Thornton and Crosby

On a very grey - but remarkably warm considering the overnight frost - Thursday afternoon I took a long bus ride from Liverpool to Thornton.

What a depressing journey:  We passed nineteen former pubs, some missing, some still extant, none open, before finally reaching Swifts.

On a more positive note, I didn't spot any pubs closed that I expected to be open.  And the weather changed from grey to sunshine by the time I reached Thornton.

I walked past the Grapes and on the the Nags Head:

Oh dear, not a good start:  The handpumps appeared to be off and there was no one serving.  I stood for at least five minutes while a queue of people built up by the till.  (This is a British pub, we don't queue!)  Eventually a cheerful barmaid turned up and, after processing one person from the queue, served me my Carling.  I'm not sure if she knew how long I'd been there or it was just luck, but I think that was the correct sequence.

This is a pleasant plastic dining pub run by Greene King (Aren't they all?).  A large open space around the l-shaped counter.  There were a fair number of groups dining, I was the only drinker I could see but there could be more round the corner.

Now there's something good to see:  An advert for the switch on of the Thornton Christmas Tree lights.  And it's in December, isn't that wonderful!  I'm getting mighty tired of Christmas in November - I was in a pub last weekend, not in Merseyside and I can't remember where it was, which was in non stop Christmas songs mode.  Aaaagh!  In contrast, here the muzac is normal and the decorations are very subdued.

Next, back to the Grapes:

Another standard dining pub, this time under the Sizzling brand.  And what did I find at the counter?  A bloody queue.  One harassed bloke was trying to handle multiple food orders ("There's a forty minute wait") and pouring drinks.  Not very good.  I decided not to make his day worse by asking if any of the cask ales were on, and just had another Carling.

Rather busier than the Nags here but there were plenty of empty tables.  Goodness knows how they'd cope if the place was full, they were clearly struggling already.

Obviously I'm not the manager of a chain of pubs, but I would think that people that have to wait ages for a simple pub meal will go somewhere else next time, or just eat at home.  That's what you get for letting accountants run your business.

My chosen table was near the end of the counter where the regulars congregate, no joining the queue for them.  All were on Carling, I think, I didn't see any cask pulled.

That's Thornton complete (As far as I know) so now it's a long walk to Crosby.  To the best of my knowledge I don't need any ticks in the centre (Except Frankie's and that doesn't open until five on Thursdays.) but there are two pubs not visited since 2018 in the area, so I headed for the Endbutt:

This attractive two sided pub was almost completely empty, just a handful of customers.  I decided to risk the Speckled Hen, the only cask ale, but it came out mostly air and froth.  "Looks like it's gone" said the friendly barmaid/landlady, "would you like something else?".  I plumped for Carling, of course, but she said "Have you tried Level Head?  Have a taste."  So I did and it was hoppy and fruity, perhaps in the style of Neck Oil but maybe not as sweet?  Good, anyway, so I had a pint of that.  At £6.05 it wasn't cheap, I wonder how much Carling would have cost me?  Anyway, it is very good to find bar staff taking an interest and suggesting things their customers might like, rather than just pouring.  Or, if I'm being more cynical it was a good example of upselling!

Level Head, a Greene King brew of course, came in a peculiar glass, conical but wider at the base than the top, I rather like the feel.

Another walk, still circling Crosby centre, took me to the Edinburgh:

This pub is something of an historic gem, the back rooms are served via hatches in the bar back, the servery has ancient-looking woodwork.

I went in the bar side so I could see the handpumps, oh yes they've got White Rat, at last some decent ale!  And it was.

Quite a few regulars were creating a background of chatter but as far as I could see the lounge rooms were mostly empty at half four on a Thursday.

I had considered visiting the nearby not-yet-required Coop, ticked only last year, if I hadn't had any decent ale, but after the wonderful White Rat I decided to just head for home...

But wait.  I had to walk past the footie ground, where there is a bar called 1894 Bar & Bistro, and it looks like it is open.  We can't skip a brand new tick.

It was totally dark by now, so no photo I'm afraid.

