Which of these top East Lancashire venues deserves to be our 'Pub of the Year'?

So far in 2021, we have spoken to 23 landlords and landladies at different watering holes in the area.

But now we want our readers’ help to tell us which of the ones we have picked out deserve to be crowned the Lancashire Telegraph ‘Pub of the Year’.

Each pub we have chatted to are winners in their own right because of what they offer to our communities.

We need you to vote for your favourite from this list of pubs below and also tell us why you think it deserves the title.

You have until 9pm on Monday to make your selection. One vote per reader.

It is a long time since some of them were featured so we have given you a little reminder about each one in the online piece.

Here are the ones you have to chose from...

Black Bull in Blackburn,

READ: The Black Bull in Blackburn: Owners celebrate 10 years in business

It was bought by Robert Bell back in 2011, with the Brewery (Three B’s Brewery) built on the back. And that was their most memorable day "Our opening day, 5pm on St George’s Day 23rd April 2011. It was so busy as we had a queue outside when we opened the doors. There were four or five people at the bar all the time. We just wish we could do it again like that.

Royal Arms in Tockholes,

READ: Pub is getting a right Royal reputation for its top chips

When the pandemic hit some pubs struggled but the bosses here turned it into an opportunity. "When the pandemic hit us we decided to try and turn this unprecedented time into a positive and begun the demolition of the old kitchen and the build of the new extension which is now fully open."

Park View in Burnley,

READ: ‘Being open again to customers is the best feeling ever’ for landlord at Burnley pub

A massive £110k investment from Blind Tiger Inns, Burnley saw the relaunch of newly refurbished Park View! Popular drinks include: "Moretti is most definitely a firm favourite with our customers, along with Fosters and of course John Smith’s. Whatever it is you’re looking for, from our Gin Trees to Cask Club every Monday, there really is something for everyone here.

Clifton Arms in Blackburn,

READ: Being at heart of the Blackburn community is one of reasons for the Clifton Arms pub’s success

When you think of a pub scooping awards then you can see it at the Clifton as at a glittering online ceremony in September for the Great British Pub Awards Pub Heroes and the Grimshaw Park pub took a share of £165,000. So what makes running the pub great - "The friendship and loyalty to others from this great community have led to creating a massive Clifton family. Nothing is ever too much trouble for Team Clifton.

Bees Knees in Accrington,

READ - Bees Knees Accrington - ‘The best is yet to come’

AJP Pub Group bought the pub, formerly The Calder, in June 2020 after an extensive refurbishment Bees Knees is back in Accrington.

With over 40 cocktails on our menu, we have a cocktail for everyone. With over 20 large TVs we are the number one choice for live sports and live events. Our weekly Thursday quiz night is becoming more and more popular.

The Dog Inn in Belthorn,

READ: PUB OF THE WEEK: The community is at the heart of the Dog Inn at Belthorn

As a Community-owned pub, it is run by a volunteer board of up to 12 members, and has around 120 shareholders. There is a real sense of community with this venue. The pub building is believed to have stood for 300 years. Back in November 2014, the pub closed and after the brewery company that owned it failed to find a new tenant, they put the pub up for sale. The village of Belthorn had come together to try to save their pub. They could raise the required amount to buy it in about 8 weeks

Bank Bar and Kitchen in Darwen,

READ: Darwen pub The Bank Bar and Kitchen sold 8,000 burgers in 5 months

The building was built in 1898, the same year as Darwen Jubilee Tower. What used to be an old Barclays bank has been renovated and transformed into the now-known The Bank Bar & Kitchen. "We have a lovely menu, consisting of modern English Cuisine including burgers and steaks to seafood. We also serve an eggsellent breakfast from 10am-12pm daily."

Ribchester Arms in Ribchester,

READ: Where else would you find a singing hostess in a top East Lancs pub?

Bosses said their most memorable moment was 'how well we have bounced back from flooding and COVID keeping the same staff and having all of our regulars returning with a smile and leaving with a full belly'. Also among their unique selling points was having star attraction Singing hostess Sam as entertaining customers.

Tiger Lounge in Accrington,

Damian Cunliffe said one of the most memorable moments at the pub was "By far and away the Final of the Euros. We had a big screen on our carpark the atmosphere was electric." He added that they offer "Fresh food served every day, We are known for our tapas treats, amazing homemade burgers and our cheese and onion pie, served with the best chunky chips you've ever tasted!"

The Knuzden Tap in Knuzden,

READ: The Knuzden Tap is ‘like a Phoenix rising from the ashes’ of a nearby pub

Clair Brown said: "We like to think of the Tap as a little Phoenix rising up from the ashes of the much loved and once renowned Cabin End pub that was closed and sold off for the land. It brings people together and keeps the great spirit of Knuzden alive. Great spirit, great people, great beer! What more can I say!"

