WELL, it’s the time of year to reflect on my pub reviews of 2014 and there have been many jolly beery jaunts over the past 12 months – and also one or two where, unfortunately, I was glad to beat a hasty retreat.

However, let’s remain on a positive theme and list my favourite pubs in this calendar year – hostelries that undoubtedly stood out as exceptional boozers in the locality.

Wallace Hartley, Colne – Unlike some Wetherspoon’s outlets, this pub has bags of character. Old fashioned interior, lots of comfy seating and some appealing, private areas to relax and unwind. There is always a superb range of ales, in excellent condition. Staff are always helpful and polite. Tip top tavern.

Number 39, Darwen – Small, modern, continental-style bar in the town centre that is warm and welcoming with regular rotating ales from the award-winning Hopstar Brewery. The bar is their brewery tap and it has quickly gained a reputation as one of the area’s premier watering holes. A must if you are in the area and I enjoyed my visit immensely.

First Chop, Ramsbottom – A quirky, small, old-fashioned bar, with stone flagged floors and scrubbed topped tables. One for the discerning ale quaffer. Five cask ales, including three regular rotating, First Chop Brewery beers were in superb condition on my visit. This was one of my favourite reviews, a classy, unpretentious and relaxing environment.

Beer Shack, Burnley – One-roomed micro-pub, ideally situated in the town centre. One of the finest ranges of rotating cask ales in the area, no argument. Eight beers from around the UK and up to 10 real ciders, no fizzy lager served here. A totally relaxed and friendly environment where good beer and conversation is paramount. A gem of a boozer.

Griffin Inn, Haslingden – How can I forget this cracking brewpub in the Rossendale Valley? The whiff of malted barley was in the air as it’s the home of the Rossendale Brewery. An old-fashioned, traditional pub, serving all seven of their excellent ales – at £2.10 to £2.60 a pint. Lots of banter with the regulars, a joyous experience of hospitality and fine ale tasting.

Railway Inn, Pleasington – Another memorable highlight of 2014. Owner Paul Jackson has transformed this pub since he bought it just over a year ago. It has old fashioned charm and warmth and offered four cask ales and mouthwatering food. I was most impressed with the snug room that offered a relaxed, more sedate surroundingA pub until recently, tired and run down. Now, an asset in the local community.

Victoria Inn, Great Harwood – Arguably the highlight of 2014. A stunning, traditional boozer, which is internally quite breathtaking, with its art nouveau glazed tiling, floor to ceiling. Five comfy rooms to relax and enjoy one of eight rotating ales – all at £2.60 a pint. A warm welcome guaranteed from the charming host of 14 years, Jean Baxter. I loved the place.

So there you have it, a magnificent seven highlights of 2014. I reckon that superlative septet will take some beating in 2015.