Earlestown

Today I headed east to Earlestown where there are a number of pubs overdue for a revisit.  I began by walking past some good targets which I will get on the way back, to Vulcan Village and the Vulcan Inn:

I used up all my Star Trek jokes last time I was here so I won't do that today.  My pre flight checks had shown this as closed, and indeed it was.

Back the way I came and next is the Wargrave Hacienda:

Facebook says it opens at 12:30 but it didn't.  Google says 15:00 but I'll be well away by then.  So two fails out of two so far!

A little further on is the Victoria:

This one was a "closed when it should be open" failure last time I surveyed round here, so I haven't been in since 2010.  No such problem today, and I was soon drinking a Carling in this comfortable two sided pub.

I adjourned to the extension at the back, an empty dining area hopefully ready for lots of food later.

One barmaid was busy inflating green balloons in preparation for tonight and/or tomorrow's celebrations.

I know I seem to write this in almost every pub, but once again this one is nicely decorated, well maintained and spotlessly clean.  It really is a comfortable place, only needing cask ale to make it a favourite.

Next, another pub that, like the Victoria, I had seen open on my way down, the Sunbeam:

A classic down market two sided back street boozer this one, perhaps not as "nice" as the Victoria but still clean, pleasant and comfortable.

Just five regulars were watching the FA cup, the rest of the pub was empty apart from some children in the other side.  I had Guinness this time, it is after all Paddy's Day tomorrow although I was pleased to note there's no sign of it in here.

They've got one of those backwards clocks, so confusing after a few pints!

On to the Old Crow:

I was a little concerned as I approached to see some closed doors, but a closer look revealed an open one, thank goodness.  I seem to remember a similar moment of doubt last time I came here, it does look like it's shut doesn't it.

This large two bar pub was pretty quiet, I joined four or five regulars in the left hand side (No idea if there is a bar/lounge difference.)  There were two or three people in the other side as well.

Clean, well maintained and comfortable once again, and for the third time today a worrying lack of customers on a Saturday afternoon.  I've said it before and I'll probably say it again:  Use it or lose it, people, I can't save all the pubs on my own.

Now, a walk to the other side of Earlestown and the imposing building that is the Griffin:

There's something about this pub, not just the gorgeous building, that makes me rate it highly.  The two bar multi-room interior has slightly quirky and very attractive decor.  As usual, it's well maintained and spotless.

There were almost enough customers in here to create a hubbub of conversation, but the rugger (league) commentary was winning.

I looked at the telly briefly.  Hull 4 Leicester 22 and the stands are mostly empty.  (No, wait, LEI is Leigh)  If they can't fill the ground on a Saturday afternoon then the sport is doomed, I think - Another use it or lose it situation.  I was surprised to see the substitutes pedalling on exercise bikes on the touchline, they don't do that in footie.

The backwards clock salesman did well in Earlestown, here's another one and this time I've had enough beer to be momentarily confused by it.

Having run out of required targets, I think it is time to head for home.

Pub of the day: Griffin
Beer of the day: Guinness
Miles walked: 3.5
Maybe coming soon: Bebington, Canny Farm, Claughton

Croxteth

The direct bus doesn't seem to exist any more, so it was a train into town and the a bus out again that took me to Gillmoss where I started in the modern Marston's construction that is the Vikings Landing.  I had a moment of concern on checking Google maps to see where the bus stop was as I approached and finding the pub marked as "temporarily closed".  It wasn't.

In this standard modern chain dining place the young lady at the "Please wait to be seated" sign captured me before I could sneak past, but once I explained I only wanted a drink she suggested I order at the bar and then sit in the drinkers' area.

Five handpumps but only one beer is sometimes a bad sign but my Wainwright was spot on.  It came in a short fat colourfully decorated Wainwright glass.

A steady flow of customers came in to dine, no one joined me in the drinkers' corner.  I was going to write drinkers' ghetto there but that would be completely unfair as it was comfortable, warm and well appointed, and in no way was I treated like a second class citizen.  I don't know why the word popped into my mind.

I observed operations:  Tables were carefully allocated by the computer and the lady at the door, probably a good idea as it looks like the pub will soon be full.  If you want a meal here on a Saturday afternoon I'd recommend booking.  Having said that, the tables in "my" corner are available as overflow.

By doing their job carefully and efficiently the friendly staff here seem to have created a good successful operation, and they deserve praise.  I contributed, perhaps, by submitting corrections to Google.

On into Croxteth now, and the Lobster.  My internet researches had found multiple reports of a fire last September so I was expecting to photograph a blackened ruin but I was wrong:

Inside I found a pleasant two bar plain boozer, full of locals of all ages, some watching Everton being beaten in the early kickoff, others playing darts, and many just enjoying a drink and a chat in their beautiful local.

The decor in here is the now popular shades of grey, very well done and excellently maintained.

Carling for me, various lagers and Guinness were being sold at a steady rate.

Next, the Abbey Road Wine Bar:

This well done shop conversion hasn't changed much since I was here five years ago, but it's not as busy as it was then.  Nonetheless, seven or eight cheerful regulars were keeping the noise level up, drowning out the football commentary.

Everton lost and the main TV was immediately switched to a music channel - No interest in the post-match punditry.

What a great locals' boozer.

