Aigburth

Having something non pub related arranged for this morning I wasn't sure whether I would be doing a survey today, but finding myself at Widnes station before noon it was a relatively easy journey on two trains to Aigburth.  The slight down side of being in steel toe capped boots and carrying a hard hat didn't discourage me as I started my researches in the Old Bank:

Four handpumps were operational, I selected a delicious pint of Neptune Mosaic.

I've no idea how much of the bank remains in the attractive interior, there's some good leaded glasswork in exterior and internal windows and some fine doorframes.  The entrance doors have leaded glass panels which must surely be a hundred years old.

As I enjoyed my pint there were about ten regulars in, most were greeted by name by the barmaid/landlady.  Some sat alone staring into space or studying the newspaper, others chatted.   When the early match began some of them were watching Spurs vs Man U.

For what is essentially a locals' boozer they offer a good range of beers, a well as the aforementioned handpumps there were lager taps for Carling, Estrella, Erdinger,  Ayinger and Brooklyn; also a cloudy cider and Tetley bitter.  Oh, and Guinness of course.

This is a wonderful pub, I really like it.

My next destination was the Aigburth Arms when I first drank there back in 1998, but has spent most of the intervening years as the Victoria, until a few years ago it reverted to its "proper" name:

As I'm sure you already know, Red Dwarf's Lister was found as a baby in a cardboard box under the pool table here.  I wonder how many visitors they get because of this?  I'm going to say approximately zero.

By the time I reached here Manchester were one goal up.

In the very well cared for pub interior just a handful of customers were present, most of them watching the footie.  There is nothing great about the decor here, but it is well looked after, clean and tidy.  The large beer garden looks very well done as well.

If I am allowed one whinge, almost every table in the main room is a high one, with high chairs to match.  What is it about these tables that makes them so common, if I'm sitting I want my feet on the ground, not dangling in mid air.

Back to the busy Aigburth Road and to the Fulwood Arms:

Is my memory faulty or is this place twice as big as it used to be?  Google streetview confirms it's all in my head!  In any case, it is a large pleasant nicely styled boozer with a dozen or more customers watching the football or chatting.

A third good pub for today, it is very comfortable in here (And my feet reached the floor!)

Next, on my way to the Old Bank I had spotted a bar I wasn't aware of, so let's double back to the Craft Vale:

I arrived to find the barman and just one customer, so not a busy time at half two on a Saturday.  This was the first pub today that doesn't have the footie on, it was much more peaceful than the others!  Another pleasant and comfortable place to visit.

An admirably good range of keg fonts, mainly ones I've never heard of, but I chose to be boring and just have Erdinger.  It was the last one out of the keg and a little short of a pint so I got a reduced price!  It tasted fine anyway.

Another customer/friend of the staff came in but he had a cup of tea.  So perhaps technically not a customer.

Now what?  There is one never visited "wine bar" not too far away, could I get another new tick to complete the day, or should I just go home?  It's a mile and a bit so maybe not, but on the other hand it is not yet three o'clock.  Hmmm, decisions???  No, I can't be bothered, after this morning's activities I'm worn out so the shorter route home is calling.  After all, I've got four "required" ticks, one of them brand new, that's a good enough score.

Pub of the day: Old Bank
Beer of the day: Neptune Mosaic
Miles walked: 2.5
Maybe coming soon: Southport

Lark Lane

The train in to town broke all records for crush loading, but I just managed to squeeze myself on board.  No danger of falling over when it lurched over the points!  There's some rugger event at Everton, and Liverpool are at home for the late KO, no wonder it's so busy.

The train out of Central was much calmer and I was soon in Aigburth for a visit to Lark Lane.  The plan was to walk to the far end noting new ones and closed ones, and then work my way back ticking as required.  But it started raining so I quickly headed into the Masonic Arms:

This has changed name since I visited the Lodge in 2019.  I'm trying and failing to remember what it looked like inside then, is it all different?  In any case, what I found today was a large beautiful pub with fun antiquey decor, it really looks great.

About a dozen handpumps offered a good selection of ales, I chose an excellent Kirkstall Pale.

