Mac Rating: 5.00 | Votes: 1 | Date: 19/06/2026 21:20:00

Crate-digging and craft beer meet head-on at this single-room bar on Adelphi Street, a short walk from Preston city centre and right beside the university. Reopened in September 2018 in a building that previously traded as the Hearts of Oak and then the Variety, it has reinvented itself around a simple, irresistible idea: a wall of more than a thousand vinyl records that customers are free to pick from, or supplement with their own, to soundtrack their drinks. The musical leaning is firmly rock and roots, taking in punk, post-punk, blues and indie, from Joy Division and the Pixies through to Green Day and beyond. Turntables behind the bar keep the records spinning, and the relaxed, music-obsessive atmosphere is rounded out by an ever-changing collection of comics and books left out for browsing, giving the place the feel of a friend's well-stocked front room as much as a pub. Drink is taken seriously here. Up to five real ales are served on handpump, dropping back in summer to make room for real ciders, alongside a rotating range of craft and guest beers and the usual spirits and soft drinks. The kitchen has its own personality too, built around a menu of authentic German hotdogs and hearty burgers, with big breakfasts served on weekend mornings, making it a genuine all-rounder rather than a drinks-only stop. The weekly calendar keeps regulars busy: open jams, quiz nights, open-mic sessions and classic concerts shown on the big screen fill the quieter evenings, while Fridays and Saturdays bring live music with that signature rock-and-roots flavour. That consistent programme of entertainment, combined with keenly priced cask ale on midweek and Sunday deals, has helped the bar build a devoted local following. Recognised by the regional branch of CAMRA with awards including Most Improved Pub and Pub of the Season, Vinyl Tap has quickly become a respected name on Preston's drinking scene. For students, beer enthusiasts and music lovers alike, its blend of great ale, vinyl culture, comfort food and live performance offers an alternative night out with a character all of its own.