Next I headed for the long closed Sefton Arms:

Oddly, despite having been closed as a pub for many years it has been maintained and cared for and is well fenced off from the street, so someone is looking after it and using it for some purpose, sadly not its original function.  Mind you, I seem to recall it was a bit of a dump when I had a drink here in 1998.

Next, the Western Approaches:

Last time I was here there was a baby celebration of some sort and coincidentally today part of one side was reserved for a function with chair covers, table cloths and balloons.  The entrance into that side was locked and I had to go in the other way.

No staff were visible so I nipped through the corridor to the function half where there were more customers but still no staff.  After a short pause the barmaid appeared and soon served me another Carling, she had been in the cellar changing a keg, I think.

As I always seem to say now, this is a clean tidy well maintained plain boozer.  Perhaps a little plainer than the Lobster, but no less tidy.

A member of staff was inflating bronze coloured balloons, presumably for the upcoming function.  I wonder if the regulars (and I, if I'm still here) will be chivied into the other room when the time comes.

There's just one more open pub near here so it would be daft not to finish in the Lingmell Inn:

The interior of this one is knocked through into one very pleasant room.  It feels perhaps a little up market compared with the previous three ticks but I'm not sure I can actually justify that suggestion.

Decorations were being put up for Mother's Day which, in the UK, is tomorrow.  (I learned to my intense irritation many years ago that in America where I was living, Mother's Day is on a different date.)

Another comfortable pub doing fairly well on a Saturday afternoon.  I couldn't see many eating, but the menu looks good and good value.

A bloke joined his friends at a table with a bag of food from the local chippy which I thought was a bit cheeky in a dining pub.  Ah - wait, they're staff or friends thereof, so perhaps OK.  One of the group collected food from the kitchen.

The decoration team got closer to where I was sitting but erected their ladder without needing me to move.

Time to head for home, I think.  Five pubs all doing a good trade is great to see in 2024.

Pub of the day: Lobster, I had feared finding a burnt out wreck.
Beer of the day: Wainwright
Miles walked: 3.3
Maybe coming soon: Bebington

Woolton and Halewood

A chilly damp Friday with no trains saw me on the bus to Woolton from where I soon walked to the CookHouse:

This unusual curved building used to be the English Rose, a two sided pub which still had many original features inside when I was first here twenty-six years ago.  More recently it was refurbished out of all recognition in a pleasant modern style.  The CookHouse is definitely food-oriented but still welcomes drinkers.  It still has the uncommon curved shape to the main room.

The cask ale I enjoyed in 2018 has gone and there was no Carling visible (It's surprising how few pubs don't sell it, only Guinness is more ubiquitous, I think) so I treated myself to a pint of the delicious Neck Oil.  Having written that it occurred to me that I didn't see any Guinness taps either.  I checked on the way out and yes, they only have Murphy's.

Only a smattering of customers at one thirty on a Friday, some eating others drinking.  No one visited the carvery while I was there, I always think this will result in chewy dried out meat.  The menu of pub standards looks good and occasionally a waiter emerged from the kitchen with food for elsewhere in the pub.

Next, how about another unusual building; Will the Grenadier be open?

Yes it is.  Inside this wonderful piece of sixties whimsy is a classic estate boozer.  There has been some knocking through inside but it still has three rooms and two counters in what I assume is close to the original layout.

Carling this time (and Guinness was available), a scan round the room showed almost everyone had a Carling glass, as did I.

Here we had that irritating arrangement of a silent music channel on the TVs and different music on the speakers.  Why do they do that?

Six regulars plus me were the custom at two fifteen, that's poor for a Friday but I guess it's the norm nowadays.

As usual in the 2020s, the furniture, carpet and walls were all immaculate.  When was the last time I visited a truly scruffy pub?

Next, let's tick the Hillfoot.  I thought I was being smart when Google Maps offered me a short cut, but it turned out I was too clever for my own good as I headed across a rather squelchy golf course and then along a narrow overgrown path between houses.  I managed to avoid being cut to shreds by the brambles in the jungle and eventually reached civilisation and my destination, the Hillfoot:

A bog standard chain dining pub, this, nicely decorated.  I entered to a lot of lively chatter, it was very loud in here, but by the time I had drunk an inch of my Carling the big group had departed and it was suddenly much more peaceful.  The music, perhaps turned up while it was busy, was now a little on the loud side but not too bad.  

I wonder if a microphone could be used with a control system to adjust the music level according to the noise in the room?  That sounds like the sort of thing a big pub chain would be interested in, much of their modus operandi seems to involve removing from the local staff any kind of decision making or initiative, so why not take away their volume controls.  Perhaps I've just invented something that could be a lucrative product - Dragons' Den here I come!

I looked out of the rear windows, the beer garden looks good, I bet it is popular in warmer weather.  They've got plenty of tables on the grass and also a number of wooden shelters to keep the sun (or rain) off.  Needless to say there was no one out there today, despite the late afternoon sunshine.

As I reached the end of my pint I looked around again, they are really doing well with most tables occupied as we headed towards Friday evening.  It's only four o'clock but the rush is getting started.

Now on to Hunts Cross station and the Waiting Room:

Good grief, busy or what?  I took my Carling (In a Fosters glass, tut tut) on a tour of the pub, eventually finding a high table to sit at.

