THERE was more than a touch of irony as I set off on my beery travels for this week’s pub review.

A Thwaites-owned pub was my destination, and news was just breaking about the intended sale of a large slice of their beer division to rivals Marstons.

However, we await further developments on that deal in the weeks to come.

MORE TOP STORIES:

So, to the job in hand – a visit to the newly-refurbished Hare and Hounds, Clayton-le-Moors.

It’s a pub that in all fairness had seen darker times prior to the £130,000 refurbishment by the Blackburn brewer.

Situated on a busy crossroads, it looked like money well spent as I walked into a bright, contemporary and very roomy, oblong-shaped interior.

The design was very impressive. A spacious main bar area, with three separate off-rooms, all with their own character and charm with perhaps the “comfy room” being my favourite.

It boasted a most attractive brick surround, open fireplace, leather settee and armchairs, fixed bench seating – and thankfully, a not-too-large TV screen for devotees of BT and Sky Sports.

Adjacent to the “comfy room”, via an archway, is a dining area. It looked resplendent with its dark oak tables and chairs and open fire place. And there’s also a polished oak, high-backed settle. An ideal area to take advantage of the extensive, home-cooked menu.

Food is served every day, except Monday (Tuesday to Thursday noon to 3pm and 5pm to 7pm, Friday to Sunday from noon to 7pm).

There is a traditional roast on offer on Sundays in three different guises, namely, lamb, chicken or ham shank. There is also a two for £12 offer, on selected meals.

Staff member Nicola, who had worked here before the refurbishment in October 2014, said: “It’s been a lot busier since the improvements, for both the food and drink. Quiz night on Thursday is very popular. And there is live entertainment Friday, Saturday and Sunday.”

Nicola was busy serving behind the L-shaped bar with its impressive polished oak top and brass foot rail. Three cask ales from Thwaites are on offer.

I plumped for the tried and tested Lancaster Bomber at £2.70 a pint. It’s a slurp of caramel malt sweetness and moderate bitterness – an average tipple, I’d say. Thwaites brew many superior ales in my opinion.

The beverage was consumed in the off-room with the pool table. Another nice area with pictures of old Clayton-le-Moors and Great Harwood adorning its walls – the old photos are a feature throughout the pub and well worth a look.

Thwaites have made a great job updating this once-tired and rather run down hostelry on a busy main road.

It now looks superb both externally and internally. Mine hosts Kath Skellorn and Paul Crook are obviously doing a fine job too, during their present period of tenure, making the pub popular once more.