Lounging Around

It is quite difficult at the moment to find clusters of pubs overdue for a visit (Hence the taxi ride in the middle of last week's survey) and I was really struggling today, ending up with a plan in two parts with a train ride in between.

I started at James Street station, there are dozens of bars around here including two I have never visited.  My notes showed one was open all day and the other opens at one, so where did I go at half twelve?  Yes, the wrong one, what an idiot - I had a piece of paper in my bag noting the opening times but I still went to the closed one!

Anyway, a short additional walk soon found me at what should have been the first target, Brasco Lounge:

This is another member of the "something-o Lounge" chain, of which I see there are nearly 200 scattered all over the country.  I have ticked a few of them and I quite like their decor style, and although food-led drinkers seem to be welcomed.  Always popular, and they usually offer some interesting keg.

The standard formula of fun eclectic decor is what I found here, and this one has a bare concrete ceiling.  A good range of craft from which I selected Kaleidoscope from Wiper and True, which I've never heard of before.  As promised by the tap badge, it was a fruity IPA and I really enjoyed it.

The place was very busy at one on a Saturday, in fact I half expected to be rebuffed by the waitress guarding the door, instead she allocated me an armchair at a tiny table which would be totally unsuitable for dining.  (To be clear, that's not a complaint, I had said I only wanted a drink so my place was ideal.)

As I enjoyed my pint the room seemed to empty a little, there were a few free tables by the time I left.

So, time to double back and try again.  Can I be bothered?  Well, there are umpteen bars on Castle Street, but just one I've never ticked, so I was keen to complete the set at Cactus Bar:

This Mexican themed corridor bar is pleasant enough.  At half one I was the only customer, the barmaid who had rejected me an hour ago gave no sign of recognition.  The draft beers were Mahou, Corona and Camden Pale, I suppose I should have had pseudo-Mexican Corona, brewed in Wales, but I chose Mahou which Google tells me is still brewed in Spain, although I'm not convinced about that.  £5.50 for a schooner (2/3 pint) ouch.

The music was way too loud for an empty bar.  The barmaid busied herself sorting things behind the counter and waiting in vain for another customer.  I suppose if she's just an employee she might be happy to be idle all shift, if she's the landlady obviously not.

I rather wanted to criticise this place but I have to say it is pleasantly decorated and comfortable.  Out of place at the back of the room is an old stained glass window which looks more appropriate to a hundred year old boozer.  Is it original from a former use of the building, or bought in from reclamation, I wonder?

Next, back to the station and on to the second part of today's research, in New Brighton.  I started with another never before visited member of the o-Lounge chain, this one is called Marino Lounge:

Exactly the same as the previous one, once again I waited briefly in the doorway before being pointed to a table.  I repeated my Kaleidoscope as it was so good.

Again, the place was very busy, with just one or two free tables ready for the next diners.  The waiting staff were very busy bringing food out, and I have to say it was tempting.

I had a quick scan of the menu which looks very good.  They don't offer my standard price reference item, fish and chips, so I'll just report that the all day large breakfast is seventeen quid, so not the cheaper end of the market but, I suspect, worth it.  Mind you, one could have a 'spoons breakfast and a pint for half that!

Speaking of Wetherspoon, it seems odd to me that the financial news headlines last week included "Wetherspoon revenue down, profits down" and yet my shares have jumped up by 25%.  I'll never understand the stock market, this is why it's always a gamble!

That's it for new ticks, but there is one here which has passed the five year boundary, so I headed on to the New Brighton Hotel:

At first glance I thought this might be closed but fortunately I was mistaken.  One large attractively decorated room with half a dozen or so customers spread out in the space.  I think there's another room off to the side.

I had a cider here.  The next customer ordered Neck Oil but there was a glass on the tap.  The barman disappeared to the cellar to change the barrel and then poured umpteen pints of froth and eventually gave up and offered something else.

There is one more pub "in" New Brighton overdue for a tick but it's a mile walk each way to the Pilot Boat, so in view of the gale force winds and intermittently heavy precipitation I decided I couldn't be bothered!  Four required ticks of which three were brand new is enough, so let's go home...

Literally as I typed that the rain stopped and the sun came out, but I've decided now!

And, if I might be permitted a non pub related bonus report, my ride back to Liverpool was in number 777004, the only one of the new Merseyrail trains I hadn't yet travelled in.  TICK!!

Pub of the day: Marino Lounge
Beer of the day: Kaleidoscope
Miles walked: 2.4
Merseyside pubs visited in the last five years: 1,033

Town and Country

A bit of worry earlier in the week when I "discovered" there were no buses to today's destination.  Luckily it occurred to me last night that that was highly unlikely so I checked again and got the correct information.  And so I headed out on a sunny Saturday morning, in to town and then on a bus under the river and all the way to the Merseyside border in the middle of Wirral to commence the country part of today's plan at the Red Fox:

It's a Brunning and Price so you know what to expect, this is a beautifully decorated place.

