I ran out of Er Guo Tou Jiu on Tuesday so it was time for a visit to Chinatown to replenish my supplies. It continues to pain me that the exact same bottle that cost me about 50p in Beijing is twenty odd quid here. Anyway, while I'm in this end of town it would be foolish to miss some required ticks. I started at the Garden Bar & Cafe, more commonly known as the Bombed Out Church:
A pleasant - in good weather - garden where you have to order on the internet, which is a bit irritating when there are only about four customers, so I wander up to the shipping container which is the servery only to be rebuffed and instructed to use the QR code on the table. Nevertheless, I got a good pint of real Budweiser. In a plastic cup.
A little way along Berry Street we find Red Door:
This place has had a number of different names since I last was here as long ago as ought three. Back then, or was it even earlier, there was a brewery in the front of the room. Apart from that I can't remember what it looked like. Anyway, in 2025 what we find is a large open room with very pleasant slightly quirky decor. Five keg beers were on tap, I had Camden Hells. I took a look at the extensive cocktail menu on my table. Why no bloody Mary?
At two on a Friday the place was deserted, I think there was only one other customer. The barman was busy chopping up limes for later cocktails. Good grief, how many slices does he need?
Next, from Red Door to Red Dog:
This place advertises Austin TX barbeque food and I must say it smells and looks good. Not busy at three on a Friday but ticking over nicely. (I must confess that in my visit to Texas last year I didn't eat as much barbeque as I would have liked. And none in Austin.)
I had a pint of the house lager which was good. It came in a frozen glass which, in my opinion, just makes for a puddle on the table and doesn't improve the flavour. The cynic in me says it masks the lack of flavour.
There's a decent stage for the live music, but no one performing at this time. It occurred to me after a few minutes that there are a number of bars around Charlotte Street that will have someone on stage at this time on a Friday, I think this place is missing a trick there.
Finally, I'd just missed a train at home, so it's time for a swift White Rat in the wonderful Big House. This pub doesn't get mentioned in the blog as often as it deserves, because I come in here every week with friends so it never gets a visit on an actual survey. Until today. What can I say? Architectural gem, excellent ales, CAMRA discount, what more could one ask for?
Beer of the day: White Rat
Miles walked: 2.3
Maybe coming soon: Crosby, Southport