In here I found a plain comfortable one room bar with about four customers.  No Carling so I finished with a Guinness.

This bar is part of the Marine football ground but clearly it's open when there isn't a match, so it definitely gets to be in the guide, and is a welcome new entry.

More customers came in as I enjoyed my beer, not exactly busy but maybe covering its costs on a quiet non-match evening.

Time for home, I think.  There may be a gap in reports here, I have no less than three "Christmas get-togethers" in the next ten days so while you can rest assured I will be spending a lot of time in pubs, I probably won't be blogging them here!

Pub of the day: Edinburgh
Beer of the day: White Rat
Miles walked: 3.3
Maybe coming soon: Undecided

Southport

I headed out to Southport on a cold damp November Saturday in the hope of mopping up a few targets.  Was I on a hiding to nothing during the November slump before the Christmas rush?  Would anywhere be open?

Things didn't begin well at the Carlton where, contrary to what the internet and the sign suggested, it wasn't open shortly after one.

Just a short way along Lord Street is the Prince Of Wales Hotel:

This is the wrong side of the bar/hotel dividing line, I feel, but it sometimes has cask ale so I thought I'd give it a try.

The Moorhouses pump clip raised my hopes, but the barmaid apologised, turned the clip around, and poured me a Guinness.

I was in a surprisingly small hotel bar, warm and comfortable, but I wondered if there was a larger space somewhere, there isn't much room in here.  Mind you, I was the only customer when I arrived, so maybe it is big enough.  Two more came in later.

I was somewhat irritated to hear a Christmas song play, further listening revealed that we were hearing Smooth Radio and to be fair the next few songs were not seasonal.  (I saw a bus displaying "Happy Christmas" in Manchester yesterday.  Bah humbug!)

I wandered towards the sea, to the Conservatory which is probably also the wrong side of the bar/hotel boundary, but it's closed so we won't find out today.  I turned back towards Lord Street and soon spotted no less than three interesting places of which I wasn't previously aware.  The Chop House and Bar Thirteen weren't open ...

... but Avenue was:

A modern bar this, the decor sparse but rather attractive.  I noted a small stage at one end of the room, I can imagine this place buzzing on a Saturday night in season.  At half two on a Saturday afternoon it was ticking over with about half a dozen customers.

No Carling on offer, I could have had Fosters to say goodbye before they water it down even more, but I just stuck with Guinness.

I was impressed by the background music which was at just the right volume.  One could hold a conversation if desired.

As I neared the end of my beer a musician turned up and started setting up on the stage.  I'm all in favour of live music in pubs but it looks like I'll be gone before he starts.

I had a look at the Scarisbrick Hotel in which the Barons Bar is rather good, and there are two other bars as well, but the whole place is closed.  If you have a booking it's been moved to the Prince of Wales, says the sign.  I really must come here in the summer, I think this is the second time I've found the whole complex "closed for maintenance".

But across the alleyway is the Hideaway, another one I wasn't previously aware of:

This time we are in a coffee bar or cafe, but they have draft beer so I had another Guinness.  I didn't realise until too late that the tap on the counter was only symbolic and my beer came from a can via a surger, I probably should have selected one of the true drafts, Mahou or Stella.

This one is remarkably busy, it looks like they were running out of free tables, and the two serving staff were working hard bringing out beers, coffee and food.

The gentle background music was mostly masked by multiple conversations in this busy comfortable place.

Belatedly, I noticed a sign on the counter, "Payment by cash is preferred but card payments are accepted".  If I'd seen that before getting my drink I would have paid cash.  It's uncommon to see a place expressing a preference and I'm sorry I didn't spot it until too late.

Where next?  Could the Carlton be open now? Probably not, but it's worth a look:

Happily, I was wrong, the lights were on and it was open.

Last time I was in the Carlton, back in 1998, I described it as a multi level disco bar.  If I am being honest I have no recollection whatsoever of that.  After some years as Eighty Eight (Its number on Lord Street) the name has reverted to the previous one.  What I found today was a rather pleasant bar, nicely decorated and comfortably warm.

