TO say that this week's pub visit was an enjoyable one, would be an understatement in the extreme.

It's a watering hole that transformed itself from a boarded up eyesore, into a multi-award winning boozer, in less than three years.

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The Black Bull, Tockholes, is a historic beery destination. The former coaching house being the first pub to be purchased by Daniel Thwaites in 1834. However, the Blackburn brewer called last orders in 2009. And it remained empty until February 2011, when it was 'saved' and purchased by Bob and Wendy Bell.

In just two months, with the help of his family, friends and local residents, the pub had reopened. Bob said: "there had been no customers for eighteen months, and we feared nobody would turn up. We opened at 5pm - and by five past five, it was six deep at the bar.

The pub is what I would describe as, a proper real ale drinking establishment. There's no music, no food, no gaming machines. It's a talking pub, where social interaction and ale appreciation is paramount.

It has such a relaxing and traditional feel as you walk in. Low-beamed ceilings, spacious open plan bar area, open fire and log burner. And lots of comfy, soft upholstered seating.

However, the Black Bull has forged its reputation mainly for its superb range of ales. It's the home of the Three B's Brewery - and they had an eye watering NINE of their brands on the bar.

Thankfully, owner and brewer, Bob Bell (middle name Bill, hence Three Bs) came to my rescue, and presented me and my beery comrade, Bob Fletcher, with a beer paddle. This being three different third pint measures of ale to sample.

The beers range from 3.4% to 5%. There is such an eclectic choice. Mild, bitter, stout, porter, golden and stronger ales are all permanently available - wow!

The Stokers Slake, a dark mild, impressed Bob. A full bodied, roast malted slurp at 3.6%. The Doff Cocker was to my liking. A robust, golden, citrusy ale at 4.5%. Then again, so was the Knocker Up Porter(4.8%) and the Shuttle Ale at 5.2%.

Bob's wife, Wendy, served up another paddle of three thirds for me to sample. This included their best seller, Black Bull Bitter and their strongest brew, Old Bee at 5.5%. Crikey, they were all in superb condition - and I was feeling a tad tiddly.

You feel such at home in this friendly boozer, with their eclectic clientele and tasty tipples. No surprise then, that in three years it has scooped: East Lancs CAMRA's best new pub (2011), runner up in Pub of the Year for 2013. And crowned East Lancs CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2014.

There was just time for Bob to give us a tour of the brewery, at the rear of the pub. It has a thirty brewery barrel capacity( 30 x 288 pints). He gives regular tours. And a group from Bolton had just finished being educated by the brewing guru.

The Black Bull is a gem of a pub. Warm and welcoming. And in owner and brewer, Bob Bell, an affable man, who is totally passionate and focused on brewing beers of the highest quality. It was a pleasure to be in his company. He is a true beer hero, no argument