Crosby

I was watching the Great British Pub Crawl on YouTube last week and Dale came to Crosby.  I was somewhat miffed to see he ticked three places I've never been in, so it's time to rectify those omissions.

I set off on this historic date.  Was it really twenty-five years ago?  I was only fifty miles away from one of the sites back than, and it was a slightly surreal experience.  I struggled to phone the UK to confirm I was OK, presumably because everyone else was trying to do the same.  We were all sent home from work and the whole city was quieter than I'd ever seen it.  (A few days later they cancelled my pilot's license and never let me fly again.)

Today, I started at One Five Six:

I must confess I'd spotted this place last time I was around here but looking across the road I had decided it was a restaurant, so I didn't go closer.

It is certainly more of a restaurant, but I was welcome for a pint of Paulaner.  I couldn't see any taps, which initially put me off, but the beer appeared from the back so I'm guessing they do have draught. There were eight craft beers listed on the board. Er well, seven and Guinness. Special thanks to the Pub Crawl because even if I'd peered in the window I would have seen no taps and not come in.

The mainly green decor is rather good in here.  I didn't see anyone else drinking beer, plenty of coffees were being served.

It was quite quiet when I started but by the end of my pint it was nearly full.  In fact, I gave up my table for six and moved to sit at the counter so the large group could sit together.

I see from the sign that they have live music upstairs.

Just round the corner is Norseman which was Inside No. 4 last time I was here, in 2024.  I'm told they have cask ale but I'm going to have to give them a miss today as I already have six targets to go at, and seven would be too many, I think.

I strolled on towards the centre.  Hampsons is now Blue Bird, Rocksalt is now Salt Rock, and Angus is now Goose by the Green.  I skipped them all and headed for a new one, Ironman:

What an impressive space, this shop conversion on two floors. Bare brick and ironwork, and a nicely done wooden counter.

I selected a fine pint of Neptune's Ezili from the four handpumps.  It came in an Ironman branded sleeve.

I was disappointed to see I was the only customer at two on a Friday; where is everyone?  We need more customers in great pubs like this, or they will end up closed. (I see Whitbread have given up on pubs and their Beefeater and Table Table brands are closing, except to serve Premier Inn residents.)

Finally another drinker came in, at last customers equal staff, just fifty more and we'll be cooking!

Just over the road is a great pub, and it is overdue for a tick (Five years and two days!), so Stamps Bar is next:

Ah, White Rat, what more could one ask!  There were five or six handpumps to choose from, they've also got the excellent Jarl.

Not quite as empty as Ironman, but hardly busy.  A pleasant eclectically decorated space on two floors (I don't think I've ever looked upstairs)

Am I allowed a grumble?  I noticed a regular who was standing at the counter got a much more carefully topped up pint of ratty than I did!  (Even better, the next regular to come in got a kiss from the landlady/barmaid which I think would be preferable to a top-up any day.  I should be so lucky!)

More customers came in, and the barmaid was busy pouring more ratty.  In my sixty five years I have got used to my tastes being different to the majority of the population, but with White Rat it would appear that with one of my favourite beers I'm on trend!

Next, another one from Dale's video, Koko:

Odd this one; it looks like a restaurant/bar but there wasn't any sign inside of food.  I ordered a pint of Moretti, and sat at a table to enjoy it.

Only two other people in here, and the couple were clearly regulars.  Again, I ask where are all the customers on a Friday afternoon?  I thought 2020s office workers didn't go in on a Friday so surely they should be out for a drink by now?

I spotted the tea and coffee menu.  Have I complained before (probably multiple times if I'm honest) that 2.5 is not a valid price, if it's £2.50 than write that!

Next, a traditional pub and another five years and two days tick, the George:

Dale really liked this one and I had to agree, it looks great inside.  I changed my mind when I tasted my pint of Bass, which was well past its best.