The background music was mostly drowned out by cheerful chatter from the many groups in here, it's doing pretty well at one on a Saturday, I'm pleased to report.

On yesterday's pub crawl (Glossop, Stalyvegas, Manchester) which I'm not blogging because it was mostly chat in familiar pubs, I had a bit of a disaster as I was enjoying pint number six, when I dropped this tablet.  I initially thought I'd got away with it because it was still working, but on closer inspection the front glass is smashed at one end.  As I type this it is still functional but I had to turn it the other way up so the "keyboard" isn't on the cracked part.  The poor old thing was only months away from retirement, over five years old, so I guess it is time for a new one.

Next, Blondies:

I was expecting the "is it a bar or a restaurant" dilemma but once inside I found a pleasant cafe bar.  Unfortunately it was deserted, I was the only customer.  They don't do food in here, in fact signage on the door recommends Rhubarb across the road.

I selected Erdinger from the keg selection, sat on the long bench seat along the wall, and looked around.  The decor is rather well done, I feel, although the Halloween stuff should be down by now!

The barmaid was humming along to the background music which was at the right volume for an empty bar.

In case you're wondering, yes the bar is themed on Blondie/Debbie Harry, for example there are black and white stripes on the drinks menu in the style of Parallel Lines.

Just over the road is Bar 25:

This is the one "ordinary" pub on Lark Lane and it's another one I haven't visited with its current name, it used to be the Parkfield.

A deep narrow corridor bar, plain, pleasant and comfortable.  A little down market, at least compared with the other places around here, but there's nothing wrong with that.  They've certainly got more customers than Blondies, which had two staff and just me.

I wonder if it is an intentional part of the "Bohemian" style of Lark Lane, that the mobile signal is very poor here?  Do you think my new tablet will have better RF performance?

I emerged to find it was throwing it down, so I quickly hurried next door into the previously mentioned Rhubarb:

(The photo was taken earlier when the sun was shining)

Now this one is perhaps on the wrong side of the restaurant/bar line, but they were happy to serve me a pint so they get to be in the guide.

Unlike Blondies over the road, it was very busy here, in fact I was quite surprised they allowed a non diner in as there were very few free tables.  While I enjoyed my beer the only other open table I could see became occupied so I think they might have been full.  This was at half two on a Saturday, clearly they are doing things right.  I looked around, a bloke was enjoying a splendid looking breakfast fry-up, I wonder how much that costs, I didn't get a food menu to peruse.  He took some of it home, the wimp.

I looked out of the window, the briefly torrential rain had stopped.  Over the road I could see people going in to Blondies so it isn't as empty as it was earlier.

If I'm allowed to complain (Of course I am) it was very chilly in here, I would have thought an operation this busy could afford some heating!

Again, the Halloween decor was still present, tut tut, but I suppose on the plus side at least they haven't got Christmas decorations yet!

The two attractive young ladies on the table next to mine had all day breakfasts, not what one expects (casual sexism), clearly they have better taste than I was thinking!

A group of nine came in, and were rebuffed, no space, this one is doing well.

Next, a little further along Lark Lane is the long standing Maranto's:

This bar/restaurant has been here longer than I have, as it opened in 1983, but it's not as old as the beautiful Grade II listed Victorian building.  I wandered in and headed straight to the counter where I ordered a Guinness.  I sat down in the restaurant area, oops, but the barman said it would be OK.  I offered to move upstairs, he said you don't need to, but I've never been upstairs so I carried my pint up to the bar areas where I got a more comfortable seat at a table with no cutlery.

I should whinge that once again it was very cold in here and I kept my coat on.

On the (silent) TVs I could see Sky Sports News, that's good, it doesn't annoy anyone who isn't interested. Cambridge, the city of my birth, progressed to 2-0 up, and it's only 15:36.  It's our kid who really follows them, I'm sure he'll be happy.

I must say that this place is doing really well with large numbers of happy customers enjoying food and drink, it's really busy in here.

How about that, two brand new ones and three overdue ones, what more could one ask?  OK, the answer to that is more real ales, I only got one!  I've got a vague recollection that last time I was on Lark Lane I got an Uber to take me home, that seems a bit unnecessary, I think I'll walk back to the station for a train into town, I'll probably be there before the home-going rush.  I marched briskly back to the station, only to find that the train was ten minutes late, I could have taken it easy.