So, how to describe this pub, located in the original station buildings?  Pleasant, comfortable, plain, well done are all comments that come to mind.  Whatever it looks like, it is certainly a successful boozer, you'd be hard put to find a seat at four on a Friday.

The music was at the right level, audible but mostly beaten by the hubbub of cheerful chatter.

Now the 89 bus has a weird timetable in which they get less frequent in rush hour so I had to drink slowly and wait for the next bus home.  In the increased traffic due to the train strike they were not managing to keep to time anyway, luckily the live bus map kept me updated.

The big screen was showing horse racing.  One horse had decided he or she didn't want to race, the jockey kicked his heels in and the horse just stood still.  Eventually the jockey dismounted and a groom walked the horse, still unwilling, away from the start.  Horse one, humans nil.

The staff of a local Home Bargains, six or more of them, turned up.  Presumably the unlucky ones had to run the shop until closing time.

The map said my bus was approaching, so time for home.  I did another complete tour of the pub before realising the gents is upstairs.

Pub of the day: The Grenadier, for the interesting building
Beer of the day: Neck Oil
Miles walked: 3.1
Maybe coming soon: Bebington

Fazakerley Failures

On a lovely sunny day I took the train to Fazakerley hoping for some overdue ticks.

I started at the Foresters Inn, but annoyingly it was shut.  I couldn't tell whether it was permanently out of action or simply a late opener.

So I walked westwards towards more targets.  I passed the never ticked Longmoor Social Club, which was also shut but to be fair, a big sign says it doesn't open until two.  And onwards...  But the Prince George was also shut, this one looks more like like an operational pub, perhaps it also opens at two?

Not a good start but just across the road is the Farmers Arms:

At last, a working pub!  A well cared for plain boozer, the inside of this classic sixties construction has been knocked through into one open room.

A steady stream of custom was keeping the place going, not surprising when it's the only open pub in Fazakerley!  The jukebox was mostly drowned out by lively chatter, laughter and the clack of pool balls.

One regular was telling his pals, in the pub and on the phone, about the trials and tribulations of his hospital treatment.  He was wandering about the pub dressed in pyjamas and a dressing gown.  All life is here!

Should I dawdle until two to see if the George opens?  No, I can't be bothered.  It was still shut when I left at 13:40 so I abandoned Fazakerley and strolled on towards Walton Vale. 

Firstly, I wanted a picture of Jaxon's, a good micro I visited just the once, in 2021, and since closed, but there was no trace.  I think it was the shuttered shop front with no sign.

On to a less risky tick, the splendid building that houses the Black Bull:

This is another proper traditional boozer, retaining two sides both pleasingly busy with a mix of customers; punters watching the racing, family groups with young kids, blokes my age chatting and joking, etc.

This is what a real pub looks like.  Busy, cheerful, people coming in and out, even the occasional toddler running around.  Gentle background music (Radio Gaga as I wrote this.) largely drowned by animated conversation.

Some sandwiches appeared on the counter, I resisted the temptation, they might not be for everyone.  I imagine eating someone else's food would be a major faux pas.

My plans have been somewhat broken, but luckily I have a fallback option because despite my survey here only a couple of months ago there remain a number of required ticks in Walton Vale.  So let's head on to a post war classic of a building.

I emerged from the Black Bull into the sunshine to find a sea of flashing blue lights.  Are my plans to be broken again?  The road was closed to cars, with all three emergency services attending a car crash, but pedestrians were free to proceed so I soon reached the Windsor where I took the opportunity to snap a picture without the usual heavy traffic in front:

I remember being in here on a wet Sunday afternoon years ago, enjoying a pint of cask Tetley in a deserted pub.

Once again, a popular busy traditional boozer, and once again gentle background music is mostly masked by cheerful chatter.  The interior looks particularly well cared for, is that fresh paint I can smell?  Brand new or not, everything is beautifully maintained.

I selected a seat by the front windows to drink my third Carling so I could see what was happening in the street.  Soon the crisis was over and traffic flow was restored.

I looked round.  Every table I could see was occupied, so in the 2020s this counts as a busy pub.  They are obviously doing something right here, I hope they continue.

Next, not far away is Joey Orrs:

A very nicely done traditional boozer once again.  This one is perhaps a little more distinctive, decor wise, the dark green wallpaper with leaves and flowers combining with green matchboarding on the walls and counter front to create an excellent style.

There was some kind of buffet food arrangement in the rear of the large open space, I couldn't discern whether this was a function or open to everyone if they paid.

I sat in "Frank's Corner" to enjoy another Carling, hoping that Frank wouldn't turn up and claim his table.  Not quite as busy as the Windsor here, so if he did I could move elsewhere.

I watched the chef prepare a large bowl of chips and sniggered as he ate one before heading out to deliver it to the appropriate customers.  Somewhat to my surprise, it was his lunch and he adjourned to a free table to scoff the giant portion.

I consulted Google to see if I could tick the Orrell Park Bar which is mainly a function suite, and up popped the L9 Sports Bar.  If it exists then this could be a first visit...

The sign outside says L9 Lounge so I think that's the correct name, let's get a brand new tick:

Inside this shop conversion is a rather well done bar.  Rough wood cladding on the walls, with comfortable looking bench seats along the walls, the transformation has been done very well.