I had another Guinness and looked around.  About ten customers in total in here, plus one or two smokers in the pleasant looking front garden area. (Pleasant looking but neither attractive nor popular on a cold grey November day!)

Maybe one more before I go home?  Cable street has a number of pubs on it, one of which is the Ship and Anchor which I have never visited.  Could it be open this afternoon?  Let's see...

I don't know why I've never been in here before, it seems to have been shut on every previous occasion when I have come into this short cul-de-sac with three pubs.

In any case, what I found today was a busy lively boozer full of people mostly younger than I, playing pool or darts or, mainly, chatting and drinking.

I had a pint of Carling, and perched on a stool at the end of the counter, the only available seat in a remarkably busy room.

This is the first lively place I've come across today, and it is rather pleasing to find one, I must say.

Anyway, time for home I think, but hang on a minute, over the road is the Fox and Goose which is an evenings only place, or so I thought, but it seems to be open...

Sorry, it was too dark for a photo by now, this one is from 2022.  There were no customers other than your guide in this large cold pub, and the barmaid seemed slightly surprised to have a customer, but soon poured me a pint of Fox and Goose Lager.

What a strange contrast to the busy one on the other side of the road, this pleasantly decorated plain bar was freezing cold and totally empty.  Never mind, I'll take the tick - At least I got a table and a seat!  By the way, my notes from 1998 say they had real ale in here.

To be fair, this one feels like a rather good night club sort of place, so I imagine at eleven tonight it will be lively, but it's not doing very well now!

I sat in one of the side areas where there were two pool tables, I would have thought that pool fans could keep the place ticking over at quiet times but apparently not.  The pool table(s) in the Ship and Anchor had been in use.

Another customer appeared, he seemed to be playing the fruit machine without a drink, perhaps that creates more income for the pub?

Hmmm, six pints is probably unwise before the long train ride back to Liverpool, I'll have to cross my legs...  Not helped by the gents at Central being closed when I got there!  What a splendid crop today, four brand new entries for the database and four (not the same four) places never ticked before and the other two were last visited in the previous millennium.

Pub of the day: Ship and Anchor
Beer of the day: Guinness
Miles walked: 1.5
Maybe coming soon: Don't know.

Aigburth

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.

Pub of the day: Old Bank
Beer of the day: Neptune Mosaic
Miles walked: 2.5
Maybe coming soon: Southport

Lark Lane

The train in to town broke all records for crush loading, but I just managed to squeeze myself on board.  No danger of falling over when it lurched over the points!  There's some rugger event at Everton, and Liverpool are at home for the late KO, no wonder it's so busy.

The train out of Central was much calmer and I was soon in Aigburth for a visit to Lark Lane.  The plan was to walk to the far end noting new ones and closed ones, and then work my way back ticking as required.  But it started raining so I quickly headed into the Masonic Arms:

This has changed name since I visited the Lodge in 2019.  I'm trying and failing to remember what it looked like inside then, is it all different?  In any case, what I found today was a large beautiful pub with fun antiquey decor, it really looks great.

About a dozen handpumps offered a good selection of ales, I chose an excellent Kirkstall Pale.

The background music was mostly drowned out by cheerful chatter from the many groups in here, it's doing pretty well at one on a Saturday, I'm pleased to report.

On yesterday's pub crawl (Glossop, Stalyvegas, Manchester) which I'm not blogging because it was mostly chat in familiar pubs, I had a bit of a disaster as I was enjoying pint number six, when I dropped this tablet.  I initially thought I'd got away with it because it was still working, but on closer inspection the front glass is smashed at one end.  As I type this it is still functional but I had to turn it the other way up so the "keyboard" isn't on the cracked part.  The poor old thing was only months away from retirement, over five years old, so I guess it is time for a new one.

Next, Blondies:

I was expecting the "is it a bar or a restaurant" dilemma but once inside I found a pleasant cafe bar.  Unfortunately it was deserted, I was the only customer.  They don't do food in here, in fact signage on the door recommends Rhubarb across the road.

I selected Erdinger from the keg selection, sat on the long bench seat along the wall, and looked around.  The decor is rather well done, I feel, although the Halloween stuff should be down by now!