Pub of the day: Masonic
Beer of the day: Kirkstall Pale
Miles walked: 1.1
Maybe coming soon: Southport

An Apology

On reflection I decided that I was a little harsh last week when I rejected the Cavern Club because they charge for entry.  So, as I was in town for shopping purposes I decided to forgive them and pay up.

I approached with a fiver in my hand but it's a cashless operation so I had to wave my phone at the machine to pay my entry fee.

Down the stairs, lined with photos ancient and modern of people who have played here, to a large brick-lined cellar.  It's not the original, of course, that disappeared long before I came to Liverpool, but it seems like a good recreation.

Having been warned of eight pound pints I was pleased to pay £6.20 for a Guinness.  Despite the throng at the counter the barmaid followed the correct pour-pause-finish process.  Only negative on the beer was that it was in a plastic glass, one of those "hard" ones that can be re-used.

The pub/museum was busy with tourists looking around at the impressive displays of posters and other memorabilia.

In conclusion, this is a wonderful tourist attraction, well worth a visit, and I'm sorry I was somewhat grumpy last week.  Last time I was in here, in 2008, I was showing some friends from New Zealand around "my" city.  I don't remember paying to get in but perhaps they did that for me.

Right, now I need a proper beer.  The White Star is just round the corner:

This truly wonderful pub remains unchanged, thank goodness, and I quickly selected Bass from the five or so handpumps.

There were quite a few people in the front room, I headed to the back and was surprised to find it totally empty, so I could enjoy my pint in splendid solitude.

The music in here is great: Dirty Laundry, Don Henley; followed by Billy Joel's Italian Restaurant, who's choosing these?  I wonder how Billy Joel's health is, I was booked to see him this year but it was cancelled.  I'm still hopeful; Wikipedia tells me he has said that things are improving with his condition being treatable.

I think this might be my favourite Liverpool pub (Notwithstanding the witty answer that "it's the one I'm in".)  When I first came to Liverpool almost thirty years ago I would start a shopping trip in town with a pint, or two, in here, attempting the Times crossword.

Two or three more people joined me in the back room as I finished my Bass.

Time, I think, to actually purchase some provisions rather than drinking...

Followed by a quick one in the Crown, sorry, no photo.

This one was remarkably busy, I had to stand because there were no free tables.  So they are doing very well at two on a Thursday.  On the other hand, I passed by at half ten in the evening last Saturday and it was empty and possibly shut (I didn't push the door to confirm.)  The Northwestern where I went instead was busy but not packed; I easily got a table in the big room.

My second Bass of the day was, I'm afraid, slightly past its best I think.  Disappointing in a pub that has provided quality real ale for as long as I can remember.  Hopefully it's a one-off.

Pub of the day: White Star
Beer of the day: Bass
Miles walked: 1.1
Maybe coming soon: Southport, Aigburth

Mathew Street

I was looking at my interactive map of pubs and was startled to see umpteen targets all along Mathew Street.  So it's time to tick a few...  I started with a walk the length of the street to check for changes, I found Hardy's, Eric's and Flares aren't open this early (before one) on a Thursday, and at the far end Wall of Fame looks suspiciously like it has closed down.  Anyway, I started in the Cavern Pub:

No change in five years in this pleasant, if somewhat chilly, basement bar, not to be confused with the famous Cavern Club.  (I notice next door there's now a Cavern Restaurant as well.)

A few tourists admired the large collection of music memorabilia displayed all round the room, while I swigged my pint of Cavern Club lager.

As tourists trickled in (The ones sitting near me had American accents.)  I found myself wondering if they thought this was the Cavern Club.  Although, since that one is not actually the original I don't suppose it matters much if they are in the wrong place.  As long as they spend their tourist money in Liverpool!

Next, I crossed the road to the Cavern Club itself:

What!!?? Five quid to get in?!  I think if there is an entry charge it doesn't count as a "pub" under my rules.

So, next door is Sgt Peppers:

Another "no change" report, this is a pleasant warm and comfortable one room modern place.

