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BEST RATED LANCASTER, UK PUBS

3 Best Pubs in Lancaster, UK

Expert-recommended Top 3 Pubs in Lancaster, UK. All of our pubs actually undergo a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes local reviews, history, business standards, ratings, satisfaction, trust, price and their trading excellence. You deserve only the best!

Merchants 1688
Merchants 1688
Merchants 1688
Lancaster pubs Merchants 1688 video
11+ YEARS IN TBR
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MERCHANTS 1688

(4.9 Score)
29 Castle Hill, Lancaster LA1 1YN, UK Directions

Since 1688

Speciality:

✓ Chilean Merlot ✓ Italian Pinot Grigio ✓ French Viognier ✓ Argentinian Malbec ✓ Barocco Prosecco ✓ Rose and White Wines ✓ Whisky ✓ Beer ✓ Gin ✓ Red ✓ Brandy and Vodka ✓ Tuna Tartare ✓ Heirloom Tomato ✓ Braised Beef Fritter ✓ Wild Mushroom Parfait ✓ Shetland Mussels ✓ Baked French Onion Soup ✓ Tempura Mussels ✓ House Baked Focaccia ✓ Chalk Stream Trout ✓ Lythe Valley Venison Loin ✓ Maple roasted Muscade Pumpkin ✓ Bordeaux Poached Halibut ✓ King Scallops

“Merchants 1688 serves delicious, locally sourced food along with eight real hand-pulled ales and a wide range of world wines. The pub has a 17th-century wine cellar with a garden. Their menu is freshly prepared on-site using the best locally sourced ingredients. They carefully select their drinks, including fine New World wines, top British cask ales, and a growing range of exciting craft beers. You can experience the taste and enjoy their delightful main dishes, served in two-or three-course meals. They are committed to delivering the best service and high-quality dishes at affordable prices. You can experience a unique atmosphere in their historic 300-year-old former wine merchant’s cellars.

2025 Update: Their dress code is smart casual, and while they encourage guests to feel comfortable in their attire, they kindly request that sportswear and fancy dress be avoided. They offer over 25 by the glass, and their highly trained front-of-house team can assist in pairing.”

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Price:

SNACKS
Preserved Lime & Chilli Olives £6
Gordal Olives £6
Honey Truffled Brie £6
Mangalitza Black Pudding £6
In House Baked Focaccia £7
STARTERS
Wild Mushroom Parfait £10
Beef Short Rib £12
Baked French Onion Soup £11
Spiced Brown Shrimps £12
MAIN COURSES
72 Hour Lamb Hotpot £22
8oz Aged Beef Fillet £36
Garlic Butter King Scallops £8
Peppercorn Sauce £3
Young Buck Blue Cheese Sauce £3
Pork Rib-Eye £27
Maitake Mushroom £22
SIDES
Hand Cut Chips, Sea Salt £6
Buttermilk Onion Rings £6
Buttered Molyneux Kale £5
Confit New Potatoes, Garlic Butter £6
Parmesan Fries, Black Pepper, Truffle Oil £7
DESSERTS
Sticky Toffee Pudding £9
Blackberry Sorbet £11
Coffee & Cocoa Sponge £10
House Sorbet & Ice Creams £6
Affogato £6
Add a Liqueur £3
WHISKY JOURNEY
Tamdhu £17
Glengoune £19.5

Contact:

01524 66466

Mon-Thu: 11:30am - 11pm
Fri: 11:30am - 12am
Sat: 11am - 12am
Sun: 12pm - 11pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

The Water Witch
The Water Witch
The Water Witch
Lancaster pubs The Water Witch video
11+ YEARS IN TBR
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THE WATER WITCH

(4.8 Score)
The Canal Tow Path, Aldcliffe Road, Lancaster LA1 1SU, UK Directions

Since 1978

Speciality:

✓ French Sauvignon Blanc ✓ Australian Chardonnay ✓ Italian Pinot Grigio ✓ South African Chenin Blanc ✓ Australian Viognier ✓ Dry German Riesling ✓ Picpoul De Pinet ✓ Black Flag Chardonnay ✓ Australian Shiraz ✓ South African Merlot ✓ Argentinian Malbec ✓ Spanish Rioja ✓ Chilean Cabernet Blend ✓ South African Pinotage ✓ Cotes Du Rhone ✓ Italian Passimiento ✓ New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc ✓ Italian Pinot Rose ✓ Senti Prosecco ✓ Gaston Declos Brut Champagne ✓ Laurent Perrier La Cuvee Brut Champagne ✓ Carlsberg Pilsner ✓ San Miguel ✓ Erdinger Weisse Beer ✓ Thatcher’s Fusion

“The Water Witch has gained goodwill and reputation and prides themselves on giving every customer a warm welcome and the best personal service. They also provide a great range of wines, cask ales, craft beers, and gins. The Water Witch welcomes families and is also dog-friendly. They use local products whenever possible, with over 70% of their ales sourced from breweries less than 50 miles away. Regular events include quiz nights, burger and pizza nights, and speciality food evenings. They are proud to have teamed up with Virgin Wines to offer over 20 wines by the glass and a further 26 on their wine list. The pub serves home-cooked food daily and offers various vegan and vegetarian options.