The barmaid was humming along to the background music which was at the right volume for an empty bar.

In case you're wondering, yes the bar is themed on Blondie/Debbie Harry, for example there are black and white stripes on the drinks menu in the style of Parallel Lines.

Just over the road is Bar 25:

This is the one "ordinary" pub on Lark Lane and it's another one I haven't visited with its current name, it used to be the Parkfield.

A deep narrow corridor bar, plain, pleasant and comfortable.  A little down market, at least compared with the other places around here, but there's nothing wrong with that.  They've certainly got more customers than Blondies, which had two staff and just me.

I wonder if it is an intentional part of the "Bohemian" style of Lark Lane, that the mobile signal is very poor here?  Do you think my new tablet will have better RF performance?

I emerged to find it was throwing it down, so I quickly hurried next door into the previously mentioned Rhubarb:

(The photo was taken earlier when the sun was shining)

Now this one is perhaps on the wrong side of the restaurant/bar line, but they were happy to serve me a pint so they get to be in the guide.

Unlike Blondies over the road, it was very busy here, in fact I was quite surprised they allowed a non diner in as there were very few free tables.  While I enjoyed my beer the only other open table I could see became occupied so I think they might have been full.  This was at half two on a Saturday, clearly they are doing things right.  I looked around, a bloke was enjoying a splendid looking breakfast fry-up, I wonder how much that costs, I didn't get a food menu to peruse.  He took some of it home, the wimp.

I looked out of the window, the briefly torrential rain had stopped.  Over the road I could see people going in to Blondies so it isn't as empty as it was earlier.

If I'm allowed to complain (Of course I am) it was very chilly in here, I would have thought an operation this busy could afford some heating!

Again, the Halloween decor was still present, tut tut, but I suppose on the plus side at least they haven't got Christmas decorations yet!

The two attractive young ladies on the table next to mine had all day breakfasts, not what one expects (casual sexism), clearly they have better taste than I was thinking!

A group of nine came in, and were rebuffed, no space, this one is doing well.

Next, a little further along Lark Lane is the long standing Maranto's:

This bar/restaurant has been here longer than I have, as it opened in 1983, but it's not as old as the beautiful Grade II listed Victorian building.  I wandered in and headed straight to the counter where I ordered a Guinness.  I sat down in the restaurant area, oops, but the barman said it would be OK.  I offered to move upstairs, he said you don't need to, but I've never been upstairs so I carried my pint up to the bar areas where I got a more comfortable seat at a table with no cutlery.

I should whinge that once again it was very cold in here and I kept my coat on.

On the (silent) TVs I could see Sky Sports News, that's good, it doesn't annoy anyone who isn't interested. Cambridge, the city of my birth, progressed to 2-0 up, and it's only 15:36.  It's our kid who really follows them, I'm sure he'll be happy.

I must say that this place is doing really well with large numbers of happy customers enjoying food and drink, it's really busy in here.

How about that, two brand new ones and three overdue ones, what more could one ask?  OK, the answer to that is more real ales, I only got one!  I've got a vague recollection that last time I was on Lark Lane I got an Uber to take me home, that seems a bit unnecessary, I think I'll walk back to the station for a train into town, I'll probably be there before the home-going rush.  I marched briskly back to the station, only to find that the train was ten minutes late, I could have taken it easy.

Pub of the day: Masonic
Beer of the day: Kirkstall Pale
Miles walked: 1.1
Maybe coming soon: Southport

An Apology

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.

Pub of the day: White Star
Beer of the day: Bass
Miles walked: 1.1
Maybe coming soon: Southport, Aigburth

Mathew Street

I was looking at my interactive map of pubs and was startled to see umpteen targets all along Mathew Street.  So it's time to tick a few...  I started with a walk the length of the street to check for changes, I found Hardy's, Eric's and Flares aren't open this early (before one) on a Thursday, and at the far end Wall of Fame looks suspiciously like it has closed down.  Anyway, I started in the Cavern Pub:

No change in five years in this pleasant, if somewhat chilly, basement bar, not to be confused with the famous Cavern Club.  (I notice next door there's now a Cavern Restaurant as well.)