In the bar room I found ten handpumps on the counter.  I selected Peat Bog from Big Bog.  29 beer miles according to the beer list.  A very good porter, but not quite as flavourful as I expected given that the pump clip promised liquorice root.

I have commented before, I think, that this operation does a really good job of being a posh restaurant but still welcoming drinkers and making them comfortable.  I sat in a leather armchair in a part of the room unsuitable for dining - Too many places would have cleared this corner out and put in some more tables.  Mind you, the building really is enormous so I doubt they are often short of seating capacity.

I resisted the tempting wafts of fish and chips and enjoyed my pint.  The bar room was peaceful, just a few conversations.  I could hear more of a hubbub of chat from elsewhere.

I was planning to walk the next leg of my mission but there's a bus soon so, in view of my dodgy knee, I think I'll wait for that.  (I'll try not to go on about my knee too much.)

On to Thornton Hough and the Seven Stars:

What a pleasant village local this is, ticking over at two on a Saturday with regulars chatting with the bar staff.  They are down to one cask, but one is plenty and my Trapper's Hat was spot on.  No one else seemed to be on the real ale.

I was in the "bar" side, I couldn't see how busy the restaurant part was but people were arriving so clearly it was doing OK.

What a nice village with a wonderful pub.  I don't think I could live here, though, unless I could afford car and driver to take me on pub surveys!

Next, a walk to the village of Raby.  As a lifelong "townie" I am always a little nervous of a country road with no footpaths, but my walk was easy and the few cars that passed gave me plenty of space.  The sun shone, the sky was cloudless, it was a pleasant stroll and I soon reached the Wheatsheaf:

This thatched gem hasn't changed since the last time I was here, which was August 2021.  An historic building with a multi room interior.

I selected something hazy and tasty from Thornbridge from a good range of cask ales, and settled in a comfortable corner.

No music in this pub, the only sounds were quiet conversations and the occasional clink of glasses at the counter.

Food came out, toasted sandwiches and a bowl of chips.  Very tempting.

That's three great pints in three beautiful pubs, what's next?  I think it is time to move on to the town section of today's survey and to go down market for a pint of Carling, and yet up market because there's no way I'm walking to the bus stop so I'm going to summon an Uber.  Will there be any around here ready to leap into action?  Yes is the answer, and I was quickly on my way.

The townie in me felt a little like I was coming back to civilization as my joby left the countryside and entered the council estates of Eastham.  He dropped me outside the classic sixties building that is the Rake Hotel:

Down market, maybe, but certainly clean, tidy, and pleasant.  Very quiet at four on a Saturday, I'm sorry to say.

This is a two sided boozer, I suspect the other half is not in use now but it appears to be available when required.

The "dance floor" in here was in use as a parking area for mobility scooters.  If my dodgy knee turns out to be something serious (Unlikely, three pints has pretty much cured it.) I might be on one before too long. There is a running joke amongst pub collectors which says that scooters parked outside is the mark of a proper pub, but here they park them inside which I would say is even better!

Odd?  The big screen was showing Now 80s, that's normal in this sort of pub, the volume was gentle so I'm all in favour.  Three blokes got their drinks and then sat in a row right in front of the screen.  Why?  They continued to chat.  If I'd come here for a chat with my mates I'd face away from the screen and perhaps enjoy the music .  Aha, the explanation:  The barmaid switched the telly to an England footie match which is obviously what they are here for.  I was enjoying the Proclaimers' 500 miles but I think I'm outvoted!

Next, a short walk to the Argyle & Sutherland:

In the past I have had some dodgy cask in here, no danger of that today as the handpumps have all gone.  I couldn't see Carling so I had a cider for a change.  Strongbow is about as "real" as Carling.  And a lot sweeter!

This large sixties construction is very well decorated inside and beautifully cared for.

I was surprised to see the big match wasn't on the many TVs, then one of the regulars asked the landlady to "put the footie on" and she switched channels.  The match still hasn't started.  I finally discovered it is Croatia v England.  I was going to say something stupid about "is it safe?" but I'm the idiot who, five pints in, confuses Croatia with Ukraine for some reason.

Nitpicking pub collectors might want to note the name changes at this pub.  When I came here in 2003 it was the "Argyll & Sutherland Highlander Inn" (And I spelled it Argyle, wrongly I think.).  By 2015 it had become just "Argyll" and more recently it has regained the Sutherland.