The place was busier than the previous ticks, so clearly cask quality is not the way to get customers.  Pity.

Years ago I grumbled about the brewery tat and decor in here, today there was none of that, it is a great historic boozer and if only they could serve a decent pint they would deserve to do well.

I abandoned my terrible ale and headed out.  Finally, Frankie's.  Ah.  No.  It's gone.

So, I could do with a proper boozer to finish on.  Nowhere better than Larkins:

(Picture from last year)  Now this is a proper place; a tiny space hidden on a side street.  There were only two other customers at four on a Friday.  My Carling (In a Carling glass) was spot on, just what I needed to wash my mouth out!

Once again, I'm concerned that this one is not busier on a Friday afternoon, where is everyone?  On the other hand, as people left, others came in, at least they're ticking over. Looks like the ones who departed and the new customers all knew the landlady so are clearly regulars.

Time for home, 3 new ones and 2 overdue revisits; that'll do.

Pub of the day: Ironman
Beer of the day: Ossett White Rat
Miles walked: 2.0
Merseyside pubs visited in the last five years: 1,022
Maybe coming soon: Undecided

Old Swan

I headed to Old Swan for a few required ticks, starting at the Millfield Inn.  But it isn't there any more.  Instead I found what I think is the same location, signed as a "Bakery club" but the shutters were down so I don't know what that is.  Google hasn't heard of it.

Next Hoggin's:

Very hard to photograph in Saturday afternoon traffic!

This is a plain nicely done out shop conversion.  The population of four or five regulars were a little noisy as I enjoyed my Guinness.  (No aggro, just a lot of cheerful shouting.)

This place was a pleasant surprise five years ago when I didn't know it existed.  It carries on pretty much the same in 2026.

The music was a odd mix including Irish comedy, folk music both Irish and Kate Rusby, and then Ave Maria.  Not too loud so no complaints.

Next, a short stroll northwards to Cask:

For some reason I haven't visited this excellent place since 2017 - A very foolish omission.

Thirty seconds after opening time (I had wondered if I would have to wait, but the door was open.) there were no other customers.  I selected a pint of not seen before Moorhouses NZ Pale, which was excellent.

I wondered when customer number two would come in.  The answer was 15:12, number three at 15:16.

This is a pleasant shop conversion nicely decorated.  The diorama around the top of the walls that I had admired nine years ago has gone, although the long shelf seems to have survived. I seem to recall it was busy in here last time, unlike today.

I got chatting to one of the regulars and once he had spotted the book I had casually laid on the table I got a number of updates for my database.  Most interesting, perhaps, was the news that the Angel on Bold Street is now open.

Back to Old Swan next, and the Old Tavern:

Well, this is a bit different compared with the previous two visits.  Because it is busy.  Not so packed I couldn't get a seat, so I was happy.

I eyed up the range of standard kegs and chose cider for a change.  South West Orchards, it said on the glass, and I must say it was rather good.

There was sixtieth birthday celebration, the twenty or thirty people were what was making the place feel full.  If I could have got that many people to celebrate my sixtieth I would have been very happy - And very surprised!

What next?  I have done the three main targets around here, but there are plenty of other pubs that are technically not "required".  I think I might treat myself to the Wetherspoon so I can finish with another decent ale.  So, on to the Navigator:

And you can't get much better than Jaipur!  And only £1.90 with a CAMRA voucher.  The spoons was, as one might expect at five on a Saturday, pretty busy.  Although not so full that I couldn't get a seat and a table.  The soundtrack here was simply lots of cheerful chatter. Drinkers were drinking, diners were dining, everyone was happy and comfortable.  What more could one ask for?

It occurred to me that I ought to bring an audio recorder one day, this sound is not as common as it used to be.  It has been the soundtrack to some of the best parts of my life and I need to preserve it before it is gone for ever.  On the other hand, you need the smells and other senses, so maybe just a sound recording wouldn't be enough?

