Preston, Lancashire. Probably Preston's oldest pub. Public records show that in 1716 the landlady was fined for keeping a "disorderly house" - an establishment that was used by prostitutes. It is said to have a bricked up passageway that led to a local church (known as a "priest tunnel", to allow the priests to escape persecution). It is also said to be haunted by the ghost of Annie Ratcliffe. She was the daughter of the pub's landlord who in 1881 was on the way to the church to be married and was killed by her fiance in the neighboring Sir Walter Scott Inn.

This is a pub that is definitely on my list of favorite pubs. First of all it is a bit of walk from the town centre and I generally like out of the way places. The large blue bell on the front of the old brick building is very inviting. There are several good sized rooms and a nice bar area next to a beautiful long bar. Lots of bright colors and patterns on the walls, and check out the red (cherry?) wood tables throughout the pub. And of course a beautiful drinking booth.

I must say I was lucky to be able to take these photos. All Samuel Smith's pubs are "tech free" and the use of cell phones is prohibited. But as I was the only patron in the pub and I had been having a nice chat with the bartender, she was kind enough to let me take a few quick photos.

I have liked Samuel Smith ales for a long time (probably 40 years!), so I really enjoy having beers from their brewery that I don't see often in the states. Having a Taddy Lager in this beautiful pub is something I will remember forever.