Britain’s ‘cheapest’ pub serving pints at 1997 prices and beers from under £2
PUNTERS at Britain’s ‘cheapest’ pub have told how they can enjoy a cool pint without spending a lot of money.
Revelers flock to The Adrwick in Blackpool, where they can get their hands on a pint of lager or cider for less than £2 each.
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While tight-fisted Brits think twice before taking out their wallets due to rising booze prices, the Lancashire watering hole prides itself on its affordable price list.
“When I took over in 2010, a pint cost £1.49, and I’m pleased that fourteen years later my customers are paying just 31p more,” says landlady Lynn Haworth.
“I manage to keep prices so low because of the volume I sell.
‘I didn’t design the pub to be the cheapest in Britain, it just turned out that way.
“When you go out you need a lot of money, but not here, so I’m proud to be the cheapest pub in Britain.
“I worked in another pub in Blackpool in 1997 so not much has changed.”
Lynn, 64, employs seven staff and first started in the pub industry at the age of 23.
Visitors can have a pint of John Smiths, Fosters or Strongbow cider for just £1.80.
While the cafe attracts punters in droves at the weekend, the pub has also built up a steady stream of loyal local customers and holidaymakers throughout the week.
“I get people in here year after year, and they love the price of the drinks,” Lynn continued.
“Sometimes when a group comes in and they’re buying rounds, you hear them say to their friends, ‘Hurry up and drink them, we’re undercharged,’ but that’s not the case.
“It’s kind of funny to see how people think they can get away with paying too little.”
Holidaymaker Mark, 35, paid tribute to the pub for its warm atmosphere.
“I love it here. The drinks are affordable and the atmosphere is fantastic.
“I’ve been here six or seven times since January, I wouldn’t go anywhere else.
“I was born in 1988, so I was nine in 1997, and obviously I didn’t drink, but in Stoke I now pay £3.50 a pint, so this is a real affordable holiday.
“I’m actually upgrading from last night. I stopped by for a haircut or the dog, but I’ll probably stay a little longer.
“I’ve been to other pubs in Blackpool but this is by far the best. Cheap and friendly. You really can’t complain.”
Barmaid Emma Berry, 28, has been working at The Ardwick for two years, since moving to the seaside resort from Birmingham two years ago.
“I was born in 1996 so I was only one when the price of a pint was so cheap,” said Emma.
“I love working here and I love seeing the shock on people’s faces when they hear how much the drinks cost.
‘They sometimes think that I only charge them one pint if they order a few.
Sometimes when a group comes in and they buy rounds, you can hear them say to their friends, “Hurry up and drink them, we underpaid,” but they didn’t.
Lynn Haworth
“I wouldn’t want to do any other job anywhere else.”
Retired lorry driver Michael Cain, 75, is known in the pub as ‘Mike Two Pints’ because he always buys a pair of John Smiths.
Dumfries-born Michael has been drinking at The Ardwick seven days a week since moving to Blackpool five years ago.
“I found this place when I moved to Blackpool from Malta and wouldn’t go anywhere else now,” said Michael.
“The prices here are magical. Before the corona crisis, the price of a pint was £1.70, but now you really can’t ignore £1.80.
“In another local pub they sell John Smiths for £2.60 a pint, and I can come in here and get pints for another two – I always buy a few beers at a time, that’s why they call me ‘Mike Two’. Pints.” .
“The nickname stuck and I even have an Ardwick t-shirt with ‘Mike Two Pints’ written on it.
“I come here every day around 11 o’clock, drink four beers and then I go out.”
Retired builder Neville Terry, 72, was also on the John Smiths.
He said: “I would say this place is 100 percent very good.
“You can’t buy bread for these prices. It’s great that it’s so cheap.
“I come here four to five times a week. On Tuesday I was here for bingo.
“You can come in here with £20, spend a few hours chatting and watching sport on the telly and still walk out with money in your pocket – where else can you do that?
“I’m looking forward to St. Patrick’s Day because that’s what I’ll be here for.”
Regular Lesley Graves, 56, works at a local bingo hall and is at The Ardwick most days.
Lesley said: “I always come over after work. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.
“The prices are fantastic and unbeatable.
“Long live 1997.”
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