Time for home, three required ticks, two real ales, that'll do!

Pub of the day: Cask
Beer of the day: Jaipur
Miles walked: 2.4
Merseyside pubs visited in the last five years: 1,020
Maybe coming soon: Crosby

Allerton Road

Off to Allerton Road today hoping to pick up a few overdue and new ticks.  I started in the Tavern Co, last visited way back in 1999:

This one looks more like a restaurant from outside which is probably why I haven't been in for so long.  But once inside there is a "bar" end and I was welcome to buy a pint of Shipyard at the counter and sit at a small table in a room which was not laid out for dining. I could even have sat at the counter if I preferred.

Compared with my vague reflections from 27 (wow) years ago I think they may have expanded into neighbouring premises since then?  The decor in the bar end is very pleasant with wood panelling and miscellaneous bric-a-brac.

There was (silent) football on the telly, it looks like Man U are not doing well!

I wandered down the road looking for a safe place to cross as my next objective was just over the road.  But I found Pablinos which I didn't know existed, it would be rude not to go in.

Rather well done white and grey decor in here, and everything was decorated for a 21st party later.  I wondered if this place was functions only but the friendly barmaid/landlady was happy to pour me a lager.  She said they'd done a thirteenth birthday yesterday and had a ninetieth coming up, so a great age range. She didn't say what time today's do starts, I fear I'll stick out like a sore thumb if they start arriving!

No other customers at two on a Saturday afternoon so I'm guessing their main income is functions, it was good of the her to serve me a beer.  It was Modelo, by the way.

I looked around.  There's something rather special about the decor, all black and white and grey.  Someone has some design talent.

Next, I crossed the road as originally planned, to visit Leaf:

Rather fun quirky decor in here, mixing greenery and cable trays.

More of a restaurant, this one, I had to sit down and then order my pint of Poretti.  Almost everyone was eating, I think, but there were also plenty of empty tables so they weren't going to turn down a sale of a pint of lager.  (For which, I reminded myself, I hadn't yet paid.)

There was a steady flow of customers in and out, keeping the waitresses busy.  The food looked good, I must say.

I was somewhat irritated to see a card on the table advertising Christmas parties.  In August??!!  I have grumbled in the past about pubs advertising Christmas dos in September, I think this breaks the record.  I turned the card round to discover they were trying to sell parties in January to March 2027.  Good grief, talk about wishing your life away.

Where next?  At the other end of the road is Memo's, but is it just a restaurant?

Another one that is, perhaps, on the restaurant side of the line, but once again perfectly willing to sell me a pint of Efes.  In the correct glass.

Bloody hell, I can see their Christmas Day menu on display, clearly the year is nearly over!  My mind took a random wander:  Actually, as someone who will be spending his Christmas alone, I wonder if maybe I should come to somewhere like this.  How would I get here?  I think it would have to be a walkable distance on that day.  Perhaps one of my local restaurants would be better?  I seriously think that might be a good idea, in 65 years I've never eaten out on Christmas day but I'm not going to rule it out.  Oh, wait, I was working in Dubai one year, and I dined in a Thai restaurant on Christmas day, I think.

Anyway, back to Memo's.  A very well done room, decor wise, I don't know what to say, it's just attractive.  The way the staff were interacting with the customers was very good.  I think if I lived near here I would be booking my Christmas dinner! And coming here on a regular basis.

Finally, on to Dead Crafty Beer Company:

I've done the branch in town a couple of times, they seem to specialise in weird strong ones, and this one is just the same.

I selected, er, I forget what, something fruity and sour, oh my goodness it had the texture of porridge, really thick, creamy sweet and fruity - Fantastic.  I got up and re-checked the beer menu, it is Azvex MANA.  So thick and tasty, more like a meal than a drink.  I pity the poor cellarman who has to clean the pipes after this one!