A few tourists admired the large collection of music memorabilia displayed all round the room, while I swigged my pint of Cavern Club lager.

As tourists trickled in (The ones sitting near me had American accents.)  I found myself wondering if they thought this was the Cavern Club.  Although, since that one is not actually the original I don't suppose it matters much if they are in the wrong place.  As long as they spend their tourist money in Liverpool!

Next, I crossed the road to the Cavern Club itself:

What!!?? Five quid to get in?!  I think if there is an entry charge it doesn't count as a "pub" under my rules.

So, next door is Sgt Peppers:

Another "no change" report, this is a pleasant warm and comfortable one room modern place.

The live musician, who sounded rather good, was playing to an audience of five of which I think I was the only one listening at all.  No one* applauded.  Isn't it a little soul destroying to perform to a disinterested audience?  Having no talents in that direction I can't comment from experience.

* I don't want to reopen a discussion I had on here years ago about how to write no one/no-one/noone but I was reading an old Bill Bryson book this morning and he hyphenated "no-one" so it would appear the answer is not as clear cut as I thought.

The rain seemed to be getting heavier as I enjoyed my Carling; the good news is I haven't got any long walks today.  Next, King John:

I've always been rather fond of the (totally fake) baronial style decor in this one, organ chest, suits of armour and so on.

They have the 4 handpumps on the counter and one even had a clip turned backwards but somehow I suspect any real ale offering has long gone.

If I may switch into pub collecting nerd mode for a moment, Eric's, King John, and Rubber Soul are all part of the same interlinked complex, and if you want the gents in Eric's you end up in here.  So you might consider it one pub, but in order to keep my score as high as possible I'm claiming three distinct operations.  They are very different in character, after all.  I resisted the temptation to carry my half finished Carling through to Rubber Soul and claim both ticks - That would be cheating!

Next, of course, I need to tick Rubber Soul so without using the street I headed through.

Warmer than King John, probably because the doors between the room and the street are shut, this is another comfortable pleasant bar, this time with faux industrial styling.

Slightly busier than next door, there were about a dozen customers in here.  Various sports were on the tellies but I couldn't see anyone watching.

I tried to send a highly technical email to a friend concerning data on one of our servers.  I'm not sure if it went, the mobile signal is weak in here, and I'm also not certain that, after three and a half pints, its technical content was valid anyway.  I'm sure I'll find out tomorrow!

Two more required ticks on Mathew Street, so let's try Kabannas Kabin:

Last time I was here it was called Strawberry Fields, nothing much has changed it is still a pleasant enough bar attached to cheap accommodation.  I think it's perhaps not technically a Youth Hostel any more, do they even exist in 2025?

My Carling was delayed while the barman changed the keg, so I'm guessing they don't sell much, but it was fine, and only two quid.  That can't be right, can it, that's half what it is in JDW?

Someone came in and got a price for a "dorm" so clearly it's still a youth hostel style place, probably quite a bargain slap bang in the tourist centre of town, on Mathew Street.

A large group of "youth" appeared at the end of the room, presumably staying here, none of them bought a drink, anyway. Suddenly, they all headed out again and the room was quiet once more.

The friendly people behind the counter were skilfully dealing with confused travellers, I got the feeling it's ten out of ten for the staff here.

Just one more required tick on Mathew Street, so I think I must visit Legends:

For the first time this afternoon I found a bar with a decent amount of custom.  It was by no means full, but I could see perhaps twenty other drinkers as I started my sixth pint.

As seems to be the theme today, no change since I was here in 2020, this is still a comfortable sports-oriented bar, although having said that I couldn't actually see any sport from my seat in the corner.  I was just under an air conditioning unit which was emitting a welcome stream of warm air, I've been feeling cold most of today's trip.  (It's my age, I think.)

The sound in here was good music mostly drowned out by cheerful chatter.  The ideal soundtrack for a pub, in my opinion.  Having said that, the Wetherspoon formula without the music is as good if not better.

