IT WAS a glorious day for this weeks beery trek. So I decided to put on my walking boots and descend upon a rural hostelry, that boasted lots of local history.

The Four Alls Inn, situated in the picturesque Pendle village of Higham, is run by tenants, of three and a half years, Michael Bann and Matthew Reid. It dates back to 1792. A former courthouse, the pub is mentioned in tales of the Pendle Witches – and local belief tells me that it houses four ghosts.

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Well, there was certainly nothing ghostly about this boozer, as I walked in through its attractive, half glazed door. It was hive of activity, with virtually all of the patrons enjoying their lunch. The remainder, just chatting merrily away, at the bar.

It’s a typical small village establishment, with its low beamed ceilings, plentiful comfy seating and roaring open fire. This being supplemented with an attractive array of paraphernalia and old pictures of Higham.

Including one of the ‘four alls’. A picture that illustrates, the priest that prays for all; the King who rules all; the soldier who fights for all and the working man who pays for all.

The pub has a relatively small bar area, that opens out into a spacious dining room. An area well populated on my visit. Undoubtedly enjoying the extensive home cooked menu. The pub has a fine reputation for its culinary skills. The aroma from the spicy broth, (with chorizo, served with Scottish mussels), was had me salivating.

Also, as one would expect in a village pub, there was a tap room, that was adjacent to the bar. I loved this area of repose, with serving window, comfy fixed furnishings, attractive half-wood slat walls. And raised dark oak tables, with bench seating.

The pub boasted a fine range of ales. There are always four available on the bar. Two permanent, namely, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin and Moorhouse’s Pride of Pendle. The two rotating ales on my visit, were Settle Brewery Nine Standards and Reedley Hallows Pendleside. I plumped for the latter. A malty, lightly hopped quaff. It was in fine condition – a belter.

Danny behind the bar said: “Pride of Pendle is usually our best seller. However, when the Pendleside is on, it always flies out. It’s the most popular seller with the cask ale customers.” Aye, two cracking local beers, no argument. I sampled all four, halves mind. The Nine Standards claimed to have a hint of blackcurrant. Sorry, no dark fruit detected I’m afraid – but still a decent drop.

The Four Alls Inn, undoubtedly appeals to all tastes. It was a friendly, unpretentious and relaxed environment on my visit. Multitasking duo, Danny and Laura, were most polite, helpful and efficient in carrying out their duties. Both behind the pumps and in the dining area. They obviously enjoyed their work and conversing with the customers.

Pendle is blessed with a fine choice of rural pubs. This Higham hostelry is undoubtably one of them – and plays a vital role in community life. Let’s hope it will stay that way. As pubs are part of our social fabric – and always will be.