Wagon & Horses, Lancaster

I used to come in here quite a bit when I lived in Lancaster - about 10 minutes walk away - in the early 1980s. The landlord was an ex-jockey and a bit of a rogue - he told me he only ever won once, because usually it was his job to ride a fancied horse very badly, so that the stable's second string would win at a good price, but on one occasion he realised that his horse was so good that if he didn't win he would lose his licence. Such is life. In those days it was a Hartleys pub, the only one in Lancaster, and a pretty basic affair. I remember they had a TV here for the 1982 World Cup semi-final when the German goalkeeper nearly knocked off the head of a French player and didn't even get booked, never mind sent off and banned for several months. No VAR in those days, of course. Nowadays this is a Robinsons pub of no character whatsoever. The two beers available at the time of my visit were Dizzy Blonde and Cumbrian Way, which I think may have been a Hartley's beer. It was in reasonable nick (OK, NBSS 3) but not enough to make this a must-visit, even if it turned out to be the only pub showing the World Cup semi-finals. Date of visit: 25th February 2023

A Robinson's house, and one of many fine old buildings on St George's Quay that has now found a new purpose. Although it features a mix of traditional and modern elements in terms of furniture and decoration in the L-shaped bar, it feels a bit sterile. A small patio beer garden can also be found at the back. With a total of seven handpumps on the counter, I found Dizzy Blonde, Chilly Blonde, Cumbria Way and the Gratitude (£3.95) which helps raise extra funding for the NHS.

Go in through the door and you will see a room with tables, chairs and a bar that serves beers and spirits. Its nice.