Leaving the beer aside for a moment, this is a small shop conversion with about sixteen keg taps offering a splendid range of unusual beers.  I must say I did wonder whether someone just wanting an "ordinary" beer would be able to get a drink they liked in here.

Azvex MANA.  Pow!!!  Definitely time for home, if it counts as beer (more like a fruit smoothie) that was beer of the day, perhaps beer of the year?  Four places never before visited, and the other dated from 1999, that's a really good result.

Pub of the day: DCBC
Beer Drink of the day: Azvex MANA
Miles walked: 1.6
Merseyside pubs visited in the last five years: 1023
Maybe coming soon: Old Swan

Newton-le-Willows

It is five years and a day since I last surveyed Newton-le-Willows, making all the pubs there "required", so off I headed on a beautifully sunny Saturday afternoon.

I walked along the main street photographing all the targets as I passed.  Do you think the photos today will be better than the usual standard of this blog, because they were all taken sober?  I doubt it!

At the far end is the Oak Tree so I started there:

Many years ago this one had a "rustic" interior, I seem to recall, plain but pleasant now.  I also noticed, outside, that it has lost its Greene King branding.

No real ale apparently, so I thought I'd try the (in)famous Hawkstone lager, Jeremy Clarkson's brew.  I've only read bad things about it but I wanted to try it for myself.  I'm only five years behind everyone else!  Anyway, it has a touch more flavour than a Carling, perhaps, maybe it's a little sweet for my taste?  Not worth the £6.60 I paid, anyway!

As I drank, the barman/landlord started pulling through one of the handpumps, so I guess they do have cask ales sometimes.  Too late for my visit, though.

The pub was ticking over gently but I'm not sure the was enough custom to justify three bar staff and presumably a chef.  Some of the regulars were a little shouty, but nothing to complain about really.  The menu of pub standards looks ok, fish and chips at £12.50 is quite a good price nowadays - it costs nearly that much in my local chippy.

Next, one I didn't know about until I walked past, Drinkworthy:

No draft beers in this bottle shop/bar but there is a comfortable drinking area where one can enjoy one of their extensive range of bottled and canned beers, or wines.

I selected Kasteel Rouge which was very good, of course. Served in a Kasteel glass as it should be.  As I enjoyed my cherry beer I scanned the shelves more carefully.  Wow, Rochefort 6,8, or 10, Delirium Tremens or Red, Lindeman's Kreik or Cassis, some proper German rauchbier, umpteen tasty looking cans from multiple UK breweries including local Glen Affric.  I think I need to come here with a large shopping bag and get some stock for home.  But not today.

Four other customers were enjoying their drinks, three on wine, one on beer.  I wondered how the wine works if you only want a glass - One couple were on their second bottle so no problem there.

I came here having noticed this place on my way up to the Oak Tree.  Coming back from there I passed the Willow & Ram and saw people outside with beers, so maybe that's another one I need for a first tick.  I doubled back:

This pleasant cafe bar is nicely decorated, I like the 1930s lampshades, the glitter ball doesn't really match but altogether it is very good.  I wonder what the odd name is about.

I had Damm Complot session IPA, which the internet tells me is a 6% IPA brewed by Damm in Spain.  The first mouthful was very thin after the Kasteel, the second was flavoursome and a little fruity, rather good.  It came in the correct glass.

I noticed I hadn't paid yet so perhaps this isn't a bar, in the strictest rules?  On the other hand I couldn't see any food, nor menus.  The other six customers were sitting outside, I was the only one inside.  As I enjoyed my IPA some food went outside, so it's not all drink here.

A sign said "We are cashless!  Cash tips still welcome".

Now my plans are in a mess, I had aimed to tick all the pubs so I wouldn't need to come again for another five years, but finding two new ones leaves me with a problem, as I don't think I can cope with seven pints.  Mind you, two brand new ticks and a gorgeous Belgian beer means I'm not complaining.  Maybe I should take it easy and then come back later for some more visits?