The live musician, who sounded rather good, was playing to an audience of five of which I think I was the only one listening at all.  No one* applauded.  Isn't it a little soul destroying to perform to a disinterested audience?  Having no talents in that direction I can't comment from experience.

* I don't want to reopen a discussion I had on here years ago about how to write no one/no-one/noone but I was reading an old Bill Bryson book this morning and he hyphenated "no-one" so it would appear the answer is not as clear cut as I thought.

The rain seemed to be getting heavier as I enjoyed my Carling; the good news is I haven't got any long walks today.  Next, King John:

I've always been rather fond of the (totally fake) baronial style decor in this one, organ chest, suits of armour and so on.

They have the 4 handpumps on the counter and one even had a clip turned backwards but somehow I suspect any real ale offering has long gone.

If I may switch into pub collecting nerd mode for a moment, Eric's, King John, and Rubber Soul are all part of the same interlinked complex, and if you want the gents in Eric's you end up in here.  So you might consider it one pub, but in order to keep my score as high as possible I'm claiming three distinct operations.  They are very different in character, after all.  I resisted the temptation to carry my half finished Carling through to Rubber Soul and claim both ticks - That would be cheating!

Next, of course, I need to tick Rubber Soul so without using the street I headed through.

Warmer than King John, probably because the doors between the room and the street are shut, this is another comfortable pleasant bar, this time with faux industrial styling.

Slightly busier than next door, there were about a dozen customers in here.  Various sports were on the tellies but I couldn't see anyone watching.

I tried to send a highly technical email to a friend concerning data on one of our servers.  I'm not sure if it went, the mobile signal is weak in here, and I'm also not certain that, after three and a half pints, its technical content was valid anyway.  I'm sure I'll find out tomorrow!

Two more required ticks on Mathew Street, so let's try Kabannas Kabin:

Last time I was here it was called Strawberry Fields, nothing much has changed it is still a pleasant enough bar attached to cheap accommodation.  I think it's perhaps not technically a Youth Hostel any more, do they even exist in 2025?

My Carling was delayed while the barman changed the keg, so I'm guessing they don't sell much, but it was fine, and only two quid.  That can't be right, can it, that's half what it is in JDW?

Someone came in and got a price for a "dorm" so clearly it's still a youth hostel style place, probably quite a bargain slap bang in the tourist centre of town, on Mathew Street.

A large group of "youth" appeared at the end of the room, presumably staying here, none of them bought a drink, anyway. Suddenly, they all headed out again and the room was quiet once more.

The friendly people behind the counter were skilfully dealing with confused travellers, I got the feeling it's ten out of ten for the staff here.

Just one more required tick on Mathew Street, so I think I must visit Legends:

For the first time this afternoon I found a bar with a decent amount of custom.  It was by no means full, but I could see perhaps twenty other drinkers as I started my sixth pint.

As seems to be the theme today, no change since I was here in 2020, this is still a comfortable sports-oriented bar, although having said that I couldn't actually see any sport from my seat in the corner.  I was just under an air conditioning unit which was emitting a welcome stream of warm air, I've been feeling cold most of today's trip.  (It's my age, I think.)

The sound in here was good music mostly drowned out by cheerful chatter.  The ideal soundtrack for a pub, in my opinion.  Having said that, the Wetherspoon formula without the music is as good if not better.

Six pints, six required ticks, Mathew Street cleared, that'll do.  And it's only half past three!  See you next week - In November.

Just to be clear, I walked past a lot of pubs and bars on Mathew Street, purely because I've been in them in the last five years.  This doesn't in any way suggest there's something wrong with the places I skipped.

Pub of the day: Sgt Peppers
Beer of the day: Carling
Miles walked: 1.2
Maybe coming soon: Southport

Rainford

I headed out on a very grey autumnal Saturday and three trains brought me to Rainford, and the Junction:

No change in this rather good two sided pub, with four real ales on offer.  I chose Border Bitter from Magic Dragon, a classic traditional bitter from Wales.

Technically, I don't "need" this visit, because I was here in 2023, on a railway-oriented trip for the last train from Kirkby, but it would be stupid to walk past such a nice pub just because I came here only two years ago.

