The Black Horse Hotel, Preston  

This Grade II listed pub is pretty unique inside, with a tiled bar front that the bar man told us was over 120 years old - it's almost worth a visit just to see this pretty magnificent edifice. A maze of snugs, private rooms and nooks and crannies, it's marvellous and great place to get lost for an afternoon, should the spirit move you. Owned by Robinsons brewery (Stockport), they've done a great job of looking after it and it's got their beer on the pumps as well. We particularly liked the Old Tom, an old style winter warmer weighing in at a hefty 8.5% and they only serve it in halves - we hear that if you insist on a pint, you may get it, but you may not get served for long. It ticks a lot of the boxes for us, architecturally, with the dark wood, stained glass and mosaic floors, but it also works with great service, friendly enough locals and fine beer. We'd say this is probably the best pub in Preston and definitely one to look out for.

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