Anyway, on to the Pied Bull:

The outside part at the front was packed in the warm weather, but inside it was relatively quiet.  The only pump clip provided me with a fine pint of Landlord.

The staff were busy serving outside customers, although most of those came in to fetch their own orders.  Do they do food in here?  I didn't see any but that doesn't prove anything.

My thoughts drifted.  If the weather was wet everyone would want to be inside and so it would be packed.  It must be difficult for a pub to decide how many staff to call in, presumably some of them are on zero hours contracts and only get paid if the weather is good.

I checked the trains going home, I'm cutting it fine for the next one, ah but it is running fifteen late so should be a comfortable connection after all.

I have done a few surveys recently where I can't remember the details of the last pub, including one recent occasion where the notes I make as I go just tailed off mid sentence.  Thus, I am quite pleased to only do four today, and leave the others for a subsequent trip.  I've got the idea of something special in Drinkworthy followed by the remaining three ticks here, that would be a good day out.  Maybe quite soon...

I re-checked my train home.  Cancelled.  Can I repeat my complaint that nationalising the trains has only resulted in worse service?  I'm stranded unless I cough up for an Uber.  So, contrary to the plan from just a few moments ago, I might as well carry on drinking...

Across the road is the Firkin:

This is a rather fine example of the "micro pub", and on a Saturday afternoon it is popular but not packed.  About eight hand pulled ales on, I selected a gorgeous vanilla stout from Brass Castle.

The bar was busy but, as I say, not packed, everyone else seemed to be a regular.  Too many dogs, but that's just my preducice.

What a surprise, the next train home is already showing as late, even though it hasn't started moving yet, the service here really is useless.  I wonder if it will actually turn up?  (And, more importantly, actually stop and let me get on.)  The problem with knowing a little about railway operations is that I could see "my" train heading into Manchester Airport, shortly after it was supposed to leave, so I already knew there would be a problem.  But would they skip my stop, like the one an hour ago, or would I actually get a ride home?  Annoyingly, I can't claim compensation because I get these trips for free anyway.  "Only" eight minutes late, my desired train headed out from Manchester Airport, so perhaps I will get home before too long?  Aha!  The stops between the airport and Manchester Piccadilly are cancelled, so it should be closer to being on time ... maybe ...

While I waited grumpily for my train, I enjoyed the cheerful atmosphere of this excellent bar.  The umpteen customers all seemed happy, what more could one ask?

So, I headed for home, leaving Newton-le-Willows with just the Stocks and the Kirkfield overdue for a visit.  Five required ticks, two brand new, is a good crop.

Pub of the day: Firkin
Beer of the day: Kasteel Rouge
Miles walked: 1.5
Merseyside pubs visited in the last five years: 1,019
Maybe coming soon: Undecided.

A Wander in Town

Perhaps a sunny Saturday in August is not the best time for a survey in central Liverpool but here we are!  According to my database I haven't been in the Lime Kiln for five years and three days.  Surely it's not that long, but anyway it is always worth a visit so let's start there:

A great way to start a survey, a fine pint of Kirkstall Dissolution, a slightly fruity IPA.  Needless to say  the place was very busy, but not completely packed and I got a table in a quiet (ish) corner.

I noticed my Wetherspoon shares are creeping upwards in value, well deserved in my opinion as they continue to provide good beer at great prices (My pint was £1.90 with a CAMRA voucher).  It seems odd to me that no other chain manages to compete with them, it's not as if the formula is complex or secret.

Across the way is what used to be the never visited Modo, I think, and there was also the Kiosk which was underneath if I recall correctly from my 1998 visit.  Now it is DeLuca's:

The terrace in front was doing a great trade but always the contrarian I headed inside to the the beautifully done out and totally deserted interior.  My pint of Staropramen came unexpectedly in a standard conic, usually places that sell it have the correct glass. £7.50!

