The Best Pubs
View of Lancaster

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The Best Pubs in Lancaster

Lancaster’s pub scene is an absolute treasure trove, from canalside spots serving hearty roasts and vegan feasts to historic timber framed hideaways where the cheesecake is legendary and the real ales flow with genuine passion. You’ll find live music that gets your toes tapping, quiz nights that spark a bit of friendly rivalry, and friendly locals who’ll make you feel right at home whether you’re after a craft beer, a Sunday lunch, or a surprisingly affordable pint. Read on and check out the best pubs in Lancaster.

The Water Witch in Lancaster

1. The Water Witch

Canal Tow Path, Aldcliffe Rd, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 1SU

8.9🌿 Outdoor seating

The Water Witch is a waterside haven offering a warm welcome with homemade dishes and a wide variety of vegan and vegetarian options. Guests can enjoy regular events like burger night with a free selected drink, pizza night, and quiz night every Thursday. The lunch club menu is available Monday through Friday, and there is a wine and dine offer with a complimentary bottle of wine.

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2. The Herdwick - Grad Bar

Graduate College (Alexandra Pk.), Lancaster, Lancashire, LA2 0PF

8.2🌿 Outdoor seating

Step into The Herdwick Grad Bar, where the beer is top notch, the music is lively, and the prices are surprisingly kind to your wallet. The landlord’s genuine passion for real ales shines through in a brilliant, ever changing selection that keeps locals coming back. With outdoor seating and a steady stream of festive events, this is the kind of friendly spot where the staff and regulars quickly feel like family.

The White Cross in Lancaster

3. The White Cross

Quarry Rd, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 4XT

8.2🌿 Outdoor seating

Welcome to The White Cross, a spacious and cosy canalside pub boasting up to 12 cask ales primarily from local breweries. Hearty home cooked food is available all day every day, with a fantastic Sunday roast and daily specials always worth a peek. The brilliant venue features a large, bright, and airy interior following an excellent renovation of Victorian warehouses, making it a brilliant place to enjoy a canalside drink.

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The Three Mariners in Lancaster

4. The Three Mariners

Bridge Lane, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 1EE

7.9🌿 Outdoor seating

The Three Mariners is a proper old school pub where the cheesecake is reportedly exceptional, and the outdoor seating lets you soak up the lively character of the place. Its timber frame and low ceilings give it a wonderfully historic feel, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a cozy corner of the past. This is the kind of spot that feels both timeless and full of genuine warmth.

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The Sun Hotel & Bar in Lancaster

5. The Sun Hotel & Bar

63-65 Church St (Sun Street), Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 1ET

7.9🌿 Outdoor seating

Welcome to The Sun Hotel & Bar, a brilliant spot that’s part of the Lancaster Brewery, where real ales, craft spirits, and local favourites are poured with passion. The kitchen champions hearty, seasonal dishes made well, and you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner in a place that’s perfect for a pint, a plate, or a peaceful night’s sleep. With 16 stylish bedrooms and a menu that includes sandwiches and homemade soup, this is one of the favourite spots for food, drink, and rest.

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Pendle Witch in Lancaster

6. Pendle Witch

90-92 Penny St, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 1XN

7.7🌿 Outdoor seating

The Pendle Witch is a traditional pub that welcomes the whole community from age 18 to 80. It features regular quiz nights, BT and Sky Sports coverage, and a DJ on Fridays, making it a local favourite. Known for draft beer, TVs, and football, it also has outdoor seating and is good for groups or a quick meal. With friendly staff and pub food that is back on form, this pub offers a truly welcoming experience.

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The Borough in Lancaster

7. The Borough

3 Dalton Sq, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 1PP

7.7🌿 Outdoor seating

The Borough is a vibrant establishment perfect for enjoying excellent food and drink, offering breakfast and dinner service throughout the week. This busy and inviting pub restaurant is great for an informal lunch, a quiet pint, or a special occasion, with food prepared daily by fantastic chefs and accompanied by ales. It hosts unique interactive comedy dinner shows like the ‘Allo ‘Allo Dinner Show and the Faulty Towers Dining Experience, which include a three-course meal and a performance. Guests can also stay in one of 14 beautiful city centre bedrooms, making it a versatile spot for both locals and visitors.

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Ye Olde John O'Gaunt in Lancaster

8. Ye Olde John O'Gaunt

53 Market St, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 1JG

7.6

This pub is a legendary spot for anyone who loves a fantastic pint of real ale and unforgettable live music. The energy here is infectious, with a schedule of jazz and other performances that creates a truly lively and welcoming vibe. Beyond the excellent beer selection and well stocked bar, it’s the kind of place where the music and conversation blend into something special.

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Greaves Park in Lancaster

9. Greaves Park

Bowerham Rd, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 3AH

7.5🌿 Outdoor seating

Greaves Park is a Greene King pub known for its friendly staff, great beer, and large portions of food at great value prices. The mixed grill and fantastic steak come highly recommended, with service that is consistently friendly and efficient. It offers outdoor seating and is a family friendly spot where you can enjoy a superb meal.

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The Tap House in Lancaster

10. The Tap House

2 Gage St, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 1UH

7.5

Step into The Tap House and prepare for a truly top tier craft beer experience. This place is a haven for ale lovers, boasting an incredible selection of brews from around the world, often featuring a standout BrewDog on draft. The space itself has been brilliantly transformed, with exposed brickwork and cleverly repurposed beer casks turned into furniture that give it a wonderfully robust character. The service is excellent, ensuring every pint is a pleasure, making it an essential stop for anyone who appreciates a great value, high quality beer.

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