Cockerham is based on a family farm and has a taproom inside the brewery itself, with 12 keg lines, three cask lines and a large fridge of cans, as well as regular events, street food and a friendly, rural atmosphere.
Use these as inspiration and look for a similar ‘breweries or countryside taprooms that you can reach from where you live.
Brewery tours and tastings
If you enjoy seeing how things work, pick a brewery that offers tours as well as a bar.
Lancaster Brewery runs informal tours from its visitor centre, walking you through the brewing process from malt silo to racking machine, often including tastings and sometimes food such as local pies.
Bowland Brewery at Holmes Mill in Clitheroe offers a tour and tasting experience with a guided walk around the brewery and samples of their ales in a stylish food and drink complex.
Many breweries advertise tour dates or “meet the brewer” events on their websites or social media, so it is worth checking a few local names and picking one that fits your diary.
Lucy loves…
“For the podcast I have really done my research! Brindle Distillery, Chorley. Known for its famous and award-winning Cuckoo Gin, have a tour of the distillery, have a tasting or even book on to one of their workshops where you can make your own flavoured gin. Here is the episode with them.
Rivington Brewing Co, Rivington. On a sunny day, there is no place like Rivington Brewery with their own taproom and beer to tase, along with local food vendors, the atmosphere is really great. Have a listen to our episode to find out more.
Chain House Brewing Co and Taproom, Preston. Established in 2017, they brew small batch beer that are all suitable for vegans. Listen to their episode here.”
From a Lancashire Lass tips: Lucy Baxter is the host of the From a Lancashire Lass podcast that shares stories from Lancashire businesses and inspirational people. The aim of the podcast is to support businesses, whilst supporting Lancashire and celebrating the county’s heritage. Lucy is also a broadcast journalist who works on a range of national and international TV and radio programmes.
Town and city microbreweries
If you prefer to stay closer to home, look for a microbrewery or taproom bar in your nearest town.
Across Lancashire you will find small breweries with on-site bars in places like Preston, Burnley, Lancaster and Chorley, as well as brewery taps listed on local guides and review sites.
To enjoy this date it does not need to be famous or large. A small industrial unit with a few tables, a chalkboard of beers and a relaxed feel can work perfectly as a cosy date spot.
