The Royal Dyche, Burnley

Situated just down the road from Burnley Football Club, it is named after the former manager of the football club, who now happens to manage the team I follow. In truth, we weren't planning to pay this pub a visit, but a couple of us acted on impulse and popped in for a swift one on the way to the game. There are a number of different rooms, with various Burnley memorabilia and photos on the walls, in addition to an outdoor area at the rear. Our brief walk around didn't identify too many tables. Maybe they are removed on matchdays, but it was largely equipped for vertical drinking. At the bar, I was surprised to see a couple of real ales - Reedley Hallows Pendleside & Bowland Hen Harrier. A much better pub that I had anticipated.

Facebook page of The Royal Dyche - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Royal Dyche - www.facebook.com

In spite of the old sounding name and the Tudor-a-like pub sign it’s named after a footballer. Located just after, in fact almost under, “The Conduit” an aqueduct carrying the Leeds and Liverpool canal over a busy road spotted with a few pubs near the football ground. Split down the middle you have the counter to your right and a large sitting room to the left, there’s a pierced wall separating ta rear bit with a pool table from the left hand room. Many screens about the place. Beer wise, there’s a single hand pump with a very average Bowland beer plus a wide selection of national kegs. A massive collection of football shirts covers the ceilings. For some reason a lot of the pub is decorated in claret and blue, as indeed is the rear garden.