Last year we went in a pub just down the road from the away end and it was fine. Can't remember the name but it was a "hungry horse" pub and did food too.
Thought they were friendly when I went up a couple of weeks ago for the afcb match. Went in the 'Postal Order' in town in the afternoon, and then to the ground. I think the Fernhurst is now home and away, whereas it used to be just away fans.
Went with my Blackburn supporting mate, known him and other Blackburn fans for about 25 years, they're a decent bunch, even seemed to stay reletively level headed through the 'glory years'!!