Blackpool’s Booming Brew Scene: A Craft Beer Lover’s Guide

When you think of Blackpool, images of the Illuminations, the Pleasure Beach, and the iconic Tower often spring to mind. But for those in the know, this vibrant Lancashire seaside town offers a surprisingly rich and growing craft beer scene. Beyond the traditional pubs serving lagers, a new wave of breweries and bars are bringing exciting, innovative brews to the forefront. As a local who’s spent countless hours exploring every nook and cranny, let me guide you through the best of Blackpool’s craft beer offerings.

The Rise of Local Breweries

The craft beer revolution hasn’t bypassed Blackpool. While it might not have the sheer volume of some larger cities, the quality and passion are undeniable. These local heroes are pushing boundaries, experimenting with flavours, and creating a buzz that’s attracting beer enthusiasts from across the region.

Blackpool Brewing Company: A Cornerstone of the Scene

One of the pioneers in the local craft beer movement is the Blackpool Brewing Company. Nestled away, they’ve been consistently producing a range of well-crafted ales that celebrate both traditional brewing methods and contemporary styles. Their commitment to quality ingredients and thoughtful recipes is evident in every pint. You’ll often find their beers featured in pubs across the town and beyond. Keep an eye out for their core range, which usually includes a crisp pale ale, a robust stout, and a refreshing IPA. They are a testament to what can be achieved with dedication and a love for good beer. You can learn more about their brewing philosophy and see their latest releases on their website, and for those looking to purchase directly, their online shop is a great resource: https://dropt.beer/shop/.

Other Local Brews to Discover

While Blackpool Brewing Company is a prominent name, the scene is dynamic. New breweries, even if small-scale or contract brewers, pop up, contributing to the diversity. It’s always worth asking at your local pub or dedicated craft beer bar about what ‘guest’ beers are on tap from emerging local talent. These smaller operations often have a more experimental approach, so you might stumble upon a truly unique brew.

Where to Find the Best Craft Beer in Blackpool

Navigating a new town’s beer scene can be daunting, but Blackpool has some fantastic spots where you’re guaranteed to find excellent craft options. From dedicated craft beer bars to pubs that have embraced the trend, here are my top recommendations:

The Crafty Pig: A Must-Visit for Beer Aficionados

If you’re serious about craft beer, The Crafty Pig is your sanctuary. This bar is a haven for hopheads, boasting an impressive and frequently rotating selection of craft beers on tap and in bottles/cans. They champion both local Blackpool breweries and a wider array of UK and international craft beers. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with knowledgeable staff who are always happy to offer recommendations or let you sample something new. They often host tasting events and meet-the-brewer nights, making it a hub for the local beer community. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend an afternoon or evening exploring different styles and discovering new favourites. Their focus is genuinely on quality and variety, ensuring there’s always something exciting to drink.

The Olde Ship Inn: Traditional Pub with a Modern Twist

While The Olde Ship Inn is a classic, traditional pub with a fantastic location overlooking the sea, it has also made a commendable effort to incorporate quality craft beers into its offering. You’ll often find a well-kept cask ale from a respected brewery, and increasingly, they’re stocking some popular craft keg options. It’s a great place to enjoy a pint with a view, and the added presence of good craft beer makes it a more appealing destination for modern drinkers. It bridges the gap between the traditional seaside pub experience and the contemporary craft beer movement.

The Albert: A Victorian Gem with Evolving Tastes

The Albert, a stunning Victorian pub with ornate décor, is another establishment that, while steeped in history, understands the evolving tastes of its patrons. They have a good selection of real ales and are increasingly stocking craft options, particularly from breweries that are gaining national recognition. The beautiful interior alone is worth a visit, but enjoying a well-poured craft beer in such a historic setting adds another layer to the experience.

Pubs in the North and Central Areas

Venture slightly away from the main promenade and explore some of the pubs in areas like North Shore or even towards Layton. Many of these community pubs, while perhaps not explicitly ‘craft beer bars’, are increasingly stocking at least one or two quality craft taps or a good selection of bottled craft beers. It’s always worth popping your head in and checking the pump clips or the bottle fridge. A good tip is to look for pubs that have a good reputation for real ale; these often have a discerning landlord who understands quality and is more likely to stock good craft options too.

