The Royal Oak, Preston

County Inn on the old road between Blackburn and Preston, near Hoghton Tower. The Pub has its original small rooms set along the front with the bar at the rear, untouched by developers to make it open plan, which would spoil its charm. The bar sells four Thwaites real ales on top form on my visit. Good value food is served lunch and evening, all day on Saturday and Sunday, from a very good, excellent value for money Pub Grub menu, with a large specials board. The pub itself is long and narrow with a Beer garden and large car park, and is at the junction of Riley Green Switch Road and Bolton Road. The road is served with a bus service between the two towns, but is also near the Leeds - Liverpool canal, 5 minutes walk away and junction 3 of the M65 motorway.