Having nearly finished my cider, I looked around.  This is a really well done pub, attractively decorated (It was substantially refurbished in 2023 I believe.) welcoming plenty of locals, this is the formula to go with in the late 2020s.  While I of course miss cask ale I realise this is one of the ways to go forward.  I'm going to predict that this pub will be the same or similar when I come to re-visit it in 2031!  Good thing too.

On the original plan this was the end of the trip, but I discovered there's a new place next door, so I must try the Barrel Inn:

Only one cask ale on in this pleasant comfortable shop conversion, but the Timothy Taylor's Blonde was spot on.  Don't forget, one cask is enough, especially if it is as good as this.  And I got a discount for being a CAMRA member.  They also have a fine selection of keg, including favourites Budvar and Clwb Tropica, and even the famous but boring Hawkstone lager.

I reckon there were more people in this small space than in the whole of the pub next door.  That may be a slight exaggeration but it's not far off.

The background music was mostly drowned out by multiple conversations in here. Given the choice, this is the better place of the two in my opinion.

Six pints, four quality real ales, one new tick; time for home.

Pubs of the day: Wheatsheaf and Red Fox
Beer of the day: Peat Bog
Miles walked: 2.7
Merseyside pubs visited in the last five years: 1,029
Maybe coming soon: Undecided

Good Beer Guide 2027

CAMRA's second attempt at sending me one was eventually successful and it finally arrived today.  I hope whoever ended up with the first copy enjoys it.

In Merseyside seventeen pubs have dropped out since last year, and seventeen have come in.  If you want to know which ones you'll have to buy the book.

St Helens

Where's the Good Beer Guide update, you may be asking.  My early copy was lost in the post so here we are on publication day and I still haven't seen it.  Hmph!!

Anyway, off to St Helens today to mop up a few odds and ends, starting in the Royal Tavern:

(Due to a camera malfunction I didn't get a picture today, this one is from 2021.)

This is a plain comfortable boozer and it was ticking over well at two on a Thursday.  I enjoyed my first Carling of the day, costing £4.10.

A quick scan of the glasses on the table showed that this is not one of the places I'm used to where everyone is on Carling.  I could see Coors, Fosters and Moretti just in my end of the knocked through space.

Cheerful chatter and banter filled the room, with muzac very much in the background.

I checked out the Wheatsheaf over the road.  Inside I could see a counter with beer taps, but there was no furniture, just a decorators ladder in the middle of the room.  I'm sure that's exactly what I saw five years ago as well?

Next, resisting the excellent ale as I passed the Sefton I headed on to the Ice Bar:

This one looks a bit run down, maybe, from the outside, but inside it is a rather stylishly decorated one room place.  It looks almost night-club style, I wonder what it is like in here at ten on a Friday night?  There is a tiny DJ booth in one corner.

At three on a Thursday there were four or five customers, just one conversation and very quiet music mixing with racing commentary from the telly.

Another Carling, only £3.40 in here.

Next, on to the Cornerstone, formerly the Sportsman and the Talbot:

This one's has been refurbished since I was last here, I think.  I entered the lounge side which has traditionally styled decor with wood panelling on walls and counter front, some bare brick.

I selected at random from the three cask ales, Bullet Tooth Tony was a sweet hazy one from the always good Tiny Rebel.  And only £3.40.

I was a little sad to see the place was almost empty, just three other customers in the lounge side and, I suspect, zero in the taproom side.  As I enjoyed my pint more regulars came in.  The beer snob in me tutted as one had Carling and the next Staropramen, but of course I'm wrong and just because I prefer cask ale doesn't mean everyone should.  If the lager drinkers keep the place going then I can enjoy my cask.

What great music.  Green Day's Time of your Life, then Steely Dan's Joker.  On Tuesday I went to see Jon Anderson who was wonderful, but I'm not sure And You And I is really pub music!

Just a couple of doors down was the Newsroom which I see is now the Copper Fox, but it's not open yet so I'll have to come back some time to try it.  Next door is a new one, the Townhouse, same problem.

Next, back towards the station and a pub I fear might have closed (Google is no help.) but let's try the Union Inn:

Oh good; it's open.  A plain clean and tidy two sided boozer, this one ought, if any, to be a dump but it isn't.  Plain, yes, scruffy no.  The true dump has died out in the last twenty years, thank goodness.  Mind you, if I recall correctly this one wasn't a dump when I first came here in the year 2000.

Confirming that this is not a Carling town, the friendly landlady/barmaid poured a pint and a half of Carling down the sink before offering me a pint.  "Have a taste" she said.  I assumed it was the first out today.  She seemed rather surprised when I reported it was OK.  £3.40 I think.

I was a little worried that my lager would taste off as I drank the pint but it didn't, so no complaint at all.

Racing was on the telly, and I think all three of the other customers were watching it.

