THIS week’s pub review leads me to one of the localities oldest hostelries.

The Tim Bobbin on Padiham Road, Burnley, dates back to 1701. The pub’s name being derived from the satirical poet, whose real name was John Collier.

It is also one of only three pubs in the country of this name, the others are in Milnrow near Rochdale and John Collier’s birthplace in Urmston.

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The pub had been closed for approximately six months, undergoing a major renovation. This included demolishing extensions on either side of the original building and restoring this historic hostelry back to its original layout of four rooms and centrally-located bar area. This being last witnessed in the late 1960s.

I had my beery companion, Arthur, for company and “guidance“. We were eager so see if the £1 million plus investment by owners Samuel Smith had been a sound one.

To be quite candid, the pub had badly needed a revamp. It had looked tired, rundown and shabby on my last visit. News of the improvements were very welcome and anticipated.

Did I say improvements? An understatement in the extreme. Wow, what a transformation!

The Tim Bobbin has now rewound back to its design, last witnessed in the late1960s. Stone flagged floors (reclaimed from the cellar) and open fireplaces in each of its five, yes, five rooms. It also boasted a swanky mosaic tiled flooring that led to the impressive split level beer garden, adjacent to the pub.

All five rooms have their own purpose and individuality. Each one fitted out with comfy dark oak furnishings, ornate lighting - and having many pictures of old Burnley adorning the walls.

My favourite space was arguably the games room. Traditional darts board, pool table - and a serving hatch to order a beer - a nice traditional touch indeed.

That set me up perfectly for the beers on offer. It’s Sam Smith’s beers all the way here. Either you like it or lump it. For the ale ”connoisseur” your selection is limited. Just the one cask on offer. Yes, you’ve guessed it. Old Brewery Bitter. Malty, lightly hopped and a tad sweet. It’s a refreshing drop, in excellent condition - and at £1.80 a pint, it had Arthur Brydges rubbing his hands in glee-top tipple.

I was a little disappointed they didn’t have the Sam Smith’s Extra Stout. It’s a belting keg beverage. I’m sure the new mine hosts, Joey and Debbie Robinson, will have this delicious stout available soon - by popular request.

Worry not, there’s a whole range of keg beers available for its patrons. One that appealed was Taddy Lager, at 4.5 per cent. A blend of malty sweetness and soft lemony flavours. A decent thirst quencher.

One of the friendly and witty characters milling around the bar commented: “It’s stronger than it tastes. I think it used to be called Heinerbrau. But some customers couldn’t pronounce it after two or three pints. So they renamed it Taddy Lager”.

This friendly, humorous soul epitomised the relaxing atmosphere of this welcoming watering hole. There was a real buzz at the bar. Including lots of friendly banter - most of it aimed at me!

Old man Humphrey Smith, the owner, must have been very satisfied, when he checked up on his investment on Monday. Sam Smith’s have done a “reight” good job restoring this pub. It was most transcending - exceeding my expectations.

A refreshing change to some of the refurbished, money-grabbing drinking dens, that are now shells of their once glorious past. Here’s to exciting times and popular patronage for the Tim Bobbin Hotel.