The Hest Bank, Lancaster

nice labyrinthine canalside pub tucked away in a lovely location, but the handprints of an inept pubco are all over it. two drinker friendly bars either side as you come in and they sink down to what is mainly a dining area. Decor is modern in all areas. Service can be a bit of a shambles to be honest. only national standard beers served, Wainwrights, Landlord and Bombardier this time. just a bit corporate and dull for such a historic pub.

I can remember this as a Boddingtons pub 40 years ago, and I was last here 20 years ago when the beer garden was very pleasant. It seems to be more car park than anything now, though there are plenty of tables with numbers on for when you order food. On the bar these days: nationally available brands. Bass, Wainwright and Jennings Cumberland Ale. I went for the Bass, but in a blind tasting I'm not sure I would have known. The pub itself, which used to be painted white, was unrecognisable to me both inside and out. Never go back is sound advice.