Six pints, six required ticks, Mathew Street cleared, that'll do.  And it's only half past three!  See you next week - In November.

Just to be clear, I walked past a lot of pubs and bars on Mathew Street, purely because I've been in them in the last five years.  This doesn't in any way suggest there's something wrong with the places I skipped.

Pub of the day: Sgt Peppers
Beer of the day: Carling
Miles walked: 1.2
Maybe coming soon: Southport

Rainford

I headed out on a very grey autumnal Saturday and three trains brought me to Rainford, and the Junction:

No change in this rather good two sided pub, with four real ales on offer.  I chose Border Bitter from Magic Dragon, a classic traditional bitter from Wales.

Technically, I don't "need" this visit, because I was here in 2023, on a railway-oriented trip for the last train from Kirkby, but it would be stupid to walk past such a nice pub just because I came here only two years ago.

There isn't much to write about this one, good music in the background, a smattering of regulars chatting quietly, small kids and dogs running around.  What is it about dog owners?  He's not being friendly, he's being bloody annoying.  Keep it under control.  And your kid while you're at it.

Next, a pleasant scenic walk of a mile or so along the former railway line to Rainford itself, where there should be some nice pubs to visit.  Starting in the Eagle and Child:

Something of a classic this one, the old-looking building contains a partly knocked through pub, pleasantly decorated in traditional style.

I selected a great pint of Landlord from the small range of cask.

Rather busier than the Junction, with plenty of chatter over the music.  Somehow, a perfect example of a friendly comfortable local boozer.

Next, just down the road is the Golden Lion:

Now this one is more of a dining location, and was quite busy with families and groups eating, at half two.  Drinkers are welcome, though, and I selected Three Swords from Kirkstall from the two handpumps on offer.

Continuing today's theme, a dog in one of the side rooms went mad when a waiter delivered some food.  Didn't there used to be some hygiene rule about animals in places serving food?

I perused the menu; fish and chips £16.  A fairly standard price nowadays.

My notes from a previous visit refer to "contemporary decor", this time I want to write "traditional", it probably depends on where you sit!  Anyway, it's mostly obscured by Halloween tat, of course.

A woman spotted the book which I had "accidentally" placed on the table, and she's going to buy one.  Maybe I should carry a few copies to sign and sell?!  More usefully she advised me the food here is really good.

I should own up, I quite often make the book visible in the hope someone will notice it, but it is very rare that anyone does.

Another short walk to the Derby Arms:

Another one keener on dining but again drinkers are welcome and I had a pint of favourite White Rat.  It came in a weirdly shaped Sharps glass, but that didn't spoil the excellent taste.

Quite busy at three on a Saturday, and I may have committed a faux pas by taking a table in the dining end, but no one complained.  Oddly, it was laid for three although one could easily fit four around it.  Unlike the other free table I could see, it didn't have a reserved sign.

A load of food came out to the large group next to where I was sitting, I must say it looked, and smelled, tempting.

Unusually, no music nor muzac in here, (at least, not in the room I was in) just a gentle background of happy conversations.

I have a vague recollection that this place was a little dead last time I was here.  No danger of that today, in fact there were people looking round for a table, and I felt a little guilty for occupying one.  Not guilty enough to move, though!

I parked the book on the table again, but no one took the bait here.

Finally, there's one more Rainford pub to tick before I head for home, the Star:

This is a truly great pub, traditionally decorated, multiple rooms, good food, comfortable and friendly.  I sat in a quiet side area and enjoyed my Wainwright Gold.

The sound in here was some very low music almost totally drowned out by cheerful chatter.  What a fine pub.  The large dining area at the rear seemed quite empty at four on a Saturday, I guess it's busier later.  I didn't see a menu but the specials board included some tempting options.

Why do I always seem to tick this gem at the end of a survey, I really must start here in 2030 and work my way up to the Junction!!!   Assuming I'm still alive/drinking/mobile/compos mentis then.  Of course, the planner in me says the longer walk, between Junction and Eagle, is better done at the beginning of a survey!

Five pubs, five real ales, you can't say fairer than that.  So, time for home.  A bus to St Helens for a train, or the lazy option of an Uber.  I think you can guess which I chose...

