Gregson Centre, Lancaster

The Gregson Centre was acquired by a local community association (a charity) in 1984. Its origins lie in Victorian philanthropy. It has an excellent bar, one of the best in Lancaster. It’s a must-go pub. All are welcome. It’s our pub of the trip, probably our pub of the year. One of my desert island pubs.

It’s a very lively social centre for the surrounding area. There’s always something going on.

At the back there’s a large hall with a high vaulted ceiling and a sprung floor. It has its own PA System and lighting rig. It attracts many interesting bands. Later this month, ‘The Tom Petty Preservation Society’ are playing there. The band consists of Denny Lane and members of the Chuck Berry Band and Atomic Rooster. Big names indeed.

There’s a small cinema called the Secret Cinema, with seating for 24 people.

There’s also a small meeting room for up to 45 people. Perfect for workshops and intimate performances.

All are available for hire.

The bar is run by the local community, using paid staff and volunteers. The profits go straight back to their independent charity. They are open from 10 am to 11 pm, every day of the week.

Last year (2025), they won Camra Club of the Year for Lunesdale, Lancashire, and for the North West.

When I was there, they had four real ales on hand pull; the one I chose cost me £4.70. As usual, I forgot the name (actually, I forgot to write it in my notebook); it was a good pint, in great form. I had three!

Brunch is served at lunchtime. The main menu is served in the evening (only pizza on Monday); cooked by neighbours Toast. While we were there, I had a very enjoyable pizza for £11.95.

We sat in a corner at the back of the main bar, on a settle, people-watching. At a large table in the middle of the room, some people were playing dominoes. Throughout the bar, people were talking to each other. For a Monday night it was pretty busy. A real community pub.

There’s an open fire, making for a cosy room in the winter.

On the walls are paintings by local artists, for sale.

There are two other rooms in the main bar area, and an interesting garden/seating area outside.

Their website contains lots of information about the centre.