Word Down the Pub

MEET… EDDIE BAINES at the MARKET TAVERN

“My pub’s a mixed bag regarding who we get in. We have anyone young or old. It’s always pleasant, and everyone gets on. I’m Colne, born and bred, so I especially like seeing the locals come here. I show that by having a painting representing the great history of Colne on our wall. My favourite hours to work are 9pm to 1am, as I’d say they’re our most popular hours.”

MEET… KAT LAYFIELD at THE DUKE OF LANCASTER

“We are a lively, sports and music type of pub. People like to come in to play pool or to watch a big football game. I wouldn’t say we’re a nighttime kind of pub; we often get people coming in after work at around 3 p.m. I love the people in Colne. It’s a really close community where everyone supports the local businesses. People all know each other well, which is refreshing.”

MEET… MAGGIE OWEN at THE COMMERCIAL

“We can be a quiet pub during the day as we don’t do food like others in the area. However, if you like beer and fancy a bit of a party on a Friday night, The Commercial is the place for you! Ours is the first pub you see when you enter the main street in Colne, so it’s a great place to begin if you’re doing a pub crawl. Our most popular beer is Fosters, or if you fancy cider, raspberry Somersby’s often flows out the tap.”

MEET… AIDEN FURNS at TUBBS OF COLNE

“During the week, we’re very family-oriented, but towards the weekend, we become busier and livelier with a lovely atmosphere. We like both as we get a food and bar trade, and that’s a nice mix. Our most popular beer is a lesser-known larger from Italy – Menabrea. It fits the brand that we set out to create when we took over five years ago. That’s when we began our big project to transform the derelict, old pottery shop into our bar now, and I think we did a good job!”

MEET… JAMES SWINDELLS at RED LION

“We’re unique here at the Red Lion. We will always have a laugh and a discussion- often the kind of thing people will say to steer clear of talking about- it goes on here! We will play games too. It’s always packed for card bingo and very social. I find people in Colne very genuine, and they care for each other. We have a technology detox in this pub, and I like it. You need to talk when sitting next to someone, not text!”

MEET… DEAN EMMOTT at The Legion Club

“We’re very friendly at the Legion Club. We’re different to many other drinking establishments in Colne as we operate on a membership system. Membership costs an annual fee of £18.50. That’s only four pence a day! With this, we offer live music, a pool table, a shooting range and a bowling green. We have many different sports teams that compete in competitions across the north. It’s a great community here containing around 400 members who love the club, and we encourage anyone to come along.”

MEET… LEIGHTON CRAGG at BEES KNEES

“We have two different atmospheres. During the day, we can be pretty quiet, and that’s pleasant as the people of Colne are very genuine and friendly to talk to. At the weekends, we’re heaving and incredibly vibrant. Friday and Saturday nights get busy at 11 o’clock before we shut at three. I’ve worked in Colne for most of my life, so previously, I was assistant manager at the Duke of Lancaster before taking over here last August.”

To share your views on Colne, email – editor@looppublishing.co.uk

ColneLife Autumn 23