I was interested to note that my contactless payment appeared as Modo on my phone.  I am responsible for online payments for an organisation (nothing to do with pubs) and I had thought that my failure to correct the message that appears on customers' statements was my fault, but perhaps not.

The outside facing counter was busy, with three staff kept busy, my side was quiet and no one else sat inside.  Some people on the terrace were getting waiter/ress service, I saw a tray of about a dozen shots of something red go out.

At this point today's lack of planning revealed itself, where next?  I wandered randomly for a while, noting that Red Door has reverted to one of its older names; Black Horse and Rainbow. But I was only in there last year so a visit is not really required yet.

My next move was to the Grapes, similarly not required but I went in anyway:

Always a favourite, this one.  A quick scan of the pumps and I selected Neptune's Black Cherry Stout, which turned out to be superb.

I took my seat in a quiet corner and watched as umpteen customers came in and out, the place was certainly doing a good trade.  There were clearly some groups of blokes on pub crawls, suddenly filling the place up.  Nonetheless, the seats in my corner remained vacant.  A number of people ignored the "no drinks outside at any time" sign, I hope that doesn't put the licence at risk.

Next, back to Berry Street, and what's this?  Chamber Thirty Six.  Didn't I go in one called that in Wavertree?

Clearly aimed at the dining customer, but the waitress was happy to pour me a pint of Asahi and give me a small table by the counter.  I didn't pay for it immediately, she "opened a tab" for me.  So maybe it doesn't count as a bar?

The decor was Chinese in style but not over the top, I really liked it.

I think the other place with the same name, in Wavertree, is now closed?  At least, that's what my database says.

I paid for my pint, £6.20, and headed out.  Over the road is the Petit Cafe du Coin which used to be the Whitehouse:

Definitely an up market sort of place, and another one where I got a pint without immediately paying, but nonetheless a very pleasant bar.

My Estrella Galacia came in the proper glass, of course.  The other options were Asahi and Staropramen.

As I drifted into an alcohol induced haze (and I've only had four and a half pints so far) I must say I really liked this one.  Busy but not packed, as long as I remember I haven't paid yet I'll be OK.

Finally, a tick I had wanted to do for some time, the Royal Institution Bar:

To be honest, I had wondered if this was a members only sort of place, it was unclear on their website, but I just walked in, entered a small nicely decorated room on the right and immediately had a pint of Mahou, and paid six quid.  Google says this is brewed in Spain.

No one else was in, at four o'clock, perhaps it's a bit early for the cocktail crown.  I was pleased to have paid my £6.00 immediately.  I still need to explore and to find where the gents is.

Good grief, is this six pints?  Surely not!  There are other spaces in the building, but either I didn't explore, or I don't remember what I found.  Definitely time for home.

Pub of the day: Grapes
Beer of the day: Neptune Black Cherry Stout
Miles walked: 1.8
Merseyside pubs visited in the last five years: 1,018
Maybe coming soon: Newton-le-Willows

Birkdale

Amazon decided they would deliver a parcel on Saturday so I quickly rescheduled my survey to Friday, and headed under grey skies towards Birkdale, getting off the train at Hillside.

I've mentioned before that sometimes I have to walk past good pubs because I'm heading for somewhere else.  So I ignored the Pines and the Grasshopper and headed on to the Crown:

A standard Ember Inns, this, perhaps less twee than most?  Pleasant and peaceful inside with not many customers at two on a Friday.  At least, it was peaceful until something upset the dogs.  I know this opinion is unpopular but I prefer dogs to be kept outside.  Eventually the family and dogs left and calm was restored.

I selected Boddingtons, I don't often see the new version from Lees.  Was the real Boddies this bland?  It wasn't my favourite back in the early eighties when I lived in Manchester, but it was good enough.  I wonder if the easy availability of very flavoursome beers (e.g. White Rat, Oakham Citra, anything from Peerless etc etc) has resulted in "ordinary" bitters seeming dull nowadays.

