Having something non pub related arranged for this morning I wasn't sure whether I would be doing a survey today, but finding myself at Widnes station before noon it was a relatively easy journey on two trains to Aigburth. The slight down side of being in steel toe capped boots and carrying a hard hat didn't discourage me as I started my researches in the Old Bank:
Four handpumps were operational, I selected a delicious pint of Neptune Mosaic.
I've no idea how much of the bank remains in the attractive interior, there's some good leaded glasswork in exterior and internal windows and some fine doorframes. The entrance doors have leaded glass panels which must surely be a hundred years old.
As I enjoyed my pint there were about ten regulars in, most were greeted by name by the barmaid/landlady. Some sat alone staring into space or studying the newspaper, others chatted. When the early match began some of them were watching Spurs vs Man U.
For what is essentially a locals' boozer they offer a good range of beers, a well as the aforementioned handpumps there were lager taps for Carling, Estrella, Erdinger, Ayinger and Brooklyn; also a cloudy cider and Tetley bitter. Oh, and Guinness of course.
This is a wonderful pub, I really like it.
My next destination was the Aigburth Arms when I first drank there back in 1998, but has spent most of the intervening years as the Victoria, until a few years ago it reverted to its "proper" name:
As I'm sure you already know, Red Dwarf's Lister was found as a baby in a cardboard box under the pool table here. I wonder how many visitors they get because of this? I'm going to say approximately zero.
By the time I reached here Manchester were one goal up.
In the very well cared for pub interior just a handful of customers were present, most of them watching the footie. There is nothing great about the decor here, but it is well looked after, clean and tidy. The large beer garden looks very well done as well.
If I am allowed one whinge, almost every table in the main room is a high one, with high chairs to match. What is it about these tables that makes them so common, if I'm sitting I want my feet on the ground, not dangling in mid air.
Back to the busy Aigburth Road and to the Fulwood Arms:
Is my memory faulty or is this place twice as big as it used to be? Google streetview confirms it's all in my head! In any case, it is a large pleasant nicely styled boozer with a dozen or more customers watching the football or chatting.
A third good pub for today, it is very comfortable in here (And my feet reached the floor!)
Next, on my way to the Old Bank I had spotted a bar I wasn't aware of, so let's double back to the Craft Vale:
I arrived to find the barman and just one customer, so not a busy time at half two on a Saturday. This was the first pub today that doesn't have the footie on, it was much more peaceful than the others! Another pleasant and comfortable place to visit.
An admirably good range of keg fonts, mainly ones I've never heard of, but I chose to be boring and just have Erdinger. It was the last one out of the keg and a little short of a pint so I got a reduced price! It tasted fine anyway.
Another customer/friend of the staff came in but he had a cup of tea. So perhaps technically not a customer.
Now what? There is one never visited "wine bar" not too far away, could I get another new tick to complete the day, or should I just go home? It's a mile and a bit so maybe not, but on the other hand it is not yet three o'clock. Hmmm, decisions??? No, I can't be bothered, after this morning's activities I'm worn out so the shorter route home is calling. After all, I've got four "required" ticks, one of them brand new, that's a good enough score.
Beer of the day: Neptune Mosaic
Miles walked: 2.5
Maybe coming soon: Southport
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