Sunnyhurst Pub in Darwen,

READ: Sunnyhurst pub: Old Darwen staging post on edge of moors still going strong

It is a traditional country pub, roaring log fire in winters, serving the community and the many Darwen moors walkers for hundreds of years. Their most memorable moment was - "Every year we run a charity golf day which is held at Darwen Golf Club and everyone piles back to the Sunnyhurst. Each year the number of competitors grows and grows and each year the evening is more and more raucous."

Feilden Arms in Mellor,

READ: FEILDENS ARMS: Jenny and team working hard to get landmark pub flourishing again

Landlady Jenny Brown told us the best hangover cure was a roast dinner. Also we asked what the best thing about the job. 'The locals are a good bunch and they are lively and funny. We are just happy to be open again and serving customers. It was a strange 18 months being closed and with not much to do, a nice welcome back to some normality."

Casked Ale House and Ginporium in Ramsbottom,

READ: Pub of the week - Casked Alehouse and Ginporium, Ramsbottom

Mike Jones said: "Following the success of the first Casked in Rawtenstall, we had the opportunity to create a second venue here in Ramsbottom, on the site of a former restaurant called The Lounge. It has taken four months to do a full refit, and we now offer five local cask ales, 15 craft keg beers and over 60 hand-picked gins."

Kettledrum Inn, Cliviger

READ: Pub of the week: The Kettledrum Inn in Cliviger

Stephen Reid, along with his brother, saved the pub from closure when they took over in 2014 and aimed to transform it into a proper community hub.

Last year, the pub owners were nominated for BBC’s Everyday Hero award for feeding the vulnerable during the pandemic.

Drummers Arms in Blackburn,

READ: Town centre bar has pride of place in Blackburn

When asked about running the pub the landladies said: "The best thing about running our pub has got to be all our lovely customers! Our customers really help to make the pub what it is - we have known some for years now! Our wonderful regulars also create a friendly atmosphere to help welcome the new faces we meet on a daily basis."

Rhoden Inn in Oswaldtwistle,

READ: RHODEN INN: A great traditional pub with a modern twist

It was originally three houses. They recently had a refurb but kept the old traditional feel with a modern twist. It’s very much a community pub our customers are families such as sons, fathers, mothers and grandparents so every day is like reliving your younger days.

Dog and Otter in Great Harwood,

READ: Landlords excited about opportunity at ‘amazing’ Great Harwood pub

Alasdair Macpheat said: "The Dog and Otter has great potential to do many things from outdoor family events to great live entertainment, we plan on taking advantage of all the pub has to offer and giving anyone and everyone a reason to visit their local. " In fact it was one of our most read 'Pub of the Week' features.

Bonny Inn in Salesbury,

READ: Salesbury: 'Unbelievable views' at Bonny Inn - pub of the week

Mike Shields said: "We have a beer garden at the front and a back patio with an unbelievable view of the surrounding countryside of Longridge Fell. There are plans to be made to make use of the back field as well - watch this space!" He added: "My homemade gins called Bonny Ginn are extremely popular and my Christmas Spiced Gin is proving popular as we move towards December!"

Railway in Pleasington,

READ: Railway Hotel, Pleasington: Warm and friendly pub for punters - and dogs

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.

But not only that it is popular with walkers..."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."

Trawden Arms Community Pub,

READ: TRAWDEN ARMS: Pub helped villagers weather the Storm Arwen and cold snap

The measure of a pub meaning a lot to locals can be seen here recently. "The weekend most of the village lost their power, phone lines, internet, and water after Storm Arwen. The pub was full of families sheltering in the warmth, getting a hot meal, and banding together to help each other out."

Duckworth Inn Oswaldtwistle,

READ: DUCKWORTH INN: Lovely pies and priest hole at historic pub

When we spoke to the landlords they described their pub as 'one of the oldest buildings in the area. We even have a priest hole. The pub dates back over 800 years. What we feel sets us apart from other places is our friendly team and our loyal customers.'

Swan with Two Necks, near Clitheroe

READ: Pub of the week: Swan with Two Necks, near Clitheroe

There has been a lot to celebrate for Stephen Dilworth at the Swan with Two Necks as the pub has been recognised as a business that has made a significant contribution to the Campaign for Real Ale as they celebrate their 50 year anniversary. And that is praise indeed...

 The Turf in Burnley.

READ - £90k refurbishment at The Turf is starting to pay off for pub bosses

The pub hit the headlines in the Lancashire Telegraph for a practical April Fools Day joke by changing the name on signs to 'The Royal Coyle' after the former Clarets boss.

But they spent about £90k with the refurbishment of the pub. "The reaction from the public has been excellent with people saying it looks great. We are trying to spread a positive mood about the pub."