I was joined by a regular and had a good chat about pubs, the future, and what we miss from forty years ago.  If you are reading this, hello John, it was good to meet you.  He reckoned the Union wouldn't last much longer, I really hope he is wrong, we need proper boozers like this one to survive.

OK, now it's time for home.  Or should I call in to the Royal Alfred by the station.  Obviously yes:

Not a "required" tick, but a pint of White Rat is always good, and I haven't been in here since its most recent refurbishment.  [Memory failure!  Oh yes I have, I ticked it in April and indeed it was recorded in this blog.]  Today I sat in the back space on a comfortable bench seat.

At five on a Thursday this nicely decorated pub was fairly busy, I had no trouble finding a table at which to sit, but quite a few were occupied.  I couldn't see anyone eating although the menu looks quite good; fish and chips £14.95.

With a somewhat up and down history, this pub has at last settled into a great situation, I think, and I hope it continues for ever.

Definitely time for home, if Northern Trains can be bothered...

Pub of the day: Royal Alfred
Beer of the day: White Rat
Miles walked: 2.0
Merseyside pubs visited in the last five years: 1,026
Maybe coming soon: Undecided

Some Classics in Rock Ferry

Off to Rock Ferry on a sunny Saturday afternoon and I started in the Refreshment Rooms:

This one is mainly food oriented but I was welcomed as a drinker, and was soon enjoying a tasty Trappers Hat.  I suppose I should have had the house ale - HMS Conway, brewed by Lees - to try it out.

I wondered if there was a drinkers' room but couldn't see one so I selected a table for three in the main dining room.

About half the tables were occupied at two o'clock on a Saturday, I think everyone else was dining.  I didn't see a menu so I can't comment on the prices.

I rather like this place, pleasant decor with quite a lot of bric-a-brac without getting cluttered.  I was pleased to note that the model Liverpool tram was still on the high shelf.

The waiters and waitresses were mostly kept busy bringing out food, clearing away, and chatting to the regulars; although I did notice one very brief moment when they were all standing idle at the counter.

Next, the Derby Arms:

Now this is a true classic locals' boozer.  Partly knocked through around the servery but retaining separate areas.  I tucked myself in a corner under a telly to down my Carling.

The regulars (I bet they don't get many strangers in here) were watching the football and, mainly, abusing each other with cheerful banter.  Quite a lot of swearwords!

I looked around:  Plain, very clean and tidy, what more could one want.

I felt a little exposed, sitting beneath a TV, but no one took any notice of the old bloke writing on his tablet.  Then, Aston Villa won and they mostly stopped looking at the telly.

On my way to the next target I noted the not previously recorded by me Star Hotel, long closed:

I carried on to the Lord Napier:

As I approached I was more than a little worried as the free standing building was covered in scaffolding.  Once closer I was relieved to see the door was open, perhaps it's OK or is that just for the builders?  I entered with some trepidation, opened the right hand door for the lounge, and was pleased to find a busy room full of cheerful people.  The counter was surrounded, I shouted my order for a Carling and reached through the throng (slight exaggeration) to pay.

There was some kind of betting competition based on horse racing I think.  A large whiteboard was covered in numbers, I couldn't work out what it all meant.  The landlady sat down and filled in a column presumably after a race finished.  The grid was about forty rows by twenty columns, good grief that's complicated!  If I'm being honest I would have thought drunk competitors would be for ever complaining about arithmetic errors!  I guess the people around here are more reasonable than that.

Another classic this one, perhaps more lively than the Derby?  If my memory is to be trusted it was pretty empty when I was here five years ago.  So, has it improved or was that midweek?

A regular moved away from the counter and I spotted a handpump.  No clip, of course, I bet it hasn't served real ale for years.

I noted some rather good comic signs.  Are you sweating whilst putting petrol in your car?  Feeling sick when you pay for it?  You've probably caught the 2026 strain of CarOwnerVirus.

There was some kind of problem with the jukebox, the landlady phoned up the support line and then turned it off and on again.  This seemed to resolve the problem and we were treated to the excellent Papa Was A Rolling Stone as I departed.

Now, back to the station and the Bedford which is also signed as Luke's:

A much larger pub than the previous two, but also a friendly boozer with plenty of regulars, with the extra plus of being next to the station.

A dozen locals were mostly at the counter, the rest of the pleasant plain interior in two sides was mostly empty.  Sky Sports News was just about audible to my right, with intermittent jukebox play at a reasonable volume.

Everton moved to 2-0 up and then back to 1-0.  I think maybe a goal shouldn't be displayed until all the processes have been completed.

"Only" four ticks today but that's good enough.  It is wonderful to see the "locals' boozer" doing so well, long may it continue.  Let's go home.  Will I get through the city before all the Everton fans come?  I did, despite finding all the up escalators and the lift broken at Lime Street.

