Well, I see there was more negative commentary in the national press last week in relation to continuing pub closures (18 per week ). And also a further reduction, albeit small, in the sale of cask ale.

Yes, it does make gloomy reading. However, I do not detect much of this bleak news being typical across East Lancashire. Many pubs and bars appear to be doing good business. In fact, I’ve witnessed lots of establishments across the locality of late that are thriving.

Such establishments have responded to the changing demands of the discerning beer drinker and regular pub goer alike. An eclectic audience that expects a good selection of well kept beers, wines and spirits; to be enjoyed in a clean, friendly and welcoming environment.

I visited a prime example of a destination that has identified our changing drinking habits last weekend with my good friend and beer aficionado, Bob Fletcher. 1B Tap in Great Harwood was our port of call.

It is situated close to the town centre in the former offices of the Co-op. A contemporary, spacious and immaculately presented two-roomed bar, it boasts warm pastel-shaded decor, an attractive L-shaped bar and a selection of comfy seating.

We were met by Mike Ecclestone, one of three co-owners; a triumvirate of real ale enthusiasts who opened the bar in July 2016. The bar earned an early accolade by becoming Hyndburn CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2017.

You get an instant positive feel about the place. The friendly chatter and chinking of glassware around the bar - and a warm welcome from a jovial Jim behind the bar.

Jim offered us a choice of four cask ales, priced at £2.70 (£2.50 for CAMRA menbers); ales that are regularly rotated. Both me and Bob plumped for the Thornbridge Vanilla Stout. It was delicious - and in exceptional condition. Other tasty tipples included a locally brewed beer from Snaggletooth (Darwen) - the brewer, Paul, was one of a friendly group stood at the bar.

The bar has quickly forged a fine social and drinking reputation. So much so, the bar has extended into next door

Mike said: “It was getting too crowded in the microbar - and we had the opportunity to expand and offer a range of gins and more craft beers.

“People come and visit us for craft ales, others for a relaxing gin or maybe our range of craft canned beers.”

The extended area was most impressive. Another good size, brightly lit and cosy environment, with comfy seating and an L-shaped bar stocked with a countless number of gins and canned craft beers. Bob was most impressed with the gin selection - and the leather Chesterfield settee.

1B Tap is without doubt a first-class watering hole. It epitomises the needs and demands of the present day social drinker. Its success, popularity and fine reputation, engineered in a little over 18 months, is proof that it is fully in tune with our changing social drinking habits.