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