The Barlick Tap, Barnoldswick

Blue Scrumpy left this review about The Barlick Tap

The Barlick Tap Ale House was my final stop of the night in what I though was Lancashire. Although the friendly locals soon educated me on boundary changes that occurred at some point and that they didn't agree with. As such, most locals associate themselves with Yorkshire and confuse matters by erecting street signs welcoming people to Yorkshire!

I arrived to find a selection of 4 real ales, including 2 dark beers - Brew York Tonkoko, Wilde Child The Italian Job, Small World It's Never One & Pennine Pink Moon. A 5th handpull sported a real cider - Weston's Old Rosie, which was later replaced by Perry's Barn Owl. Apparently the new landlord is into craft beers. Wilde Child Beyond Redemption & Tartarus Abaddon were available on tap, alongside a wide range of cans. There was also a large selection of bottled Belgian beers, perhaps a vestige of the previous landlord's passion.

I soon got talking to the amiable landlord, who seemed quite a character with his trademark handlebar moustache. Before long, I was involved in discussions about local affairs, politics, pubs and football amongst other things and was offered Benny and Hot (Benedictine - a French liqueur served with hot water), which apparently now the official matchday drink for Burnley Football Club fans. I vowed to order it the next time I head to Turf Moor!

After a swift half and the Benny & Hot, I headed off for a meal in a local Thai food cafe. Although after promising to return, I re-entered to a few cheers from the gathered locals and had another beer before finishing on the very drinkable 17% Abaddon on keg.

I often find micropubs to be very friendly places, but this one reached a slightly higher level. The locals seemed to be a bit of an eccentric bunch who were quite rightly proud of their small town, but were very welcoming to a stranger. If I ever find myself back in Barnoldswick (known as Barlick locally), I will make a bee-line here.

My score would be 9.5/10, if halves were allowed. I rarely award a 10/10, but perhaps the addition of one or two more ciders would adjust my score upwards. Nevertheless, I heartily recommend this micropub and also the town itself, which I would be very happy living in.

On 21^st May 2023 - rating: 9
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