Pub of the day: Refreshment Rooms
Beer of the day: Trappers Hat
Miles walked: 2.4
Merseyside pubs visited in the last five years: 1,022
Maybe coming soon: Undecided

Crosby

I was watching the Great British Pub Crawl on YouTube last week and Dale came to Crosby.  I was somewhat miffed to see he ticked three places I've never been in, so it's time to rectify those omissions.

I set off on this historic date.  Was it really twenty-five years ago?  I was only fifty miles away from one of the sites back than, and it was a slightly surreal experience.  I struggled to phone the UK to confirm I was OK, presumably because everyone else was trying to do the same.  We were all sent home from work and the whole city was quieter than I'd ever seen it.  (A few days later they cancelled my pilot's license and never let me fly again.)

Today, I started at One Five Six:

I must confess I'd spotted this place last time I was around here but looking across the road I had decided it was a restaurant, so I didn't go closer.

It is certainly more of a restaurant, but I was welcome for a pint of Paulaner.  I couldn't see any taps, which initially put me off, but the beer appeared from the back so I'm guessing they do have draught. There were eight craft beers listed on the board. Er well, seven and Guinness. Special thanks to the Pub Crawl because even if I'd peered in the window I would have seen no taps and not come in.

The mainly green decor is rather good in here.  I didn't see anyone else drinking beer, plenty of coffees were being served.

It was quite quiet when I started but by the end of my pint it was nearly full.  In fact, I gave up my table for six and moved to sit at the counter so the large group could sit together.

I see from the sign that they have live music upstairs.

Just round the corner is Norseman which was Inside No. 4 last time I was here, in 2024.  I'm told they have cask ale but I'm going to have to give them a miss today as I already have six targets to go at, and seven would be too many, I think.

I strolled on towards the centre.  Hampsons is now Blue Bird, Rocksalt is now Salt Rock, and Angus is now Goose by the Green.  I skipped them all and headed for a new one, Ironman:

What an impressive space, this shop conversion on two floors. Bare brick and ironwork, and a nicely done wooden counter.

I selected a fine pint of Neptune's Ezili from the four handpumps.  It came in an Ironman branded sleeve.

I was disappointed to see I was the only customer at two on a Friday; where is everyone?  We need more customers in great pubs like this, or they will end up closed. (I see Whitbread have given up on pubs and their Beefeater and Table Table brands are closing, except to serve Premier Inn residents.)

Finally another drinker came in, at last customers equal staff, just fifty more and we'll be cooking!

Just over the road is a great pub, and it is overdue for a tick (Five years and two days!), so Stamps Bar is next:

Ah, White Rat, what more could one ask!  There were five or six handpumps to choose from, they've also got the excellent Jarl.

Not quite as empty as Ironman, but hardly busy.  A pleasant eclectically decorated space on two floors (I don't think I've ever looked upstairs)

Am I allowed a grumble?  I noticed a regular who was standing at the counter got a much more carefully topped up pint of ratty than I did!  (Even better, the next regular to come in got a kiss from the landlady/barmaid which I think would be preferable to a top-up any day.  I should be so lucky!)

More customers came in, and the barmaid was busy pouring more ratty.  In my sixty five years I have got used to my tastes being different to the majority of the population, but with White Rat it would appear that with one of my favourite beers I'm on trend!

Next, another one from Dale's video, Koko:

Odd this one; it looks like a restaurant/bar but there wasn't any sign inside of food.  I ordered a pint of Moretti, and sat at a table to enjoy it.

Only two other people in here, and the couple were clearly regulars.  Again, I ask where are all the customers on a Friday afternoon?  I thought 2020s office workers didn't go in on a Friday so surely they should be out for a drink by now?

I spotted the tea and coffee menu.  Have I complained before (probably multiple times if I'm honest) that 2.5 is not a valid price, if it's £2.50 then write that!

Next, a traditional pub and another five years and two days tick, the George:

Dale really liked this one and I had to agree, it looks great inside.  I changed my mind when I tasted my pint of Bass, which was well past its best.

The place was busier than the previous ticks, so clearly cask quality is not the way to get customers.  Pity.

Years ago I grumbled about the brewery tat and decor in here, today there was none of that, it is a great historic boozer and if only they could serve a decent pint they would deserve to do well.

I abandoned my terrible ale and headed out.  Finally, Frankie's.  Ah.  No.  It's gone.

So, I could do with a proper boozer to finish on.  Nowhere better than Larkins:

(Picture from last year)  Now this is a proper place; a tiny space hidden on a side street.  There were only two other customers at four on a Friday.  My Carling (In a Carling glass) was spot on, just what I needed to wash my mouth out!

