Hopwoods Tap House, Preston

The new kids on the block as far as the Ale drinking scene in Preston is concerned and usually that is something that should be applauded, especially when it’s a conversion of a former shop premises into something resembling a pub. And actually this is a good conversion providing a comfortable bar with a good range of both cask ales and craft keg options. The only issue with this one was that the pricing levels would make your eyes water in EC1, let alone PR1. Perhaps that have been listening to the argument that cask ales should be at a higher price point and have decided to put it to the test. I suppose time will tell if they are right. One thing if for certain, they won’t be attracting anyone from the Wetherspoons across the road, but then again perhaps that is the idea.

Modern bar with 4 handpumps and a wall of craft and overseas keg taps - as described by others (including the prices). I also went with the overpriced Loweswater Gold.