2025 Update: The Water Witch serves a wide variety of delicious dishes, from British favourites to continental meals. The pub is run by a small independent team who have built their business by caring for their loyal customers and offering great food and drinks.”

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Abbot Ale Perfect Pub Awards in 2003
Wine Marketing Pub of the Year in 2003

Price:

STARTERS & LIGHT BITES
Homemade Soup of the Day £6.95
House Nachos £7.25
Seafood Chowder £7.95
Spicy Chicken Wings £7.50
Mozzarella Sticks £7.95
Mixed Breads & Oil £6.95
King Prawn & Chorizo Skewers £8.50
SANDWICHESCIABATTAS
Fish Goujon Sandwich £10.50
Tuna Mayonnaise Sandwich £9.50
Waterwitch Club Sandwich £11.50
Lancashire Cheese & Pickle £9.50
Ham & Cheese Melt Ciabatta £9.50
Steak Ciabatta £11.95
Pulled BBQ Pork Ciabatta £11.95
Vegan Falafel Ciabatta £9.50
DELI BOARDS
Creamy Lancashire Cheese £3.95
Garstang Brie £3.95
Blue Stilton £3.95
Fish Goujons £3.95
Garlic Mushrooms £3.25
Chilli King Prawns £4.75
Honey Roast Ham £3.50
Piri Piri Chicken Strips £3.95
Roasted Med Veg £3.50
Houmous £3.50
Marinated Olives £3.50
Balsamic Vinegar & Oil £3.50 FISH/SEAFOOD Battered Fish & Chips £16.95 Wholetail Scampi £15.50 Homemade Fish Pie £18.50 Pan-

Contact:

01524 63828

Mon-Wed & Sun: 12pm - 10pm
Thu-Sat: 12pm - 11pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

The White Cross
The White Cross
The White Cross
11+ YEARS IN TBR
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THE WHITE CROSS

(4.8 Score)
Quarry Road, Lancaster LA1 4XT, UK Directions

Speciality:

✓ Whisky ✓ Beer ✓ Gin ✓ Red ✓ Brandy ✓ Vodka ✓ Rose and White Wines ✓ Tirril Beer-Battered Haddock ✓ Currywurst ✓ Chicken Kyiv ✓ Sweet Cured Bacon Chop ✓ Chicken ✓ Ham and Leek Pie ✓ Confit Hispi Cabbage ✓ Pigs in Blankets ✓ Tempura King Prawns ✓ Chip Shop Curry Mayonnaise ✓ Thai Panang Curry ✓ Garden Salad ✓ Seabass ✓ Pan-Fried Pork Fillet ✓ King Prawns ✓ Spright Non-Alcoholic ✓ Sheaf Pale Ale ✓ La Bruja IPA ✓ Turbo Slurm Sour ✓ Delirium Red Fruit Beer

“The White Cross is a canal-side pub that has outstanding home-cooked cuisine and exceptional cask ale. This pub is located in a renovated cotton mill warehouse, originally part of the old Storey’s Cotton Mill, built alongside Lancaster’s main canal. They are a small independent team that has grown its business. The White Cross takes pride in sourcing local products whenever possible, with meat from the Vale of Lune and the Cumbrian hills, vegetables from the plains of South Lancashire, and fish from Fleetwood. Over 80% of their ales, with up to 20 different rotating beers each week, come from breweries less than 40 miles away. Live performances and quiz nights are also featured.

2025 Update: The White Cross provides wheelchair access through the adjacent adult college car park, where guests can use the rear entrance.”

