Red Lion, Chorley

The Red Lion is situated in a bit of a dip, but right in the centre of Wheelton village, where all roads seem to meet. It has a very tight car park to the side, which can be useful if you can find a space, as the surrounding roads can also prove difficult to park in. On entering, locals were all sat in the main bar area. There is a small overflow area to the side of the bar, which was empty during my visit. Some of the patrons were tucking into breakfasts, but most of those present on my Saturday morning visit were drinking only. 3 regular beers here are Hawkshead Lakeland Gold, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Oakham JHB. Guests were Oakham Citra, Durham Killer No Filler, Abbeydale Reveller & Acorn Gorlovka. A very good selection indeed. I gave the 6.1% Durham brew a try, despite the early hour. The barmaid was friendly enough and customers were happily chatting away. Compared with the Dressers Arms up the hill, I got the feeling that this was much more of a locals' boozer popular with an older crowd than its counterpart. With the Top Lock currently closed, this seems to be the best local pub.

Official site of Red Lion - www.theredlionatwheelton.co.uk

Facebook page of Red Lion - www.facebook.com

Official site of Red Lion - www.theredlionatwheelton.co.uk

Facebook page of Red Lion - www.facebook.com

Recently reopened under the auspices of the team who run the impressive Top Lock nearby, this is a pleasantly ungentrified village local just off the main road. It consists of 2 main rooms, an open bar room and a games room on a slightly higher level with a pool table and darts. Furnishings are mostly traditional, with wall-mounted leather sofas and tables/stools. A real fire can be found. Beer-wise, the pub serves 3 changing real ales, which included the excellent Coniston Bluebird and Hawkshead Bitter on my visit. Local CAMRA leaflets are available. Service friendly on my mid-afternoon visit, with only a few others in the bar. This is one to head to when in the area in my opinion.