Once again, I'm concerned that this one is not busier on a Friday afternoon, where is everyone?  On the other hand, as people left, others came in, at least they're ticking over. Looks like the ones who departed and the new customers all knew the landlady so are clearly regulars.

Time for home, 3 new ones and 2 overdue revisits; that'll do.

Pub of the day: Ironman
Beer of the day: Ossett White Rat
Miles walked: 2.0
Merseyside pubs visited in the last five years: 1,022
Maybe coming soon: Undecided

Old Swan

I headed to Old Swan for a few required ticks, starting at the Millfield Inn.  But it isn't there any more.  Instead I found what I think is the same location, signed as a "Bakery club" but the shutters were down so I don't know what that is.  Google hasn't heard of it.

Next Hoggin's:

Very hard to photograph in Saturday afternoon traffic!

This is a plain nicely done out shop conversion.  The population of four or five regulars were a little noisy as I enjoyed my Guinness.  (No aggro, just a lot of cheerful shouting.)

This place was a pleasant surprise five years ago when I didn't know it existed.  It carries on pretty much the same in 2026.

The music was a odd mix including Irish comedy, folk music both Irish and Kate Rusby, and then Ave Maria.  Not too loud so no complaints.

Next, a short stroll northwards to Cask:

For some reason I haven't visited this excellent place since 2017 - A very foolish omission.

Thirty seconds after opening time (I had wondered if I would have to wait, but the door was open.) there were no other customers.  I selected a pint of not seen before Moorhouses NZ Pale, which was excellent.

I wondered when customer number two would come in.  The answer was 15:12, number three at 15:16.

This is a pleasant shop conversion nicely decorated.  The diorama around the top of the walls that I had admired nine years ago has gone, although the long shelf seems to have survived. I seem to recall it was busy in here last time, unlike today.

I got chatting to one of the regulars and once he had spotted the book I had casually laid on the table I got a number of updates for my database.  Most interesting, perhaps, was the news that the Angel on Bold Street is now open.

Back to Old Swan next, and the Old Tavern:

Well, this is a bit different compared with the previous two visits.  Because it is busy.  Not so packed I couldn't get a seat, so I was happy.

I eyed up the range of standard kegs and chose cider for a change.  South West Orchards, it said on the glass, and I must say it was rather good.

There was sixtieth birthday celebration, the twenty or thirty people were what was making the place feel full.  If I could have got that many people to celebrate my sixtieth I would have been very happy - And very surprised!

What next?  I have done the three main targets around here, but there are plenty of other pubs that are technically not "required".  I think I might treat myself to the Wetherspoon so I can finish with another decent ale.  So, on to the Navigator:

And you can't get much better than Jaipur!  And only £1.90 with a CAMRA voucher.  The spoons was, as one might expect at five on a Saturday, pretty busy.  Although not so full that I couldn't get a seat and a table.  The soundtrack here was simply lots of cheerful chatter. Drinkers were drinking, diners were dining, everyone was happy and comfortable.  What more could one ask for?

It occurred to me that I ought to bring an audio recorder one day, this sound is not as common as it used to be.  It has been the soundtrack to some of the best parts of my life and I need to preserve it before it is gone for ever.  On the other hand, you need the smells and other senses, so maybe just a sound recording wouldn't be enough?

Time for home, three required ticks, two real ales, that'll do!

Pub of the day: Cask
Beer of the day: Jaipur
Miles walked: 2.4
Merseyside pubs visited in the last five years: 1,020
Maybe coming soon: Crosby

Allerton Road

Off to Allerton Road today hoping to pick up a few overdue and new ticks.  I started in the Tavern Co, last visited way back in 1999:

This one looks more like a restaurant from outside which is probably why I haven't been in for so long.  But once inside there is a "bar" end and I was welcome to buy a pint of Shipyard at the counter and sit at a small table in a room which was not laid out for dining. I could even have sat at the counter if I preferred.

Compared with my vague reflections from 27 (wow) years ago I think they may have expanded into neighbouring premises since then?  The decor in the bar end is very pleasant with wood panelling and miscellaneous bric-a-brac.

There was (silent) football on the telly, it looks like Man U are not doing well!

I wandered down the road looking for a safe place to cross as my next objective was just over the road.  But I found Pablinos which I didn't know existed, it would be rude not to go in.

Rather well done white and grey decor in here, and everything was decorated for a 21st party later.  I wondered if this place was functions only but the friendly barmaid/landlady was happy to pour me a lager.  She said they'd done a thirteenth birthday yesterday and had a ninetieth coming up, so a great age range. She didn't say what time today's do starts, I fear I'll stick out like a sore thumb if they start arriving!