Pub of the day: Really difficult to choose, I'll go for the Star
Miles walked: 2.0
Maybe coming soon: Mathew Street, Southport

Beer of the day: White Rat

Ainsdale

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.

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

Good Beer Guide 2026

Just as I was about to head out to the Wirral yesterday there was a knock on the door.  My copy of the latest edition of CAMRA's Good Beer Guide had arrived.

I can report that in Merseyside twenty-one entries have been removed and twenty-one added since last year's guide.

As I say every year, if you want to know which pubs they are you'll have to buy the book when it goes on sale on 25 September.

East Wirral Miscellany

I dodged rain showers and Everton fans and headed under the river to visit a scattered selection of targets, hopefully including a new one.  From Spital station it was just a short walk to Mississippis:

I could have sworn this place was upstairs, but no, it's on the ground floor, and always has been.  A comfortable pub with well done decor.

A slight delay because the delivery van arrived just before I did, and the landlady was occupied receiving kegs and so on, but after a couple of minutes she was back on duty, apologising for the wait.  On the counter were four handpumps, one of which had a Trappers Hat clip, and it produced an excellent pint.

Only two other customers at half one on a Saturday, I hope they get more at other times.

Arsenal were on the telly, they had sprinklers on at half time, don't they have rain in London?  Oh, wait, have they got a roof?

Just across the road is the Three Stags:

This is an Ember Inns location so we know what to expect inside this wonderful inter war roadhouse.  On the counter I found about six handpumps, one of which provided an excellent pint of Bass.

I wanted to ask ChatGPT when the place was built but it wasn't working for some reason.  Never rely on these stupid computers!  (I'm going away on trip soon for which I have umpteen train e-tickets.  You can bet I've printed them all out just in case!)

The interior decor here is Ember Inns standard, pleasant and comfortable. Custom was surprisingly sparse at two on a Saturday, perhaps more will come in later?

I must say I hadn't really expected to start with two quality pints, I fear it might be downhill from now on!

Next, a long walk to the Village:

Such a long a walk that I had to ask the barman where the gents was and head out of the bar to reception to find it before returning to order my pint of Stella Unfiltered.

It came in an ordinary Stella goblet and was only slightly hazy.  Does it taste better than the normal?  I'm not sure.

This is a pleasant modern hotel bar with a decent quantity of customers at three.  In one corner are a few rows of cinema style seats in front of a giant TV, what a good idea for TV sports.  No one was there, I assume they can't (legally) get the Everton game, so the screen was just showing Sky Sports News.

Now, another long march to New Ferry where there are umpteen pubs I don't need at the moment, and one "new" one, the CD Pub:

This used to be a private members club, I think, which is why I've never been in before, but now it's open to all.  Outside, it looks like a church hall.

Anyway, I headed in and into the big room which was dressed up for a function complete with bouncy castle and was full of families making lots of noise.  I've come all this way so I'm going to get a tick, I thought, and walked up to the counter and ordered a Carling.  Are you with the party asked the friendly barmaid, "er, no" I replied, expecting to be refused, but she said "you want the other bar round there". I headed along the corridor and into an empty room where she was already pouring my drink at the counter.  "There's a lot less screaming kids in this side" she said.  And she was right!

After a couple of minutes some other non-party customers joined me in the quiet side.

A pub which can hold a noisy function and also provide a peaceful bar at the same time is to be highly recommended.  The discussion between the barmaid and the other drinkers seemed to imply that food was on offer, but I didn't see any served while I was there.

The noise ceased in the other side, is the party over I wondered?  As I enjoyed my fizz more people came in, they all seemed to know each other and enjoyed chatting, ignoring the stranger typing on a tablet in the corner.

Finally, it's not that far, just under a mile, to walk to the one remaining target in this area, the Kings Arms.  It'd be foolish not to:

Good grief, so different from all the other pubs today, perhaps because it is now 5pm it is very busy with umpteen groups, families and pals and so on.  Food and drink is being served in a continuous stream keeping the staff working hard.