Once the dogs had departed I think there were only three customers in here, surely that is not enough to make a profit?  Later four more people came in, and then more.

Across the road is Taylors, will it be open?  Google says yes but my eyes say no.  Maybe at two o'clock?  I had spotted a "Sorry, we're closed" sign in the door and it seemed to still be there ... but wait, on closer inspection it has been turned round!  In we go:

Just the cheerful barmaid and I in the pleasant interior of this place.  I'm not sure what market they are aiming at; is it a cocktail bar?  There were no cocktail or wine lists visible on the tables or on the wall.  Never mind, there were two handpumps and my Wainwright Gold was tasty.  I wonder if this is that fake real ale CAMRA are complaining about?  Good anyway.

The decor is a bit hard to define, "contemporary" is suitably meaningless so no one can say I'm wrong!  Anyway, it is pleasant and comfortable in here.  Too many high tables, perhaps, but plenty of proper height seats as well.

I found myself wondering why anyone would come in here instead of the Crown over the road.  What does this one offer that Ember Inns don't?  That's where a good wine and or cocktail menu might come in, perhaps?

No one came or went while I enjoyed my pint.  The barmaid was busy sorting out behind the counter, she was out of my vision but I could hear the slicing of lemons (guess) and then the clink of bottles being arranged.

Outside, the weather looked even greyer.  Am I going to get wet?  We'll see.  Next, a long walk to somewhere I believe is probably closed but I need to check, the Woollen Pig.  Still standing, but not open, this was a rather quirky place; mainly a bakery but offering beer including real ale and I'm sorry to find it has gone.

Next, on to the Beer Den:

A pleasant shop conversion, larger than most, perhaps two or three shops knocked through.

The friendly barmaid abandoned her position up a ladder cleaning the front windows and served me a pint of Fell Walker I think it was.  Definitely past its best, I'm afraid, possibly the first out of the pump today?

Two other customers and one dog (well behaved but I'd still prefer it outside) were hardly keeping the place going, it was half three by now.  I seem to recall finding this place packed last time and thinking I might have to stand.  I checked my own blog, yes, that's right, it was very busy on a sunny Friday just five years and a week ago, so here's a clear indication of the decline of pub custom.  Mind you, maybe they'd get more customers if the beer was better.

Now I've got a number of options.  A very long walk would get me to three pubs last visited in 2022, at least one of which may well be closed.  Or I could take the lazier choice and head the other way, towards Birkdale station, possibly with a call or two on the way.  Lazy it is, of course...

So, on to the unusually named Upsteps:

Now this is a truly great pub and I'm glad I came here even though it's not due a visit yet - Last time was in 2024.  As I approached I could hear the noise from inside.  No, not karaoke, not loud music, not arguments, not even dogs barking; just a hubbub of cheerful chatter.

I tried to ease between the blokes sitting at the counter and the on-the-ball landlady/barmaid had my order before I reached the front.  Two real ales on, I had Wainwright.  Spot on, and it came in a Wainwright glass.

What can I say about this magnificent local's boozer?  Everyone knows everyone else, and welcomes their friends when they come in.  This is one of the best pubs in Merseyside, I think. One day I'll have to come here sober to see what it's really like!!  Two bar staff are kept busy, that's not something I've seen so far today.

The grey weather had faded away and the sun was shining.  Maybe one more now I'm on the way to the station.  I was aiming for the Barrel House, a great micro pub, but hang on a moment, what's the Oosha Ba:

Well I never, a new one.  The menu concentrates on wine and cocktails but they also offer six draft beers including Neck Oil, in the correct Beavertown glass.

Popular but not completely packed at five on a Friday, this tiny bar is nicely decorated including a bare brick fireplace - Is it original?  Looks good anyway.

So, time for home.  4 required ticks, including one brand new one, not bad at all.  And I'll be in for my parcel tomorrow!

