I THINK it’s fair to say there are many down-to-earth, cheap and cheerful watering holes in the locality. And perhaps this wet lead boozer, in Colne town centre, can be classed in that category.

It had been known as the Shepherds Arms for many years. However, when Blackpool-based Amber Taverns purchased the pub from Timothy Taylor's in 2011, it was renamed, in recognition of Pendle’s soldiers serving in the army’s Lancashire regiment.

Situated at the junction of Market Street and Church Street, it’s quite an imposing, modern structure on the town’s main thoroughfare. Once inside, you witness a vast, open plan lounge area, with lots of seating options to relax and enjoy your drink.

There’s soft-benched furnishings around the perimeter of the pub, plus many varying shaped and sized tables and chairs.

My favourite area was the raised tables and chairs, in front of one of the main windows, that gave you a good view of a very busy Market Street.

The pub was quite well patronised, for a wet and windy Tuesday afternoon. A mainly mature, male clientele, chatting quietly away, with the exception of one uncouth character who thought it amusing to belch out loud at the bar. Always the odd ‘colourful character’, I suppose.

However, the characters behind the bar were of a more favourable and likeable disposition. A triumvirate of friendly, helpful and amusing souls.

Charly, David and Adam were a good team. I asked Charly how long she had worked at the pub. She said: “Three years – and I’m single.”

David, joking, replied: “She has worked here too long. She needs to go.”

There were three cask ales on offer on the long, curved bar. All regularly rotated, and all at a bargain £1.85. Ossett Yorkshire Blonde was the first tipple. It was ok. An average slurp, that soon lost its oomph, to be honest.

Mind you, the balance was redressed with an ‘old friend’. The Marstons Pedigree was superb. Full textured, creamy smooth and an onslaught of malt on the palate – delicious.

Moorhouse’s Blond Witch completed the trio of tipples. It’s a classy beer and was in decent nick. Malty aroma. It has citrusy and rich malt flavours, followed by a fruity, bittersweet finish and it was selling well.

The pub has varied entertainment for its patrons. Sky Sports for the footy crowd. And Thursday to Saturday are disco nights.

A regular named Kevin said: “It gets packed Friday and Saturday nights. Three deep at the bar.”

There's also a theme night planned. Barman Dave said: “We will be having different eras, 70s, 80s and 90s. Fancy dress encouraged.”

Crikey, MC Hammer, Saturday Night Fever and shell suits!

The Duke of Lancaster is obviously a pub that caters for all moods and tastes. It appeared a well-run drinking den, in a pleasant, friendly environment. A pub that, in my opinion, has become more appealing under the ownership of Amber Taverns.