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Price:

STARTERS
White Cross Soup (gf*) £7.50
Potted Morecambe Bay Shrimp £11.00
Pistachio Falafel Bites (gf, ve, n) £8.50
Venison, Black Pudding & Apple Roll £9.50
Tempura Tenderstem Broccoli (ve, gf) £8.00
Rosemary & Garlic Baked Camembert £14.00
Extra Toast £1.50
MAIN COURSES
Tirril Beer-Battered Haddock (gf) £1316.50
Add Sourdough & Butter £1.50
Korean Beef Noodles (n) £17.50
Chicken Supreme (gf) £21.00
Duck Breast (gf) £25.00
White Cross Pie £19.50
Slow Roasted Aubergine (ve, gf, n) £14.00
Thai Green Curry (ve, gf) £14.00
Add King Prawns, Chicken or Tofu £3.00
Smoked Fish Pie (gf) £23.50
Locally-Sourced Pork Sausages £12.5016.50
SUNDAY ROASTS
Striploin Of Beef (served pink) £21.00
Slow-Braised Lamb Shoulder £20.00
Slow-Braised Beef Brisket £19.50
Roast Chicken Breast £19.00
Market Special Roast
Sweet Potato, Chestnut & Thyme Roast £17.00

Contact:

01524 33999

Mon-Thu: 11:30am - 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11:30am - 12am
Sun: 12pm - 11pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

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MERCHANTS 1688 REVIEWS

A unique place hidden away on Castle Hill , booked online with ease , was running late so rang to alter booking ...no problem ..arrived at the reorganised time we ordered the Haddock ( lightly Battered) and the Lamb Hot pot . My partner said it was the best fish and chips that she has had in a long time and the lamb hot pot ( main menu portion) that I had was absolutely incredible . Service was excellent and I will definitely return as soon as I can .. all this for 32 quid.

Absolutely incredible food, excellent real ale, all served in a 17th century wine merchants' cellar. The service was also brilliant; attentive, without being overbearing. I went in hungry, as I wanted to try three courses, and was very glad I did. My partner also got three courses, so we got to try each other's food. Every mouthful was amazing. A special place to go for a meal!

My son treated us to a day of experiences, around Lancaster for my 70’th Birthday. The meal at Merchant’s was on the list. We weren’t disappointed. Everyone’s food was perfect. But my steak was just the way I like it, and it was trimmed. An excellent meal.

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THE WATER WITCH REVIEWS

The location was magnificent. Excellent food, with a great variety of Ale, which we enjoyed it by sitting by the canal. The staff, courteous and friendly. Perfect place to sit out on a sunny day. The Brown Ale, perfectly complemented the traditional British Fish and Chips. In the few days we were in Lancaster, we visited it twice! We were completely satisfied both times!

I had the vegan pizza and I’ve not had a dough like that before the base was so light and fluffy and the base sauce was lovely! We sat and enjoyed a few hours outside by the canal. This is such a dog friendly pub they sell doggy ice cream and meals for the dog! Large selection of ales too!

Good selection of beers we did not eat here but with a really nice pint of beer to sit outside and enjoy the setting almost in the town centre, with the canal and moorings in front of you it was a lovely way to spend some time.

THE WHITE CROSS REVIEWS

Hello, We celebrated the graduation of my daughter at this pub in the middle of July. The stuff was very helpful even we had to change the booking three times because of various reasons. We sat inside, the atmosphere was very cosy, quiet - not like in other pubs when you have to shout to let someone hear you. The food was excellent as well, we ordered a few starters and main course, then dessert. Didn't have to wait long time before it was served. The service was spot on! Starting from when we were welcomed at the entrance and the waitresses looking after us and our guest during all time when we were there! Even to the point when the waitress was apologizing for the service charge included and was emphasising that it was voluntary and could be taken off. I didn't mind, I think the stuff deserved the tips and even a bit more on top of it. Definitely great place to have a dinner, enjoy a time with friends and family and and eat some excellent food! Best regards, Rustam.

We came for dinner a couple of weeks ago for a birthday. Our waitress (believe her name was Mia) was so incredibly lovely and an all around ray of sunshine. She truly made our meal so incredible. The other staff that served us were also so friendly. The food was lovely. Recommend the roast beef brisket and the veg curry!

The food was lovely! Had three courses each and I think it was reasonably priced, the food itself and the presentation was brilliant! The service was great, really attentive and had no problems at all! The atmosphere was really nice! Not too loud or quiet!

TBR® Inspection Score Report

MERCHANTS 1688 Total Inspection Points: 117/120
Business Hours: 9
Complete Info: 9
Variety of Menu: 9
Table Reservations: 10
Menu Images: 10
Contact Info: 10
Current Evaluation: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Pricing: 10
Reviews Accuracy of 4.6K: 10
Videos: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

THE WATER WITCH Total Inspection Points: 115/120
Acknowledgements: 9
Complete Info: 9
Reviews Accuracy of 4.3K: 9
Variety of Menu: 9
Social Media: 9
Business Hours: 10
Menu Images: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Pricing: 10
Videos: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

THE WHITE CROSS Total Inspection Points: 114/120
Reviews Accuracy of 3.7K: 8
Acknowledgements: 9
Complete Info: 9
Reviews Study: 9
Social Media: 9
Table Reservations: 10
Business Hours: 10
Menu Images: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Pricing: 10
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