Eccleston

A few days of rain had changed to chilly sunshine so I headed off by train and bus to Eccleston.

A moment of concern as I turned the corner to see an area of wasteland surrounded by temporary fencing - I have previously gone to pubs which have been demolished without my knowledge - But I soon realised that the pub I was looking for was still intact next door to the building site, phew!  On checking Streetview I found that piece of land has been derelict and fenced off since at least 2009!  Anyway, in to the Seven Stars:

This comfortable two sided Greene King Flaming Grill pub seems unchanged since the last time I was here, in 2020.

Two handpumps, just one clip, but my GKIPA was very good, if slightly over chilled.

Here in the dining side I could see reserved signs on most of the tables, but they were all for the evening so didn't affect me.  The other customer departed as I sat down, leaving no one visible to me, but I could hear voices so the place wasn't totally empty at one on a Saturday.  If the reservations turn up it will be pretty busy this evening.  Ah, of course, it's Valentine's day.  And I'm pub researching alone, as usual.

The sources of the conversation departed leaving just the barmaid and I in the lounge side.  But before I'd finished my drink plenty more customers arrived; families, couples and groups of lads.

Next, on to the Griffin Inn:

Another one unchanged since my previous call, a very nicely done food oriented pub.

Once again I risked the sole pump clip, and once again I was rewarded with a decent pint:  This time it was Wainwright and it was even at the right temperature.

At half past one custom was sparse, but the place was certainly ticking over, I could see the occasional food delivery from the kitchen.  No sign of any table reservations but I imagine it'll be busy later.  Thirty quid for a three course Valentine's dinner.

Heading for the gents I discovered the restaurant area at the rear was very full, they are clearly doing a good trade here.

On to the Stanley Arms:

This one is in the middle of nowhere if you are not in a car, but at least these country roads are equipped with footpaths.  A rather fine multi roomed place, much busier than the previous two ticks.

For the third time today I risked the only clip, and got a decent pint of Landlord.  The barmaid had some trouble pouring it, I think it might be near the end of the barrel, but it tasted fine so maybe not.

Real fires were keeping the attractive interior lovely and warm, I found a free table at which to sit, most were occupied.

The quiet background music was mostly masked by gentle conversations and the rattle of cutlery.

I was right about "middle of nowhere", my phone has no signal here!  On the other hand my tablet, on a different network, is doing fine.

As I reached the end of my pint I decided maybe it was "end of barrel" after all, not quite up to standard.  I looked around and couldn't see anyone else drinking the cask.

Now a longer walk through the countryside.  The sound of shooting from across the fields added to the rural atmosphere.  Eventually I reached the Game Bird:

This building has been mostly modernised inside, but I noticed some old looking leaded glasswork which might be original in what is surely a 1930s roadhouse, probably built when the East Lancs Road was.  (1934)

My good run of cask had to end eventually, and there were no handpumps in this Hungry Horse place, even though it is another Greene King brand.  So I reverted to Carling.

Again, one not really accessible except by car.  How did the two young girls playing pool get here, surely they're not old enough to drive? The rest of the family arrived to watch the end of the game, resolving that mystery.

The place was pretty busy with customers of all ages, I must say umpteen years ago when kids weren't allowed was better.  The parents should stop them running around but after a few pints they can't be bothered.  In fairness, no such problem in here today, all the little ones were all behaved.

Where next?  The nearest "required" pub is miles away, a bus stop is also at least a mile, so I think it is time to fall back on Uber to take me home.  My choice was supported by the darkening skies I could see from the window.  It's it going to rain?  Or snow??

The Uber driver startled me by being already in the pub car park!  No snow.

I'm otherwise occupied next Saturday, so maybe a survey during the week or maybe a week off, we'll see.

Pub of the day: Griffin
Beer of the day: Wainwright
Miles walked: 3.4
Maybe coming soon: Don't know yet.

A Thursday Wander in Town

I took a random wander around the, er, what is it called?  The entertainment district?  Ropewalks?  Anyway, on a cold windy and wet Thursday afternoon most places were closed.  Eventually I found Merchant:

On entering I spotted a counter where someone was ordering a pizza.  For a moment I thought this might not count as a pub but looking the other way I could see a proper bar counter.  I soon selected Neck Oil for my first drink of the day.

The decor in here is distressed brickwork and plaster, I think they might have borrowed 1936's sledgehammer!  (Or maybe this place belongs to them?)

Anyway, a pleasant enough ambience although it could do with a little more heating.  At two o'clock it was very sparsely populated, just a handful of customers.  The ones I could see were eating, I think I was the only drinker.  Needless to say there wasn't much use made of the garden area.

Where next?  There are lots of places around here worthy of a visit, but on a Thursday afternoon my chances are low!  I'll wander randomly and see what I find...

Almost Famous:

This place is clearly aimed at diners and their menu of burgers looks extremely tempting. However, they are happy to serve drinks at the counter, and I chose the house lager.

There were very few customers at two thirty.

The decor in here is hard to describe, the word fun comes to mind.  I was also pleased to find it was comfortably warm, the previous tick was decidedly chilly.

By a supreme effort I resisted having one of the very desirable burgers.  I don't think I've ever seen a menu with the word bacon so many times on one page!

Quite a lot of walking around failed to find any more places open that I wanted to visit, so onwards to the Pilgrim:

A bit of a questionable tick, this one.  I've been here with friends on a number of occasions since the ever expanding 1936 Pub Co took over, but there is a better choice of real ales upstairs in the Mayflower, so I haven't actually drunk downstairs in the Pilgrim since 2021.  I failed to note which ale I selected, but it was a very good pale one.

This place hasn't really changed over the years, a pleasant cellar bar with booth seating.  The only change 1936 have brought is an improved cask ale offer.  I think the upstairs part was for concerts and functions, now it's the Mayflower.  To be honest, if you can only do one I'd recommend going upstairs, but both are worth visiting.  (And to maximise my stats, I count them as two different pubs.)

Anyway, this one was remarkably busy, certainly compared with today's previous calls.  The background music was mostly drowned out by cheerful chatter from a number of groups.  Once again, the 1936 lot are doing well.

After my extensive wandering I think I've found all the ticks I can so is it time to go home?

Pub of the day: Pilgrim
Beer of the day: Whatever I had in the Pilgrim.
Miles walked: 2.1
Maybe coming soon: Eccleston