Burnley, Lancashire: Love Affair with French Benedictine

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A Working Men’s Club in Burnley has a love affair with the French liquor Benedictine – and it’s a love which dates back to World War One. Burnley Miners’ Club is described as the drink’s biggest single consumer outside of France. The regulars also take the drink in an unusual way: it’s called a “Bene and Hot” – Benedictine with hot water. Local legend has it that the link began when soldiers from the 11th Battalion the East Lancashire Regiment – the famous Accrington Pals – were stationed in a French town close to the home of Benedictine. The weary troops developed a taste for the drink, especially with hot water, as a way of restoring themselves after their torrid time at the Front. They brought their love of Benedictine back with them and it’s been adopted by their children and grandchildren. Today, the link continues at the club, not just with the quantity consumed. A function room in the club is called “the Benedictine Lounge”. Location: Burnley Miners Social Club, 7-17 Plumbe St, Town Centre, Burnley BB11 3AA Image shows advertising for the French liqueur Benedictine Excerpt of 'The theater' in July 1913 (Photo by Apic/Getty Images) Report presented by Tim Padfield