Outside this is another impressive inter war roadhouse, inside Greene King have knocked through and remodelled, creating a very good but not historic interior.

The only pump clip offered GK IPA, I decided to risk it and it was spot on.

Time for home, now, just one more trek to the nearest station.  One brand new tick, three quality cask ales, not a bad score all told.

Pub of the day: Three Stags, but it was a close run thing.
Beer of the day: Bass, obviously
Miles walked: 4.9
Maybe coming soon: Rainford, Southport

Formby

On a cold and wet Thursday I set off for a trip to Formby where I started in a new one - New to me, that is, it's been open since last year, the Auld Dubliner:

Here I discovered a very pleasantly decorated Irish style bar in which, somewhat to my surprise, I found operational handpumps.  My Wainwright Gold was good.

About a dozen customers were in at two on a rainy Thursday afternoon, one group were putting the world to rights.  They moved on to football, apparently Liverpool have already won the league!

This is a really nice bar, I must say, a welcome addition to the Formby scene.

Just a few doors along is one I've never heard of, Emily's:

Wow!  Behind the small frontage is an enormous place with beautiful decoration consisting of millions of plants.  Some plastic, I think, and some real.  The interior designer here has done a really brilliant job in my opinion.

I selected Brooklyn IPA from the ten taps.  In the drinking area I didn't get to see a food menu but I'm guessing it is tempting but not cheap.

At half two there were plenty of customers keeping the place busy, and the barman was constantly making cocktails.

That's it for central Formby, a walk now over the railway and into suburban streets.  No danger of getting lost on the way to the Pinewoods!

Well I never.  This pleasant sixties construction has three handpumps on the counter, one of which carries a handwritten Bass sign.  Should I risk it?  The lad behind the counter had some difficulty pulling it, which didn't exactly boost my confidence, but eventually I got a fine pint.  (For those who don't know, I should explain that there is an unwritten law of pub ticking which specifies that if Bass is available I have to choose it.  The previous occasion for me was Saturday just gone in the Swan and Railway in Wigan - What a great pub!)

The interior of this large pub has been knocked through, creating a large pleasant open space.  The decor is unexciting but nice enough.

The sounds in here were quiet football commentary (Live?  Seems an odd time.), quiet chatter and quiet music.  Spot on!

Another zig zag walk involving another crossing of the railway took me to the Grapes:

This giant knocked through building is nicely done out.  It has still sort of got two sides but they are pretty much indistinguishable.  I was pleased to see some handpumps and while a couple were "coming soon" I still had a choice of three, and the Salopian Oracle was spot on.

It was very quiet in here at four o'clock, but a number of tables had reserved signs for this evening.  The what's on board said live music and bingo, I'm not sure which, if either, was bringing people in.

This one is under the same brand as the Pinewoods, the People's Pub is a Stonegate operation.  I checked the menu, which looks rather good.  Fish and chips, with bread and butter and curry sauce, is £14, or just fish, chips and peas for £11.

There's one more overdue tick in this area so I'm going to head there.  The weather had improved to sunshine by now, so I hid my coat in my bag as I headed off.  Going back twenty odd years the Freshfield was a great cask ale destination with a dozen or more handpumps on the counter.  Nowadays it is run by Greene King, so I am wondering what to expect:

And the answer is...  They've still got umpteen cask ales on, and my White Rat was lovely.  And in an Ossett glass.   So, highly recommended!

The place was ticking over nicely, and a number of tables were reserved later on, my one at eight - I'm sure I'll be home by then.

The menu includes fish and chips for 15.75, so a bit more than the Grapes, but the beer choice is better.

Something occurred to me:  I have grumbled in the past about "99" prices, do they really think charging 12.99 makes me think it is better than 13 quid?  But today, all the prices I've seen have been round numbers, is it just chance or have those who decide these things come round to agreeing with me?  We'll see...

What a survey, five ticks - one brand new - and four decent cask ales, brilliant! See you next week...

Pub of the day: Freshfield
Beer of the day: White Rat
Miles walked: 3.8
Maybe coming soon: Southport, Bebbington and Bromborough