There isn't much to write about this one, good music in the background, a smattering of regulars chatting quietly, small kids and dogs running around.  What is it about dog owners?  He's not being friendly, he's being bloody annoying.  Keep it under control.  And your kid while you're at it.

Next, a pleasant scenic walk of a mile or so along the former railway line to Rainford itself, where there should be some nice pubs to visit.  Starting in the Eagle and Child:

Something of a classic this one, the old-looking building contains a partly knocked through pub, pleasantly decorated in traditional style.

I selected a great pint of Landlord from the small range of cask.

Rather busier than the Junction, with plenty of chatter over the music.  Somehow, a perfect example of a friendly comfortable local boozer.

Next, just down the road is the Golden Lion:

Now this one is more of a dining location, and was quite busy with families and groups eating, at half two.  Drinkers are welcome, though, and I selected Three Swords from Kirkstall from the two handpumps on offer.

Continuing today's theme, a dog in one of the side rooms went mad when a waiter delivered some food.  Didn't there used to be some hygiene rule about animals in places serving food?

I perused the menu; fish and chips £16.  A fairly standard price nowadays.

My notes from a previous visit refer to "contemporary decor", this time I want to write "traditional", it probably depends on where you sit!  Anyway, it's mostly obscured by Halloween tat, of course.

A woman spotted the book which I had "accidentally" placed on the table, and she's going to buy one.  Maybe I should carry a few copies to sign and sell?!  More usefully she advised me the food here is really good.

I should own up, I quite often make the book visible in the hope someone will notice it, but it is very rare that anyone does.

Another short walk to the Derby Arms:

Another one keener on dining but again drinkers are welcome and I had a pint of favourite White Rat.  It came in a weirdly shaped Sharps glass, but that didn't spoil the excellent taste.

Quite busy at three on a Saturday, and I may have committed a faux pas by taking a table in the dining end, but no one complained.  Oddly, it was laid for three although one could easily fit four around it.  Unlike the other free table I could see, it didn't have a reserved sign.

A load of food came out to the large group next to where I was sitting, I must say it looked, and smelled, tempting.

Unusually, no music nor muzac in here, (at least, not in the room I was in) just a gentle background of happy conversations.

I have a vague recollection that this place was a little dead last time I was here.  No danger of that today, in fact there were people looking round for a table, and I felt a little guilty for occupying one.  Not guilty enough to move, though!

I parked the book on the table again, but no one took the bait here.

Finally, there's one more Rainford pub to tick before I head for home, the Star:

This is a truly great pub, traditionally decorated, multiple rooms, good food, comfortable and friendly.  I sat in a quiet side area and enjoyed my Wainwright Gold.

The sound in here was some very low music almost totally drowned out by cheerful chatter.  What a fine pub.  The large dining area at the rear seemed quite empty at four on a Saturday, I guess it's busier later.  I didn't see a menu but the specials board included some tempting options.

Why do I always seem to tick this gem at the end of a survey, I really must start here in 2030 and work my way up to the Junction!!!   Assuming I'm still alive/drinking/mobile/compos mentis then.  Of course, the planner in me says the longer walk, between Junction and Eagle, is better done at the beginning of a survey!

Five pubs, five real ales, you can't say fairer than that.  So, time for home.  A bus to St Helens for a train, or the lazy option of an Uber.  I think you can guess which I chose...

Pub of the day: Really difficult to choose, I'll go for the Star
Miles walked: 2.0
Maybe coming soon: Mathew Street, Southport

Beer of the day: White Rat

Ainsdale

Two trains to Ainsdale, and then a pleasant stroll in the sunshine took me to the odd seventies-looking building that is the Spitfire:

It all looked a bit empty as I approached, but the door was open so I went in to find I was the only customer.

Two or three staff were setting up Halloween decorations, I resisted the temptation to complain that it's only the second of October, I suspect that horse has long bolted.  At least it keeps the Christmas decorations away for another month!

Anyway, fake cobwebs, inflatable witches and ghosts aside, this is a nicely decorated pub in one open space, partly divided.