This is not a CAMRA-style micro, no cask ale so I had my fifth Carling of the day .  They did appear to have a better than average offer of lagers, such as Cruzcampo.

Ticking over nicely, but not full, so I managed to get a table.

I wonder how long this place has been going.  [Streetview shows it opened after July 2019 and before September 2022.] It is great to see new operations, I hope it does better than Jaxxon's which only lasted a couple of years.  There was a steady stream of people in and out which must bode well for the long term survival.

As with all today's pubs, the sound in here was piped music with chatter on top.

After a shaky start today's research turned out rather well, especially with the new tick in a bar I didn't know existed.

Is Fazakerley really a one pub town now, or was I just unlucky with opening times?

Pub of the day: L9 Lounge because it was an unexpected bonus.
Beer of the day: Carling
Miles walked: 1.8
Maybe coming soon: Bebington

2024 Book

While I was relaxing in the Crows Nest yesterday afternoon and writing about the forthcoming Merseyside Pub Guide 2024 book, the proof copy was already sitting on my doormat.  So I can now put it on sale.

This year's edition lists 1,982 pubs of which I have visited 1,472.

You can order a copy direct from the printers by clicking here.  Or in due course it will be available from Amazon and other popular distributors.

New Ticks In Crosby

For today's research I headed up to Crosby, hoping for a favourite and a new one.  I started in the Crows Nest:

This lovely pub continues unchanged since I was last here in 2018, the highlights being gorgeous architecture, excellent real ale, and waiter service in the lounge.

The lounge side was completely empty when I arrived at ten past one, a group of three came in shortly afterwards.  I don't think there was anyone in the bar either.

I ordered my pint of Yorkshire Blond at the hatch and it was brought to my table soon after.

No music disturbed the splendid peace in this wonderful pub.  What a contrast with my first call last week, the Albert!  I contemplated cancelling the research and just staying here as it is so good, but the pub guide author's work is never done so I'll carry on.  Talking of the guide, the proof copy of the 2024 book is in the post as I write, so if it's alright it will be on sale in a few days.

On to the Birkey:

I should have realised when someone came into the Crows Nest to ask if they had the match on and left when told no:  They had got the match here, on umpteen small and big screens, and the place was full of reds.

Only one pump had a label, I gambled on London Glory and it was spot on, and only £3.24 with CAMRA discount.  (Unusually there was a sign on the counter directly in my eye line so I remembered to claim the discount.)

Everyone else was here for the footie, and I had to stand and lean on a pillar where I wasn't blocking anyone's view.

Next, in to the centre of Crosby, and a place I haven't visited since it was the Exchange, in 2002.  Since then it has been called Village and Suburb 24 before becoming Townhouse:

What I found in here was attractive rough wood decor, making for a very pleasant pub.  Some customers were in to watch the footie, Liverpool won 1-4 as I enjoyed my pint of Madri.

It's a shame I didn't get to visit the intermediate versions of this place in the twenty two years since I was last here, I would have liked to know what they were like.  I can't actually recall what I saw in '02 but I assume it was nothing like this rather well designed modern pub.   I noticed they have limited opening hours (In fact Google says they don't open until four today.) so they are presumably aiming for the busy evening customers.  I guess I was lucky Liverpool were playing or I wouldn't have got this tick.

Almost all the customers departed once the match was over, I hope this rather attractive places gets more people later.  It continued to tick over slowly with a few odd customers coming in but not enough, I fear, to pay the barmaid's wages.

The weather had now changed to heavy rain, so it was time to get wet.  I moved on to a new tick, Angus:

Having been in the Angus in Liverpool I had an idea what to expect here, but I was completely wrong!  A large cavernous front area was full of blokes and loudish music.  Sky sports news was on a giant screen, silently.

Before me at the counter were two "little old ladies", not seeming to fit with the vibes of the place; once they'd got their drinks they headed upstairs so perhaps it's more calm on the mezzanine?

No cask, unlike the branch in town, so for a change I had a fine pint of Erdinger.  I sat in the slightly quieter back of the room, but even here it was noisy and busy.

Right, I'm knackered already, time to head for home.  One classic gem and one new tick are enough to make this a good survey, I think.

But hang on a mo, what's this?  Only a few yards along my journey back to the station, I find Rocksalt:

A somewhat up market cafe bar, comfortable and pleasant and I enjoyed a pint of Camden Pale in one of those short fat glasses.  The leather sofa I sat on was very relaxing, with a significant risk of me dozing off!

They make a big thing about using local suppliers for their food ingredients, so perhaps they ought to have local craft ales, such as Love Lane, instead of London brews but who's complaining, the Camden was good,

It's always good to catch a brand new (To me, actually it has been here since 2019.) unexpected tick, so perhaps I'm a little biased but this is a rather fine cafe with plenty of customers, many of whom were enjoying the food which, I must say, smelled good.  Or do I mean smelt good?

Definitely time for home now.

Pub of the day: Crows Nest
Beer of the day: Ossett Yorkshire Blond
Miles walked: 1
Maybe coming soon: Fazakerley, Bebington

Desirable Targets In Anfield

Liverpool had a rare three o'clock kickoff today providing an opportunity to get some special ticks.  I took the train to Sandhills and joined the crowds on the long walk to the ground (The football bus is for wimps.)

