AS we continue our quest to put the spotlight on some of the best watering holes in East Lancashire — this week we think we are on the right track.

We have headed to Pleasington to talk to the landlord of The Railway about the reasons for their success.

Name of the pub:

The Railway

Address of the pub:

Pleasington Lane, Pleasington, Blackburn, BB2 5JE

Landlord/landlady name:

Mark Nicholls

How long have you been the landlord/landlady for?

Six years in January

Bar staff and their names:

Wouldn’t want to put names without first asking staff, we just have a team of young adults supporting themselves while undertaking further education.

Give us some history about the pub:

Village local, originally a hotel with lots of small rooms opened up to create a large open area and it has over 100 years of history.

It has been visited by lots of past and present famous locals, Jack Walker and fellow businessmen as well as famous football figures Mark Lawrenson and David Moyes.

Is food served?  Is so what’s on the menu?

Not at present since lockdown, hoping to restart next year.

Is there a beer garden?

Yes, around the crown green.

Do you have any darts/snooker/pool teams?

Six crown green bowls teams, playing Mon, Tues and Weds.

Most popular drink served is:

Stella, Moretti, and selection of cask ales.

Most memorable moment at the pub:

Support shown by locals, regulars since re-opening in August this year following the end of lockdown. We are a warm, friendly, welcoming country pub, ideally based for countryside walks, located by train allowing for drinking and walking without having to drive. Very dog friendly - water bowls and free treats on the bar and two roaring coal fires, great for cold dark nights.

Do you have an entertainment line-up?

Live artists on Saturday nights, quiz night on Thursdays. There are Sky and BT Sports shown on several TVs.

Have you faced any challenges within the industry?

As with the rest of the sector, being shut down and surviving.

The best thing about running a pub is: Get to meet new people and friends on a daily basis, it’s a way of life rather than just a ‘job’.

The worst thing about running a pub is...

Seven days a week 24/7, miss lie ins and early nights!

The perfect hangover cure is...

More Stella!