Upon this Rock
The Quarryman’s pub may have the distinction of being Blackburn’s smallest pub. It might now even be its highest above sea level, although they might disagree in the Black Bull and the three pubs up Haslingden Road.
What should be agreed upon is how well the ‘Quarry’ has done to survive at all, where others in its local area have not. In some cases, it has been no thanks to Daniel Thwaites and their restrictive covenant obsession. So this little pub and the Alexandra, just down Dukes Brow, are all that is left of Blackburn’s ‘Revidge Run’. This was the surrounding area of a triangle made up of Revidge Road, Dukes Brow and Preston New Road. There used to be nine pubs, including the nearby Corporation Park and Woodlands. But now only two remain.
Make no mistake; the Quarryman’s has had its problems over the years too, even allegedly being haunted by a ghost called Albert. He is said to have been an unlucky victim of an accident with a beer barrel in the pub’s cellar. Unfortunately the only spirits I’ve ever seen in here are called rum, whisky and vodka.
But still being open as a pub is no mean feat these days. The Quarryman’s even had its name changed to the Duck and Puddle for a time. Thankfully this didn’t last and it reverted back to its proper name, reflecting this area’s quarrying tradition. Hopefully its life as a pub will be prolonged by the arrival of Rebecca – the girl next door.
Becky and her partner actually do live in the property next door, which makes up half of the same building. She has a good pedigree in Blackburn’s local pub trade. Her mother used to have the Hare and Hounds on the other side of the hill. Becky also has experience of working in the Red Lion, Holehouse and Griffin. Becky and her partner moved next door to the Quarryman’s in May. Her partner works full-time, which means, as a couple with a young family, they are not dependant on income from the pub.
On my first visit it was good to see Holt’s cask ale was still available and in good condition. Hopefully, this should encourage Blackburn’s CAMRA members and real ale drinkers to pay the pub a visit. There is even a bus stop right across the road. The No.9 Revidge bus runs past the pub from town every hour until 5.55pm. On weekdays the pub opens at 3.00pm and at twelve on Saturdays and Sundays.