On reflection I decided that I was a little harsh last week when I rejected the Cavern Club because they charge for entry. So, as I was in town for shopping purposes I decided to forgive them and pay up.
I approached with a fiver in my hand but it's a cashless operation so I had to wave my phone at the machine to pay my entry fee.
Down the stairs, lined with photos ancient and modern of people who have played here, to a large brick-lined cellar. It's not the original, of course, that disappeared long before I came to Liverpool, but it seems like a good recreation.
Having been warned of eight pound pints I was pleased to pay £6.20 for a Guinness. Despite the throng at the counter the barmaid followed the correct pour-pause-finish process. Only negative on the beer was that it was in a plastic glass, one of those "hard" ones that can be re-used.
The pub/museum was busy with tourists looking around at the impressive displays of posters and other memorabilia.
In conclusion, this is a wonderful tourist attraction, well worth a visit, and I'm sorry I was somewhat grumpy last week. Last time I was in here, in 2008, I was showing some friends from New Zealand around "my" city. I don't remember paying to get in but perhaps they did that for me.
Right, now I need a proper beer. The White Star is just round the corner:
This truly wonderful pub remains unchanged, thank goodness, and I quickly selected Bass from the five or so handpumps.
There were quite a few people in the front room, I headed to the back and was surprised to find it totally empty, so I could enjoy my pint in splendid solitude.
The music in here is great: Dirty Laundry, Don Henley; followed by Billy Joel's Italian Restaurant, who's choosing these? I wonder how Billy Joel's health is, I was booked to see him this year but it was cancelled. I'm still hopeful; Wikipedia tells me he has said that things are improving with his condition being treatable.
I think this might be my favourite Liverpool pub (Notwithstanding the witty answer that "it's the one I'm in".) When I first came to Liverpool almost thirty years ago I would start a shopping trip in town with a pint, or two, in here, attempting the Times crossword.
Two or three more people joined me in the back room as I finished my Bass.
Time, I think, to actually purchase some provisions rather than drinking...
Followed by a quick one in the Crown, sorry, no photo.
This one was remarkably busy, I had to stand because there were no free tables. So they are doing very well at two on a Thursday. On the other hand, I passed by at half ten in the evening last Saturday and it was empty and possibly shut (I didn't push the door to confirm.) The Northwestern where I went instead was busy but not packed; I easily got a table in the big room.
My second Bass of the day was, I'm afraid, slightly past its best I think. Disappointing in a pub that has provided quality real ale for as long as I can remember. Hopefully it's a one-off.
Beer of the day: Bass
Miles walked: 1.1
Maybe coming soon: Southport, Aigburth
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