Rhythm and Brew
Johnny James, Managing Editor
Something of an antidote to the gaudier side of Blackpool’s hospitality and entertainment offer, Rhythm and Brew is a traditional pub for lovers of modern craft beer and alternative live music.
Once known as the Stanley Arms Hotel, where Blackpool FC were founded in 1887, Rhythm and Brew is a pub steeped in history, and yet, under new management since 2017, it’s also decidedly forward-facing.
Physically, the pub itself retains most of its original features. Mahogany beams, revealed brickwork and fireplaces all make the place feel cosy despite its generous proportions, while its history is written on the walls in the form of memorabilia and photographs of early Blackpool FC squads.
But that’s where tradition ends, because dig into the beer list and there’s suddenly an up-to-the-minute feeling about this place. There are 20 rotating taps, a number of which pour from the on-site Pool Brewing Co, claiming to craft the finest ales on the Flyde Coast.
Elsewhere it’s like a who’s who of the British craft beer landscape. Having headed over from Manchester, home of the much-lauded Cloudwater, we’re thrilled to see a good few of their beers on tap, but even more thrilled when we notice we’ve never even heard of most of them – and we’ve put the time in. Tipped by CAMRA (The Campaign for Real Ale), you’ll also find a selection of eight ales, four of which are brewed in the back of the pub.
And then there’s the music. A small stage near the back of the venue hosts everything you won’t find in the hotels and on the prom. Think indie, alt rock and punk bands, often local, often free. And because of the layout of the space, you can choose to tune into the music if you want, but you can also tuck yourself away around the corner if you’re there for a chat.
Add to all this a simple but effective food offer (think hotdogs, pies and nachos), a dog-friendly policy, and both a pool table and a darts board, and Rhythm and Brew really does tick every box.