What to Drink: Exploring Blackpool’s Brew Styles

Blackpool’s craft beer scene, like many others, offers a diverse range of styles. Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer drinker or just starting to explore, there’s something for everyone.

Pale Ales & IPAs: These are the workhorses of the craft beer world. Expect crisp, refreshing pale ales with citrusy or floral hop notes, and more robust India Pale Ales (IPAs) with a pronounced hop bitterness and aroma, ranging from West Coast styles to more modern New England IPAs (NEIPAs) known for their hazy appearance and juicy flavour. Blackpool Brewing Company often excels in these.
Stouts & Porters: For those who prefer something darker and richer, stouts and porters are excellent choices. From dry Irish stouts to sweet milk stouts and decadent imperial stouts, these beers offer complex flavours of chocolate, coffee, and roasted malt.
Lagers: Craft lagers are making a comeback. Forget the mass-produced fizzy stuff; craft lagers are often brewed with premium ingredients, offering clean, crisp, and highly drinkable profiles with subtle malt and hop character. Look for German-style Helles or Pilsners.
Sours & Experimental Brews: For the adventurous drinker, keep an eye out for sour beers (like Gose or Berliner Weisse) which offer a tart, refreshing tang, or more experimental brews that might incorporate fruit, spices, or unusual yeast strains. These are more likely to be found at dedicated craft beer bars like The Crafty Pig.

Insider Tips for the Blackpool Beer Explorer

As a local, I’ve picked up a few tricks that can enhance your craft beer journey in Blackpool:

Check Social Media: Many of the bars and breweries, especially The Crafty Pig and Blackpool Brewing Company, are very active on social media. They’ll often post their latest arrivals, tap lists, and event schedules. Following them is the best way to stay updated.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask: Pub staff in places that are embracing craft beer are usually passionate about it. Don’t hesitate to ask for a recommendation based on your preferences. They’re often happy to guide you.
Embrace the Cask and Keg: While I’m focusing on craft, don’t forget the importance of well-kept cask ales. Many pubs in Blackpool still pride themselves on their traditional cask offerings, which can be just as delicious and are often brewed with incredible care.
Look Beyond the Prom: While the seafront is great, some of the best local gems are found a few streets back. Explore the neighbourhoods for a more authentic pub experience.
Visit During Events: If you can time your visit with local events, like festivals or special brewery tap takeovers, you’ll get an even deeper dive into the scene. Information on such events and general industry news can often be found on resources like https://dropt.beer/insights-news-blog/.
Consider a Brewery Tour (if available): If Blackpool Brewing Company offers tours or open days, take advantage of them. Understanding the brewing process firsthand really deepens your appreciation for the beer.

Beyond the Beer: Complementing Your Brews

While the beer is the main attraction, Blackpool offers plenty to enjoy alongside your pint.

Seaside Strolls: A walk along the Golden Mile or a peaceful stroll on the beach before or after a pub visit is quintessential Blackpool.
Fish and Chips: No trip to Blackpool is complete without indulging in some classic fish and chips. Many pubs offer good food, and there are countless dedicated chippies. A hearty stout or porter pairs exceptionally well with a greasy, salt-and-vinegar-laden cod and chips.
Entertainment: From the live shows at the Tower Ballroom to the thrill rides at the Pleasure Beach, there’s always entertainment to be had. A refreshing pale ale is perfect before or after a day of excitement.

Planning Your Craft Beer Adventure

Blackpool is well-connected, making it easy to visit. The town has a good public transport system, including trams that run along the coast, making it easy to hop between different pubs and bars. If you’re driving, be mindful of parking and always drink responsibly. For those looking to purchase beer online or explore a wider range of breweries, sites like https://dropt.beer/ offer a fantastic resource for discovering and ordering craft beers from various producers.

Conclusion

Blackpool’s craft beer scene is a testament to the town’s ability to evolve and surprise. While it may not boast the extensive offerings of major cities, the passion, quality, and community spirit found here are truly special. Whether you’re a local looking for new haunts or a visitor wanting to experience a different side of Blackpool, diving into its craft beer offerings is a rewarding adventure. So, grab a glass, raise a toast, and explore the excellent brews that this beloved seaside town has to offer!