No other customers at two on a Saturday afternoon so I'm guessing their main income is functions, it was good of the her to serve me a beer.  It was Modelo, by the way.

I looked around.  There's something rather special about the decor, all black and white and grey.  Someone has some design talent.

Next, I crossed the road as originally planned, to visit Leaf:

Rather fun quirky decor in here, mixing greenery and cable trays.

More of a restaurant, this one, I had to sit down and then order my pint of Poretti.  Almost everyone was eating, I think, but there were also plenty of empty tables so they weren't going to turn down a sale of a pint of lager.  (For which, I reminded myself, I hadn't yet paid.)

There was a steady flow of customers in and out, keeping the waitresses busy.  The food looked good, I must say.

I was somewhat irritated to see a card on the table advertising Christmas parties.  In August??!!  I have grumbled in the past about pubs advertising Christmas dos in September, I think this breaks the record.  I turned the card round to discover they were trying to sell parties in January to March 2027.  Good grief, talk about wishing your life away.

Where next?  At the other end of the road is Memo's, but is it just a restaurant?

Another one that is, perhaps, on the restaurant side of the line, but once again perfectly willing to sell me a pint of Efes.  In the correct glass.

Bloody hell, I can see their Christmas Day menu on display, clearly the year is nearly over!  My mind took a random wander:  Actually, as someone who will be spending his Christmas alone, I wonder if maybe I should come to somewhere like this.  How would I get here?  I think it would have to be a walkable distance on that day.  Perhaps one of my local restaurants would be better?  I seriously think that might be a good idea, in 65 years I've never eaten out on Christmas day but I'm not going to rule it out.  Oh, wait, I was working in Dubai one year, and I dined in a Thai restaurant on Christmas day, I think.

Anyway, back to Memo's.  A very well done room, decor wise, I don't know what to say, it's just attractive.  The way the staff were interacting with the customers was very good.  I think if I lived near here I would be booking my Christmas dinner! And coming here on a regular basis.

Finally, on to Dead Crafty Beer Company:

I've done the branch in town a couple of times, they seem to specialise in weird strong ones, and this one is just the same.

I selected, er, I forget what, something fruity and sour, oh my goodness it had the texture of porridge, really thick, creamy sweet and fruity - Fantastic.  I got up and re-checked the beer menu, it is Azvex MANA.  So thick and tasty, more like a meal than a drink.  I pity the poor cellarman who has to clean the pipes after this one!

Leaving the beer aside for a moment, this is a small shop conversion with about sixteen keg taps offering a splendid range of unusual beers.  I must say I did wonder whether someone just wanting an "ordinary" beer would be able to get a drink they liked in here.

Azvex MANA.  Pow!!!  Definitely time for home, if it counts as beer (more like a fruit smoothie) that was beer of the day, perhaps beer of the year?  Four places never before visited, and the other dated from 1999, that's a really good result.

Pub of the day: DCBC
Beer Drink of the day: Azvex MANA
Miles walked: 1.6
Merseyside pubs visited in the last five years: 1023
Maybe coming soon: Old Swan

Newton-le-Willows

It is five years and a day since I last surveyed Newton-le-Willows, making all the pubs there "required", so off I headed on a beautifully sunny Saturday afternoon.

I walked along the main street photographing all the targets as I passed.  Do you think the photos today will be better than the usual standard of this blog, because they were all taken sober?  I doubt it!

At the far end is the Oak Tree so I started there:

Many years ago this one had a "rustic" interior, I seem to recall, plain but pleasant now.  I also noticed, outside, that it has lost its Greene King branding.

No real ale apparently, so I thought I'd try the (in)famous Hawkstone lager, Jeremy Clarkson's brew.  I've only read bad things about it but I wanted to try it for myself.  I'm only five years behind everyone else!  Anyway, it has a touch more flavour than a Carling, perhaps, maybe it's a little sweet for my taste?  Not worth the £6.60 I paid, anyway!

As I drank, the barman/landlord started pulling through one of the handpumps, so I guess they do have cask ales sometimes.  Too late for my visit, though.

The pub was ticking over gently but I'm not sure the was enough custom to justify three bar staff and presumably a chef.  Some of the regulars were a little shouty, but nothing to complain about really.  The menu of pub standards looks ok, fish and chips at £12.50 is quite a good price nowadays - it costs nearly that much in my local chippy.

Next, one I didn't know about until I walked past, Drinkworthy:

No draft beers in this bottle shop/bar but there is a comfortable drinking area where one can enjoy one of their extensive range of bottled and canned beers, or wines.

