THE Adelphi is an historic Blackburn town centre pub in a prominent position with a very loyal customer base.

It has bucked the trend which has seen pubs across the town shut their doors as people apparently go for shop-bought beers at home rather than a pint down their local.

Lancashire Telegraph journalists of old know the pub well, as when newspaper deadlines were in the morning, it is where most reporters could be found up until at least the early afternoon.

But times have changed and pubs like The Adelphi can struggle, despite being in a prime location. It is pretty big inside and not long ago was given a good lick of paint, making it far more appealing on the eye.

At the time of my visit there were a good dozen or so regulars in, not unusual for this boozer in the early afternoon, and there was a musician setting up for an early set at the far end of the room.

The Adelphi has stayed true to its roots. It is a traditional pub with a curved wooden bar. Atop the bar is usually a decent selection of cask ales. Alas, on this occasion there was just the one.

Thwaites’ Magic Sponge it was to be, one of the local firm’s newer inventions, and it is only brewed round the corner at the Star Brewery in Penny Street.

Sadly, it was off. That vinegary smell gave way to a similarly bad taste and, once I handed it back, it was taken off altogether.

I was told by a colleague who went in the previous night that they, too, had suffered a similar experience.

That meant choices were limited to keg only, and I had a pint of Foster’s, which it has to be said was in perfectly good condition and was very refreshing on a hot day. The staff on the bar were friendly enough and, despite the preconceptions, it is a perfectly friendly pub. Or at least it was in my experience.

A bit more care needed with the ales and this ould be the place to go for a pint in Blackburn town centre.