The pub is on the old pack horse route from Manchester to Burnley. It has been in the same family for 60 years and takes it's name from the commander of the British forces in the Crimean war.
We visit the pub every year - the beers brewed on site include: Raglan's Sleeve, a lovely, well balanced bitter and Crowning Glory, a strong smooth winter brew. On our visit they had had a cultural exchange and there were several local guest beers on offer. I started with a pint of Mistral, brewed on the premises - a light refreshing ale at 4% alcohol. My second pint was a sweet stout from the Deeply Vale brewery in Bury called DV8 which, despite the name, is an interesting and very drinkable ale.
Food at the Rag is traditional pub food with locally sources ingredients. I had a black pudding tower with Bury black pudding ( where else!) - delicious. This was followed by brewers pie - long cooked beef in the pubs own beer.
After that there was a decision to be made - pudding or more beer? I went for a pint of Gold from the Dunscar Bridge brewery in Bolton - another really nice pint. I had forgotten that Lancastrians are such good brewers.
There may well be dozens of brew pubs like the Lord Raglan dotted around the north of England. I am certainly looking forward to finding them and sampling their hospitality. If you are ever in Bury or passing through the area make a point of finding the Lord Raglan and trying what it has to offer. you will not be disappointed.