The clips were turned away on the handpumps so I had a Guinness to start my day.

The tellies are showing Australian football, I think.  The game with the double goal posts.

The landlady tried to sell their kids Halloween party for my grandkids, I had to tell her I didn't have any.

Next, on to central Ainsdale and the Mallard:

This large free standing pub building was Champs last time I was here, and the Railway before that.  It has had a thorough and very well done refurbishment and almost all of Champs' tellies have gone.

Just one handpump was offering Wainwright Gold, which was very good.  In this sort of situation I wonder if it is "fake" cask, I don't really know how you can tell.  I enjoyed it anyway.

Another very empty pub although at least they have got more customers than the single one (me) in the Spitfire.  In fact, at one point the chatter was briefly louder than the gentle muzac.

I idly looked out of the window.  The Barr, what is that?  The internet reveals a cocktail bar, a new one to me.  So let's try that next:

This tiny shop conversion is very nicely done out, I particularly like the wooden banding on the counter front.  They are aiming at the cocktail crowd but one can also enjoy a pint, I chose something tasty from Brixton.

For the second time today custom, just I, was outnumbered by staff, two.  This is why I try to avoid weekday afternoons for my researches, because places may decide it's not worth opening.  But as often happens I've got things to do on Saturday so it's a weekday or not at all.  So far, I'm pleased to have found everywhere open, albeit empty.

Eventually two elderly ladies came in.  Their order was two teas.  So it's not just cocktails and beer.

A third target within ten yards is Morrells so let's tick that next:

Continuing what seems to be today's theme, I was the only customer inside at three on a Thursday, the barmaid leapt up from her seat to serve me a Carling.  If we're being accurate, there was one bloke sitting at a table outside so technically there were two customers.

I rather like the decor in here, wooden floor and ceiling, naked air conditioning ducts and faux-industrial lighting.  But the place really needs some more customers.  I've said it before and I'll say it again:  Come on folks, I can't save the hospitality industry on my own.  Use it or lose it!

As I relaxed on a comfortable leather sofa and enjoyed my lager, someone else came in, but he only chatted to the barmaid and didn't buy a drink, so I don't think he counts.

I looked across the road.  A shop offered Acrylic Extensions.  My first thought was that it was selling conservatories, especially as the next word was Builder.  Further study revealed that it was actually a nail bar!  It's odd the things one thinks after a few pints.

Back to Morrells; the outside customer departed so it was just me and the barmaid.

Next Tipple:

This small pleasant corner bar is not completely deserted which seems to be good for around here on a Thursday.  There were two other customers.

Their outside area was being rebuilt, with stacks of timber ready to be installed.  In the very pleasant and comfortable inside, I selected Erdinger for a change.  The barmaid required assistance from a colleague to pour it, but the result was fine.

As I enjoyed my beer, more customers came in, so either this place is doing better than the others, or maybe it's just because time is moving on, it's now almost four.

My gaze wandered around.   This bar is really well decorated, the (totally fake) bare brick walls look good.

So, time to go home, but there's one more new one on the way to the station so perhaps I should check out Pebbles before I leave:

It's always good to visit a bar I didn't know existed, and this is the second one today!  And it's a very nicely done shop conversion, where I selected a pint of Pebbles Crystal from the range of keg brews.  I always think it's a bonus point for any place that has a house beer.

Not quite no one but me, but not far off, I'm afraid Thursday is the new Tuesday, so I'm relieved they are open.  Having written that, more people came in as I swigged my lager.

So, six ticks, two brand new, that's a fine result.  Current scores are 2,072 pubs in the database, of which I have visited 1,575, 910 of those in the last five years.

Pub of the day: Mallard
Beer of the day: Wainwright Gold
Miles walked: 1.5
Maybe coming soon: Southport, Rainford

Good Beer Guide 2026

Just as I was about to head out to the Wirral yesterday there was a knock on the door.  My copy of the latest edition of CAMRA's Good Beer Guide had arrived.

I can report that in Merseyside twenty-one entries have been removed and twenty-one added since last year's guide.

As I say every year, if you want to know which pubs they are you'll have to buy the book when it goes on sale on 25 September.