Hopwoods Tap House, Preston

Newly-opened quasi-Brewdog bar (the exterior really does look like one, maybe they’re trying to pre-empt the Scottish plonkers’ arrival in PR1?) including the prices - £5.50 a pint or three quid a half of cask! God knows how much they were trying to flog the keg for but I’ve never paid this amount for the real stuff down south. To be fair I was well-warned in advance and only did it as a strange act of self-flagellation, a fool and their money I suppose. Décor is of the ‘seen it all before’ craft hipster variety; industrial, high stools and tables though at least seemingly well-done for the style, clean rather than grubby. Three ales, I went for the Loweswater by Cumbria brewery which was at least in good nick (NBSS 3) if not exactly a quality brew. Given the lower prices and more down-to-earthiness nearby, I can’t see myself re-appearing. 5.5

A craft bar that is best described as an experiment in pricing as mentioned below. I didn't mind the bar itself and there is definitely a market for this kind of operation, however this is Preston and not London so I wonder if the experiment will prevail.

New, modern craft beer bar with an elongated interior with the bar counter in the centre on the right. Notable for three things: 28 craft keg taps, the prices (including 3.5% Hawkshead Pale at £3.00 for a half from one of the four handpumps) and the illuminated display board with no prices (and no wonder!).

Well described below by my esteemed colleagues on the crawl. I too went for the extortionately priced Loweswater Gold, although it was a decent pint, the price is stupid for around here.