Pub of the day: Upsteps
Beer of the day: Wainwright
Miles walked: 3.2
Merseyside pubs visited in the last five years: 1,014
Maybe coming soon: Cains Brewery

More In Town

Odds and ends in town today, let's start with a new tick, Flight Club:

Behind the modern frontage is an antique-style bar on two floors. Dark woodwork, leather upholstery and even a fake brick arch create a pleasant ambience. The quirky lighting strips add to this.

At half one on a Friday there were two darts games underway, plus a group of drinkers relaxing at a large table.

My pint of Neck Oil cost £6.95, I get the feeling today's jolly is not going to be a cheap one.

I noticed they've also got a Flight Club branded shipping container on the grass outside serving drinks to outdoor customers, it is surrounded by picnic tables.

Next, All Bar One:

The real ale I enjoyed here back in 2011 is long gone, but nonetheless this is a very pleasant bar/restaurant.

I selected Jubel Peach for a change, £7.50 and very tasty.  All the tables are laid out with cutlery but the dozen customers I could see were all drinkers, both beer and cocktails. Perhaps they do more food sales at other times?

Now, literally across the road is a bar I only learned of this morning, so definitely a required tick.  McSwiggin's:

I wonder what this little building was before?  (I'll check streetview when I get home:  It has been disused since 2018, before that it some business called Reed.) Now, it is another one of the many new "Irish" bars that seem to pop up every other week in Liverpool.

I had a Guinness, of course, and it was only £3.50, that's less than half the last drink!

No real atmosphere in here I'm sorry to say, despite it being a lot busier than the previous two ticks.  I'm not sure exactly what it is missing.  Last time I did a new "Irish" bar, the Baby Temp'l, I really loved it, so is it just the randomness of judging a pub on one brief visit or is there something different?

I was somewhat surprised to see White Rat on keg in here, I've not noticed that before.  It is branded White Rat Nitro, next time I see it I'll have to give it a try.  The friendly barmaid was already pulling my Guinness before I spotted it.

I was intrigued to notice an "historic" mirror except it didn't say Bass or Guinness, it said McSwiggin's Derby Square so was clearly created this year for this pub.

I wonder where the gents is in here, I can't see a sign...  As I was looking round, another bloke asked something at the bar and was pointed towards the other entrance, so I guessed that is the answer.  And it was.

Just round the corner is Neighbourhood, and I haven't been in here for thirty years:

Wow, my notes already described this as a spectacular interior, but it really is wonderful, I'm stunned.  Formerly the North and South Wales Bank which later became part of the Midland.

Mainly a posh cocktail place but they were happy to pour me a Cruzcampo, and at only £5 it is reasonably priced (ish).

A big party received a remarkable metal tree filled with little glasses of drink, with a firework at the top.  I checked the menu, it is called a cocktail tree.  As I always say, why isn't bloody Mary on the list of classic cocktails.  If British Airways can do one at 30,000 feet, surely this place can?

On the "is it a bar?" scale, the fact that my pint came with a bill rather than me paying for it is definitely a negative, but on the other hand they don't seem to do food in here so it must be a bar.

Finally, the Castle Street Townhouse, last ticked in 2019:

Perhaps unwisely I chose Asahi here, in memory of my Japanese holiday.  I'm guessing this one was brewed in a factory in England, and it tasted even blander than in Japan, if that is possible!  The Japanese national brews, Asahi, Sapporo, Kirin and so on were all a bit boring and I was pleased when I found some more local, and interesting, brews.

This is a very well done cocktail bar and on this street it can't fail to be popular on a sunny Friday arvo.  Plenty of customers inside and on the pavement at the front.

That's enough for me, time to head home even though it's only half past three.

Pub of the day: Flight Club
Beer of the day: Jubel
Miles walked: 0.8
Merseyside pubs visited in the last five years: 1,013
Maybe coming soon: Undecided