Whenever I think of a traditional, real ale pub, this popular market town hostelry is always one that springs to mind.

The New Inn is located in the shadow of Clitheroe Castle – and is only a couple of minutes walk from the bus and railway stations.

It’s a little quirky, having a narrow corridor that leads to the small bar area – and has three other comfy rooms. A spacious beer-garden is at the rear.

The beer selection is without doubt, one of the finest in the area – having 10 cask ales available, mainly from local brewers, such as Moorhouse’s, Bowland and Reedley Hallows.

You will also find Coach House (Warrington) and Prospect (Wigan) being regularly served.

I always find this establishment most friendly and welcoming. Jen was working behind the bar on my visit, and I asked her how long had she worked at the pub?

“I have worked here for many years – but prefer not to say how many!” she said.

There’s a great range of beers to suit all tastes – and regular customers even suggest ales that they have liked in other pubs.

Jen said: “If customers strongly recommend a beer, we will always try and have it on the bar – if the price is right. A good example was the Saltaire Blonde. It proved very popular – and will be on again soon.”

Cask-conditioned ale is certainly the main theme at the New Inn – as I did not detect any keg beer on offer.

Jen said: “There’s no ‘smooth-flow’ beers here – mind you, we do have a selection of lagers – for the girls.”

That raised a chuckle from one of the regulars, Reg. He moved from the south in 1988. The first time he sampled a pint, he thought he had been short-measured!

He explained: “There was this one inch head on my pint – I had been used to ‘flat pints’ down south.”

Reg typified the friendly environment at the pub. A fine cross-section of customers was witnessed – and Jen behind the pumps, was the perfect host.

So, the next time you are in the vicinity – I strongly recommend you pop-in for a pint of fine cask-conditioned beer. You will not be disappointed.