Once there, I headed for a very difficult target, the Albert.  I haven't been here since 2004.  Not only is it match days only, but I have seen the doors closed mid match, so I made sure I got here before kickoff, and it was open.  This picture was taken later when the crowds had gone in to the ground:

Wow!  It is a good few years since I've been in a pub like this.  The whole room was packed from wall to wall with vertical drinkers.  A rather good singer with a guitar was just starting American Pie, but with locally relevant words (No idea what)  I eventually squeezed my way to the counter for a pint of Carlsberg (£4.90) served by the efficient and very busy bar staff.

The fella served just before me paid with contactless and it didn't go through, by which time he had melted into the crowd.  Later I saw the poor barman squeezing through the crush looking for him in vain.  The order was two shots so they could have been drunk and out in 30 seconds.

I sang along with You'll Never Walk Alone and quickly swigged my beer, I'm getting too old for drinking in a throng like this.  Eventually I escaped and finished my drink in the relative calm outside.

Next, the Church:

This wonderful former church has pews for seating in the impressive main room.  I have to say when I came across it by chance in 2018 I was of the opinion that it couldn't survive for long as, apart from match days, I couldn't see why anyone would come in.  Happily, I was wrong and it's going strong.  

The bar staff were busy collecting millions (I think that's called hyperbole) of empty glasses as everyone had departed for the game but they still poured me a Carling, £4.

Everton had lost the early match according to the pictures on the stunning big screen which was clear and bright and I guess about eight metres wide.  I imagine they get a good crowd for away games, England matches etc etc

A slow trickle of customers came in, keeping the place ticking over and of course it will be wedged again come full time.

The giant screen moved to Sky Sports News, with appalling lipsync.  Someone needs to adjust something, it looks terrible.  

Meanwhile I'm off to that rarest of ticks:  A pub in the urban Liverpool area which I have never been in, but it's not a new one.  Yes, I only learned of the existence of the Old Barn last year (Thanks Steve), so let's see if I can get in...

D'OH! shutters are down.

Back to the ground and the Park:

Although not packed this one was busy enough that all the tables were occupied and I had to stand by the counter.

Knocked through into one room on two levels, the Park is a pleasant enough plain boozer and I enjoyed another Carling, £4 cash only.

We had a radio version of sports news in here, they were announcing Liverpool going 1-0 up as I came in, but I already knew because I'd heard the roar as I approached.

I now have two choices: Dawdle over a couple of pints and try the Old Barn again at full time, or just collect other ticks and head home before the rush.  I won't bore you with my medical problems (nothing serious, just a wonky ankle, I'll try not to go on about it too much...) but I think I'll take the easier option today.

I walked past the Albert, and the doors were shut as I expected.  I would have thought a gentle flow of beer sales between the two rushes would have been money for nothing, but clearly some pubs around here think otherwise.  Dodds Bar was also closed having been open before KO.   I expect they know better than me!

On to the Twelfth Man:

A rather fine two sided traditional boozer this one, and after touring both sides I managed to pinch the corner of a table and a chance to sit down and rest my ankle.

We had rugby on the telly in here, plus Sky Sports News on other screens.  We, and the crowd at the rugby match, watched what seemed like ten minutes of slow motion while they decided whether Scotland had scored a try or not.  They hadn't.

The pub was doing a steady trade which again makes me wonder why others don't keep the doors open during the match.  I assume it will be wedged come full time, but I'll try and get away before then.

As I relaxed on my comfortable seat I reconsidered my plans, can I dawdle and then get back to the Old Barn at full time?

I walked back past the Albert, still closed, and Dodds, open before, closed during, and now open again, joining the surprisingly large number of early leavers streaming away from the ground, and back to the Old Barn.  (Is it alcohol or the comfortable seat in the Twelfth that means I'm walking at normal speed now?)

That picture was taken on my abortive attempt at a tick earlier.  This time the door was open, so in I went.

A beautiful traditional two sided boozer this, the bar side at least is covered in football memorabilia LFC and EFC, it depends which way you look.  I was the only customer as we listened to the end of the match, 3-1 to Liverpool.

The "other side" doesn't have a counter, it is served from a hatch at the end of the counter.

I kept waiting for the crowd to come in but it remained two staff and just me for a good ten minutes until finally some more customers arrived, just one group of four.  And then a slow trickle of more, keeping the landlady quite busy.

Perhaps I'm biased because this is such a desirable tick, but I think this is a really beautiful pub and it's a cert for pub of the day today!

I noticed quite a few of the customers were heading up the stairs where I believe there is a function room.

Gradually more groups came in, am I the only loner in here?  A few minutes later the place was busy, more and more came in, but I'd already got my seat and table, so I was happy!  I did wonder if the pal who recommended this place would come in and recognise me, but he didn't.  Perhaps he walked past and neither of us noticed.  Soon every seat was filled.

I took my time over my pint, of Guinness for a change, hoping the crowds would disperse before I headed home.

Another match came on the telly, with close-ups of players and stewards clearing thrown objects off the pitch.  Little plastic footballs and other rubbish.  Who's playing?  Oh, it's Bayer Leverkusen, isn't there a late match in the premiership?

