PUNTERS at Britain’s ‘cheapest’ boozer have told how they can enjoy a cool pint without breaking the bank.
Revellers descend on The Adrwick in Blackpool where they can get their hands on lager or cider for less than two quid a pop.
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As tight-fisted Brits think twice before pulling out their wallet for soaring prices on booze, the Lancashire watering hole prides itself on its affordable price list.
“When I took over here in 2010 a pint cost £1.49, and I’m pleased my customers are only paying 31p more 14 years later,” landlady Lynn Haworth, 64 said.
“I manage to keep the prices so cheap because of the volume I sell.
“I didn’t design the pub to be the cheapest in Britain, it just turned out that way.
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“If you go out you need a lot of money, but not here, so I am proud of the fact that I’m Britain’s cheapest pub.
“I was working in another pub in Blackpool in 1997, so not much has changed.”
Lynn employs seven employees and first cut her teeth in the pub trade when she was 23 years old.
Visitors can have a pint of John Smiths, Fosters, or Strongbow cider pulled for just £1.80.
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While the public house attracts punters in their droves during weekends, the pub has also built up a steady stream of loyal local customers and holidaymakers throughout the week.
“I get people coming in here year in, year out, and they love the price of the drinks,” Lynn continued.
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“Sometimes if a group comes in and they are buying rounds, you can hear them saying to their mates ‘hurry up and drink them, we’ve been undercharged’, but they haven’t.
“It’s quite funny to watch people thinking they have got away with being undercharged.”
Holidaymaker Mark, 35, paid tribute to the boozer for its warm ambience.
“I love it here. The drinks are affordable and the atmosphere is fantastic.
“I have been here six or seven times since January, I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else.
“I was born in 1988, so I was nine in 1997, and obviously not drinking, but in Stoke now I’m paying £3.50 a pint, so this is a proper affordable holiday.
“I’m actually topping up from last night. I’ve just popped in for a hair or the dog, but I’ll probably stay a bit longer.
“I’ve been in other pubs in Blackpool, but this is by far the best. Cheap and friendly. You really can’t complain.”
Barmaid Emma Berry, 28, has worked at The Ardwick for two years, since moving to the seaside resort two years ago from Birmingham.
“I was born in 1996, so I was just one when the price of a pint was this cheap,” said Emma.
“I love working here and I love seeing the shock on people’s faces when they learn how much the drinks are.
“They sometimes think I’ve charged them for just one pint if they order a couple.
Sometimes if a group comes in and they are buying rounds, you can hear them saying to their mates ‘hurry up and drink them, we’ve been undercharged’, but they haven’t
Lynn Haworth
“I wouldn’t want to do any other job anywhere else.”
Retired HGV driver Michael Cain, 75, has been dubbed ‘Mike Two Pints’ in the pub because he always buys a brace of John Smiths.
Dumfries born Michael has been drinking in The Ardwick seven days a week since he moved 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 magic. Pre-COVID the prices of a pint was £1.70, but you really can’t knock £1.80 now.
“In another local pub they are selling John Smiths for £2.60 a pint, and I can come in here and for another quid get two pints – I always buy a couple of beers at a time, that is why they call me ‘Mike Two Pints’.”
“The nickname has stuck and I even have an Ardwick t-shirt with ‘Mike Two Pints’ written on it.
“I get here every day around 11 o’clock, have four pints and then I’m on my way.”
Retired builder Neville Terry, 72, was also on the John Smiths.
Neville said: “I would say this place is 100 per cent, very good.
“You can’t buy a loaf of bread for these prices. It’s great that it is so cheap.
“I come here four or fives times a week. I was here for the bingo on Tuesday.
“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 I’ll be here for that.”
Regular Lesley Graves, 56, works at a local bingo hall, and is in The Ardwick most days.
Lesley said:”I always pop in after work. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.
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“The prices are fantastic and can’t be beaten.
“Long live 1997.”
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