Hand & Dagger, Preston

This is a welcoming pub that caters for locals and visitors off the canal. The beer is always good and the food is impressive. You get the feeling that the landlord (who is a bit eccentric), really wants you to have a good experience. Be warned, if you want to eat here at the weekend, phone first as it is very popular and just calling in might not get you a table. It’s that good!

My wife and I recently visited this pub as we moved onto and as we we were leaving the Lancaster canal on our narrowboat. The landlord and his wife have only recently taken over the pub and are examples of the perfect hosts, nothing was too much trouble. The food, well, I had sirloin steak, blue as is my preference, both times I was absolutely amazed at the tenderness and taste, definitely the best steaks I have ever eaten. The pub itself is delightfully situated on the bank of the canal in a rural setting, a must for parents and their children, there is plenty of outside seating and, inside a large dining area. As expected, I found a good selection of cask ales kept in perfect condition. I can't recommend this pub too highly.