In conclusion, a wonderful survey, one pub not done since '04 and one brand new - to me - but it's an old pub.  I have to confess that in my conceit I'd assumed there were none of those left, but clearly one can never be sure.  If you know of more, please tell me.

Pub of the day: Old Barn
Beer of the day: Guinness
Miles limped: 3.7
Maybe coming soon: Fazakerley, Bebington, Crosby

Wallasey: Cask and Architecture

Yesterday I suffered a bit of a pub failure:  I was in Chinatown for some shopping so I thought this would be a good opportunity to tick the Liverpool Marina, where I last drank back in 1999.  You can imagine my irritation when I walked all the way round the docks to find a notice saying the bar was closed.  I marched grumpily back to James Street and got the train to Lime Street, where I cheered myself up with a wonderful pint of Oakham Citra in the Crown before getting the train home.  (It could have been worse, at first I thought there was no Er Guo Tou Jiu in the Chinese supermarket which would have rendered the whole walk pointless, but they had simply moved it to a different place.)

Back to today:  As is often the case nowadays Merseyrail was in a mess, but my train turned up on time and I rode in 507001 which has been repainted in its original livery to celebrate the end of these units.  I hope to travel on the farewell tour in May.

I began my Wallasey research in the Nelson:

This is a very well done chain dining pub in a rather fine building.

I was pleased to see two handpumps and my pint of Yardbird was excellent, and it was served in a Yardbird glass. 

Everton were on the TV, one group of lads might have been watching but most of the limited population of the pub were not.  One or two were watching racing on a different channel.

I looked around.  Compared with other chain pubs this one seems better; there's nothing exciting about the decor, it is just beautifully done and maintained.  For architecture fans the inside does not reflect the outside, there is very little original apart from some leaded glass in the windows.

The menu is standard fare with fish and chips at £12, from my seat I couldn't see anyone eating.

Next, the Lighthouse:

This time the architecture aficionados will recognise a classic 1960s construction, and once again it has been substantially modified inside.

Just like the Nelson this is a Greene King dining operation, but with one big difference:  It is busy in here.  I was OK for a table but most of them were occupied by family groups, many of them eating.  Fish and chips is £13.19 so it's not a food price differential that causes everyone to come here.

There were four handpumps on the counter but the only ale available was IPA which came out of the Old Golden Hen pump.  This hints at poor cellar work but my pint was of excellent quality, so no complaint.  It was significantly cheaper at £3.70 than the £5.40 I paid in the Nelson.  Perhaps that's why everyone comes here!

Again Everton were on the telly, and again not many were watching.

The sounds in here were faint football commentary mostly drowned out by happy chatter.

Just a few yards further along the road is the Farmers Arms:

Another architectural gem, this time there is no doubt about when it was built as it says 1924 on the front.

The inside is beautiful with dark wood panels and leaded glass partitions splitting it into a number of separate areas.  I am most definitely not an expert, but I'd say much of the interior is original.

Three cask ales are on offer and I chose a guest from Conway.  The barmaid took my money while it was settling.  Next, she topped up a pint from the IPA pump.  "No No, Conway" I said, "I know" was the reply, then I realised it was the previous order she was finishing.  Oh dear, there's only one thing worse than correcting the bar staff, and that is correcting the bar staff when they are right!  Oooops.  Never mind, no damage done and I soon had the third excellent pint of the day.

Everton were on the TV in here too, the majority of the regulars were watching.  I retreated to one of the side areas to drink my ale in solitude.

I contemplated the survey so far and decided that three quality pints is an excellent score.  Can we make it four, or even five?

Everton equalised in injury time.  (I could hear the commentary but I couldn't see a telly from my quiet corner.)  Finally, full time and a good result, I think.  Suddenly some footie fans who had been in a back room appeared and left the pub.

For my next move I walked past Sheridan's, saving it for later, and on to the Cheshire Cheese:

I cannot recall the source of the information but I marked this pub as closed in 2021, so I was rather chuffed when undertaking this morning's pre-flight checks to find it isn't, as it was something of a gem.  Is it still?

Well, as a cask ale destination it is perhaps not as good as I remember, there were only three on, but my Boltmaker was excellent, so no criticism:  One is enough, three is wonderful.  I'd forgotten just how good Boltmaker is; a slight hint of toffee raises it from classic bitter to something rather special.

As a pleasant pub, it is just as good, with multiple areas around the two part servery.  Customers were fairly sparse but it wasn't completely dead.

The TVs here were showing rugger, England were losing. Did I hear there is a campaign to ban school children from playing rugby?  It never did me any harm - Apart from instilling a lifelong aversion to participating in any sports.  Actually, that's not harm that's a benefit!

More regulars arrived, perused the pumps, and also chose Boltmaker.

To complete the Wallasey pubs, back to the former Black Horse, now Sheridans:

Another fine building, brewers' Tudor is the style.

My quality cask streak couldn't last for ever; none in here so I finished the day with a Carling.

Ale choice notwithstanding, this is another rather good boozer, pleasantly done out, spotlessly clean and if I'm allowed a negative, rather chilly.  Custom was a little sparse in here although the place was ticking over, and some people were eating.

