Masons Arms, Chorley

Rather peculiar local pub on the outskirts of town. I’ve heard plenty of good things about this one but I didn’t get comfortable at all - the modern interior consists of a tiny tap room (probably the best place to sit) and an uncomfortable lounge, generally cluttered and with a pizza oven dominating the room. I found some of the clientele odd and was treated with general suspicion but I suspect I was just unlucky there. On the plus side, five beers on and my citra was fine. Good to see a real ale pub up here, but it’s a fair walk from town.

The Mason's Arms is quite a walk out of Chorley town centre. With time limited, we decided to get a taxi there and back. The extra cost was worth the extra expense. We sat in the tiny saloon bar at the front, but there are additional rooms on the right-hand side and at the rear. Beyond that is a yard at the rear. 5 real ales were on, but none were on the dark side - Bowland Hen Harrier, Abbeydale Speculation & Phoenix & Black Edge US Ale & American Pale Ale. The friendly landlord and barmaid offered me tasters of the Phoenix and one of the Black Edge beers. I opted for the Phoenix, which was in good condition. Pizzas are served during the day and we indulged in a couple of those between us too. Both were enjoyable. Certainly worth the trip out of the town centre to visit.