BLACKBURN.

Malt and Hops (1 Barton Street, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 1LJ) (01254) 699453. The Malt and Hops is on Barton Street in the town centre near the Blackburn College and Waves Leisure Centre and King George's Hall. The pub interior is an old fashioned ale house type of pub, gas fire in lounge area and wooden flooring giving it a warm appearance. There is good access for disabled and toilet facilities have disabled access. The bar faces door on entry. A conservatory on the side of the pub is used as games room. Food is cheap but good quality and the plates are usually full. Price ranges from a breakfast bacon roll @ 75p, full breakfast @£1.50. to lunches, burgers and chips @ £1.65. Nothing on the menu is over £2. Service is also very quick. Food is served all day from 10am. The pub is mainly aimed at the student market so it can be busy at lunchtimes during term times. The Malt and Hops does good quality beer, always in good condition, served by friendly and professional bar staff, who certainly know about real ale. Beers are usually Moorhouse Black Cat Mild 3.4%abv @ £1.50 pint; Timothy Taylors Landlord @£1.80 pint; Morlands Old Speckled Hen abv 5% @1.80 pint; Whitbread Boddingtons bitter 3.7%abv @£1.60 pint; Whitbread Flowers Original 4.3%abv @£1.80 pint. It also serves a large range of bottled beers. The Malt has a friendly atmosphere and quality of ales and food. Good music and staff very professional, trouble is getting a seat due to too many students in the pub. Nonetheless worth a diversion. The pub also has a late license until 1am during the week. No accommodation here but try: Ellerbeck Hotel, 37 Wellington Street, St. Johns, Blackburn, BB1 8AF. (01254) 55010. Prices: single from: £20, double from: £30 per room per night. Map. Hillview Hotel, 90 Preston New Road, Blackburn, BB2 6BN. (01254) 662242. Prices: single: £16, double: £32 per room per night. Map