Sky sports news was on a telly above my head, no one was watching.  (Where's Jeff Stelling?  Oh, he's retired.) 

Judging by the signage, accommodation is an important part of the operation, the cynic in me says no one would want to stay here in the middle of nowhere Wirral, but hopefully I'm wrong.

A fine selection of pubs for today's research and four out of five offering quality cask which is a bit better than last week's zero out of five!  Time for home.

Pub of the day: Cheshire Cheese
Beer of the day: Boltmaker
Miles walked: 1.5
Maybe coming soon: Fazakerley, Bebington, Crosby, Anfield

Everton At Home

As Everton were at home for a proper three o'clock kickoff today, my objective was some pubs near Goodison which may have match day only opening hours.

But first, a chance to tick off one in town as I pass, Central Sports:

This is located upstairs above Tess Riley's on Charlotte Street, making it the eighth bar on that short road.

I wasn't sure exactly what to expect here, imagining a scruffy shed designed to sell lager to as many fans as possible when there's a match on.  However, what I found was a very well done sports bar offering tables large and small, booths with individual TVs and even some sofas facing a giant screen.

I was the only customer, I suggested to the barmaid it would be busier later but she opined "it's only FA cup, so probably not".

I couldn't see Carling so I treated myself to Stella instead.  A text came in from my brother who was enjoying Oakham Citra in the Live and Let Live in Cambridge, making me somewhat jealous!  A great pub and a favourite ale. When I said I was unlikely to see a handpump today his reply was "Oh dear".

On to Central Station to join the throng on their way to Kirkdale.  Actually, the train was surprisingly empty.

I exited the station to find crowds of people heading towards the match, the pavement was so busy I had to queue for two cycles of the traffic lights to get across the road.  The first pub I came to was the Melrose Abbey, but I wasn't going in because I ticked it less than a year ago:

I peered into the open door to see how busy it was and there was former work colleague, drinking buddy and Evertonian John, so naturally I joined him for a pint and some catching up.  I do like it when this sort of thing happens on a survey.

The Melrose Abbey is a plain two sided boozer, naturally doing very well an hour before KO.  The other side is in the process of refurbishment, with missing bench seats and temporarily exposed pipework.

When I exited the Melrose I noticed a large black cloud in the sky, not a thunderstorm as I first thought but the emissions from a large fire nearby.

Next, on to pub number three which was the first target on my plan, the Saddle:

This gem continues unchanged, there are some wonderful ceramics inside and the lounge is still served from a hatch at the end of the servery.

Having poured me a Carling the barmaid warned that they hadn't got the match on.  When I indicated that was fine she assumed I was going to watch it on my tablet.  As if!

The counter was almost full of empty glasses but all the fans had gone by now and I was briefly the only customer until I was joined by one other, who requested racing from Uttoxeter on the telly.

Rapid loading of glassware into the dishwasher occupied the staff, one also hoovered the lounge side.

What else can I say about this pub, I think the word beautiful sums it up.

Leaving the Saddle I noted the smoke plume was thinner than before but there was a sprinkling of pieces of ash on everything, pavement, parked cars, front yards, it must have been a major fire.

On to Walton Road, and the first pub I came to was the Saint Hilda:

A plain well cared for place with an L shaped main room plus a side lounge.

It was ticking over, much busier than the Saddle, with miscellaneous groups of locals enjoying the calm between the pre and post match rushes.  Or perhaps the rush doesn't reach here?

The walls in the side room were decorated with classic albums, I checked them all but I only own one, Simon and Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water.  Can I renew my not recently repeated complaint, that classic vinyl should be preserved, not nailed to the wall.

I was interested to see some hotel guests checking in, I had assumed one would stay here only if visiting for footie, but apparently not.  It's good to see another source of income for the establishment.

I proceeded up Walton Road.  The advantage of bumping in to John is that he knows my interests and advised me someone had told him the Salutation had reopened.  So I walked past my next planned target, the Clock, last visited in 2018:

... and on to the Salutation.  My last time here was in 2010 and it is recorded as closed in my database:

Oh yes, it's open!

A two room plain boozer, with a counter only in the front room.  Lots of tellies, mostly switched off, and a large number of regulars chatting, some watching the footie.  Everton weren't doing very well, but then they equalised.

It is good to see a plain pleasant comfortable boozer surviving, especially when I had it down as closed.  Long may it continue.  I'm guessing it'll be packed after full time, so perhaps long term survival is at risk once Everton go to their new stadium.

What a great survey, nothing like what I'd planned this morning.  One new bar, one I thought was long closed, and an unexpected reunion.   You can't ask for more than that.  OK, maybe some real ale!  I headed home before the post match rush.

Pub of the day: Salutation, welcome back.
Beer of the day: Carling
Miles walked: 1.8
Maybe coming soon: Fazakerley, Crosby, Anfield, Wallasey.

Shiny New Ticks in Town

Today's plan was for a trip to Crosby to revisit a favourite and catch some new ones, but I decided I couldn't be bothered and only went as far as the city centre where I had learned there was a new pub.  So, up to Hope Street and the White Hart:

A freshly minted pub (This is only its third day.) in a location which has had various operations including Clove Hitch, Bread and Butter, and finally Keystone which I visited a couple of years ago.

