WELL, after a jolly jaunt in Brittany, it’s good to be back in dear old Blighty and to be visiting, once more, some of the locality’s fine watering holes.

The Hare and Hounds on Lammack Road is most certainly in the premier watering hole category. It’s an award-winning pub, serving five cask ales – an establishment that has forged an excellent reputation within the community and beyond.

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Unbelievably, this former Enterprise Inn, was facing closure in late 2013. The pub company had put it up for sale as they deemed it unviable.

Thankfully, pub regular Ian Robertson purchased and saved the pub from closure in December that year. And with his investment, vision, and the support of the local community, the pub is now thriving and going from strength to strength.

Ian said: “It’s the centre of the community – a social hub. And it’s very popular with cask ale drinkers. There was only one cask on when I took over. Now, there are five to cope with demand. They all fly out. Most are locally brewed beers. Our house ale, Worsthorne’s Hare of the Dog, is very popular at £2.20. The other four are rotating at £2.40 a pint.”

The pub is immaculately presented with a spacious, well lit, open-plan design. This includes lots of comfy seating in the roomy bar area. There’s also a more private raised space for relaxation. Oh, and not forgetting a popular seated area, adjacent to the bar frequented by the more mature regulars.

Outside is most impressive. A former garage site has been converted into a large decked area.

Ian said: “It has lovely views over the school playing fields – and is very well used during the warmer months.”

Well, I am sure the outside areas will prove popular over the Easter weekend. The pub forms the focal point of the Lammack Live Festival. A feast of family activities, live musical entertainment – and a beer festival.

Ian said: “The beer festival will be held in the pub car park. We have 30 hand pumps serving up to 70 different ales, over the three-day celebrations. They include nine and seven tasty tipples, from Worsthorne and Three B’s respectively. Bars will open at 12.30pm.

“The festival will be officially opened by World Superbike legend, Carl Fogarty at 2pm. Carl will be riding his bike down Lammack Road to make a grand entrance – and he will be pulling a pint or two!”

Ian added: "We can’t wait to show how we can bring the community and beyond together.”

The Hare and Hounds is undoubtedly a pub that typifies community spirit. It’s a belting boozer. The friendly staff and regulars were a joy to meet. And in owner, Ian Robertson, who saved it from extinction, they have a pub hero – no argument.