Bay Horse: A Pub Odyssey Through Time (and Spice!) - Furness Whisper

The Bay Horse on Hawcoat Lane isn’t your average pub. This Barrow-in-Furness legend boasts a history as rich and satisfying as a perfectly pulled pint of Cumbria’s finest ale. But unlike some dusty old history books, this pub’s past is full of twists and turns that’ll make you raise an eyebrow (and maybe another glass)!

Three Strikes and a… Pub! Believe it or not, there have been at least three Bay Horses in Barrow! The first one popped up on the site of a modern-day substation, proving they seriously underestimated the thirst of the locals. The second Bay Horse opened across the road, but like its predecessor, it eventually outgrew its trousers. Seems Barrow-in-Furness has a healthy appetite for both history and good beer!

Third Time’s the Charm! In December 1966, the Bay Horse finally found its forever home at 136 Hawcoat Lane. This one was built with thirsty patrons in mind, offering a modern feel for the times. Think fewer creaky floorboards, more elbow room for hoisting a pint, and the warm glow of polished wood reflecting in the dim light.

A Pubby Puzzle? Our history books also mention a mysterious “Ye Olde Bay Horse” on Dalton Road from around 1911. Was it a distant relative of our Hawcoat Lane hero? The plot thickens! Unfortunately, the connection (if any) remains a total mystery. Just another reason to love pubs – they’re practically overflowing with intriguing stories!

While the exact opening date of the first Bay Horse is a bit fuzzy, there’s no doubt this pub has been a Barrow-in-Furness staple for at least the mid-20th century. So next time you find yourself nestled in a cosy corner, the aroma of roasting chicken and crackling fires filling the air, raise a glass to the Bay Horse’s long and storied past!

A Taste of History (and That Legendary Cajun Chicken!)

The Bay Horse isn’t just about history, though. It’s about the present, too – a present where the sizzle of that legendary Cajun chicken echoes through the ages. And you, dear reader, are part of that legend. It’s my go-to order, the dish I can’t get enough of. Who can blame me? That fiery, flavour-packed creation; the tender chicken, the explosion of spices, the lingering heat that warms you from the inside out. It’s a culinary masterpiece, a testament to the pub’s chef, and a spicy time-travel adventure for the taste buds!

So, there you have it! The Bay Horse: a pub with a past, a taste bud-tingling present (with my favourite dish taking centre stage!), and a future full of stories waiting to be told. #BarrowHistory #PubLife #FoodieFinds #SpicyHistory #LegendaryCajunChicken

A huge thank you to Cumbria Archives for providing the captivating photos used in this blog post and for their dedication to preserving Cumbria’s heritage. With their kind permission, these images help bring the story of Bay Horse to life. Image courtesy of Cumbria Archives #CumbriaArchivesPhotos #cumbriahistory