Inside I found a rather wonderful multi room multi floor pub with quirky decor that immediately caused me to suspect that it's a new operation by The 36 Pub Company (The Vines, Queen of Hope Street, Red Lion etc.)

The fine choice of six cask ales confirmed my suspicion; I selected Proper Job which was very good, just as it was in the Big House on Wednesday.

What a beautiful pub, "Dickensian decor" according to one puff piece I read, with the usual trademark real fire, candles, stuffed animals and some ancient furniture.

Where next?  As I enjoyed my pint I was checking the internet to confirm the owning company and I'm very glad I did because I learned that the White Hart opened on Thursday along with another bar from the same company.  So I headed out the back of the Hart, through the conservatory and in to the Engineer:

Now, one might argue these only count as one pub, but the Engineer has a street entrance and its own toilet so I'm claiming two ticks.

The decor here is very different to the Hart.  A sort of industrial vibe, bare brick, tiled floor with cracks, and a mezzanine walkway made of wood which affords access to some small upstairs rooms.

"Only" four handpumps here, I had a lovely pint of Ossett Silver King.

A couple came in with two dogs, one a giant shaggy thing whose head was higher than the counter.  (And the dogs were quite big as well!  Sorry.)  I was pleased when they headed through to the White Hart.

Unlike the other half they had footie on the telly here.  Arsenal scored, with Jesus awarded an assist.  That reminded me of the very old graffiti outside a Liverpool church.  The sign said "JESUS SAVES" and someone wrote underneath "but Dalglish scores on the rebound".  I see today is another Saturday with no 3 o'clock matches.  Next time a manager whines about fixture congestion ask him what they were doing in January.

You know that thing where a real ale pub has a collection of previous pump clips on display?  I've always had a little suspicion that they buy in a job lot of clips.  Well there's a row of them behind the bar here and since it's only day three of operation they obviously aren't beers that have previously been on sale!

The Silver King went off sale as I drank mine which was a touch cloudy but tasted fine.  Another member of staff came over from the White Hart and disappeared into the "cellar" behind the counter, and I could hear the sound of a mallet working on a cask.  Soon the Silver King was back on.

Time to move on, perhaps I can continue with places never before ticked?

Down towards the other (Anglican) end of Hope Street is Papillon:

Despite the sign saying "a public house" it is actually very close to the pub/restaurant borderline.  Ignoring the Please wait to be seated sign I stood at the counter by the pumps, but my order was taken by a passing waitress who pointed me to a table and soon brought me a fine pint of White Rat.

Could this one also belong to 36?  Similar ale selection and candles on the tables suggest so but the internet says no.  Anyway it is a rather good place although more of a restaurant than a pub in my opinion.

That's two new ticks, can we get more?  Of course we can, let's try Antisocial:

Here I found a completely empty one room bar where the friendly barman poured me a pint of Camden Hells.  He had seen me taking a picture and apparently there's something special about the building's frontage which causes architecture students to take photos, so I explained the Guide and why I was here.  He bemoaned the problems of being on the borderline between bar and restaurant, it looks like a restaurant from the front so they don't get the drinkers that they deserve.  On reflection, perhaps it would do better if they wrote the name in big letters on the front!

Our chat was interrupted by two more customers but they turned out to be enquiring about a function booking, so didn't actually buy any drinks.

The decor in here is sort of modern plain, in my opinion rather well done with just enough clutter to make the place feel comfortable.

Two more customers came in, they had some complicated coffee/chocolate order which kept the barman busy for ages.  Still, custom is custom.

Someone else came in, but he seemed to be staff, so once again no sale.

Time to go home, but maybe one more brand new tick?  On the route back to the station on Hardman Street is Metrocola:

The picture was taken on my way up some hours ago, it was getting dark by now.

How does one pronounce the name?  My guess would be metro-cola but it could be met-rock-o-la?  Aha, their web site says Metro-cola.

Annoyingly, being four pints to the good I wasn't on the ball so I completely failed to spot the handpumps and ordered a fine pint of (real) Budweiser.  I wonder if the Cheshire Cat would have been any good.

How can I sum up the decor?  Distressed wooden floor, bare brick walls, yellow tiles on the counter front, neon signage and lots of hanging greenery, I really like it.

Quite a few groups, my age and much younger were keeping the place going so obviously they're doing something right.  At four on a Saturday afternoon they are ticking over, I bet it's a lot busier later, at least I hope so.

I wondered if I had been in here before, in the days before the pub guide I used to frequent night clubs around here on a Friday night, but I think Plummers and Kirkland's were elsewhere on Hardman Street, so this really is a new one.

My electrical engineering mind kicked in:  There are a number of METROCOLA neon signs around the room, but are they really neon or some modern simulacrum?  I have to say the one nearest my seat had the blacked tubes between each letter which suggested to me it was genuine.  If I'm right it's good to know someone is still making real neon signage.  Google to the rescue once again, the answer is yes and there's a company in Bolton for example.

Well, how about that!  Two brand new pubs and four brand new ticks taking my grand total to 1,470.  Can I make 1,500 this year?  Time for home.

Pub of the day: White Hart
Beer of the day: White Rat
Miles walked: 1.8
Maybe coming soon: Fazakerley, Crosby, Anfield, Wallasey, Kirkdale.