I selected Kasteel Rouge which was very good, of course. Served in a Kasteel glass as it should be.  As I enjoyed my cherry beer I scanned the shelves more carefully.  Wow, Rochefort 6,8, or 10, Delirium Tremens or Red, Lindeman's Kreik or Cassis, some proper German rauchbier, umpteen tasty looking cans from multiple UK breweries including local Glen Affric.  I think I need to come here with a large shopping bag and get some stock for home.  But not today.

Four other customers were enjoying their drinks, three on wine, one on beer.  I wondered how the wine works if you only want a glass - One couple were on their second bottle so no problem there.

I came here having noticed this place on my way up to the Oak Tree.  Coming back from there I passed the Willow & Ram and saw people outside with beers, so maybe that's another one I need for a first tick.  I doubled back:

This pleasant cafe bar is nicely decorated, I like the 1930s lampshades, the glitter ball doesn't really match but altogether it is very good.  I wonder what the odd name is about.

I had Damm Complot session IPA, which the internet tells me is a 6% IPA brewed by Damm in Spain.  The first mouthful was very thin after the Kasteel, the second was flavoursome and a little fruity, rather good.  It came in the correct glass.

I noticed I hadn't paid yet so perhaps this isn't a bar, in the strictest rules?  On the other hand I couldn't see any food, nor menus.  The other six customers were sitting outside, I was the only one inside.  As I enjoyed my IPA some food went outside, so it's not all drink here.

A sign said "We are cashless!  Cash tips still welcome".

Now my plans are in a mess, I had aimed to tick all the pubs so I wouldn't need to come again for another five years, but finding two new ones leaves me with a problem, as I don't think I can cope with seven pints.  Mind you, two brand new ticks and a gorgeous Belgian beer means I'm not complaining.  Maybe I should take it easy and then come back later for some more visits?

Anyway, on to the Pied Bull:

The outside part at the front was packed in the warm weather, but inside it was relatively quiet.  The only pump clip provided me with a fine pint of Landlord.

The staff were busy serving outside customers, although most of those came in to fetch their own orders.  Do they do food in here?  I didn't see any but that doesn't prove anything.

My thoughts drifted.  If the weather was wet everyone would want to be inside and so it would be packed.  It must be difficult for a pub to decide how many staff to call in, presumably some of them are on zero hours contracts and only get paid if the weather is good.

I checked the trains going home, I'm cutting it fine for the next one, ah but it is running fifteen late so should be a comfortable connection after all.

I have done a few surveys recently where I can't remember the details of the last pub, including one recent occasion where the notes I make as I go just tailed off mid sentence.  Thus, I am quite pleased to only do four today, and leave the others for a subsequent trip.  I've got the idea of something special in Drinkworthy followed by the remaining three ticks here, that would be a good day out.  Maybe quite soon...

I re-checked my train home.  Cancelled.  Can I repeat my complaint that nationalising the trains has only resulted in worse service?  I'm stranded unless I cough up for an Uber.  So, contrary to the plan from just a few moments ago, I might as well carry on drinking...

Across the road is the Firkin:

This is a rather fine example of the "micro pub", and on a Saturday afternoon it is popular but not packed.  About eight hand pulled ales on, I selected a gorgeous vanilla stout from Brass Castle.

The bar was busy but, as I say, not packed, everyone else seemed to be a regular.  Too many dogs, but that's just my preducice.

What a surprise, the next train home is already showing as late, even though it hasn't started moving yet, the service here really is useless.  I wonder if it will actually turn up?  (And, more importantly, actually stop and let me get on.)  The problem with knowing a little about railway operations is that I could see "my" train heading into Manchester Airport, shortly after it was supposed to leave, so I already knew there would be a problem.  But would they skip my stop, like the one an hour ago, or would I actually get a ride home?  Annoyingly, I can't claim compensation because I get these trips for free anyway.  "Only" eight minutes late, my desired train headed out from Manchester Airport, so perhaps I will get home before too long?  Aha!  The stops between the airport and Manchester Piccadilly are cancelled, so it should be closer to being on time ... maybe ...

While I waited grumpily for my train, I enjoyed the cheerful atmosphere of this excellent bar.  The umpteen customers all seemed happy, what more could one ask?

So, I headed for home, leaving Newton-le-Willows with just the Stocks and the Kirkfield overdue for a visit.  Five required ticks, two brand new, is a good crop.

Pub of the day: Firkin
Beer of the day: Kasteel Rouge
Miles walked: 1.5
Merseyside pubs visited in the last five years: 1,019
Maybe coming soon: Undecided.

A Wander in Town

Perhaps a sunny Saturday in August is not the best time for a survey in central Liverpool but here we are!  According to my database I haven't been in the Lime Kiln for five years and three days.  Surely it's not that long, but anyway it is always worth a visit so let's start there:

A great way to start a survey, a fine pint of Kirkstall Dissolution, a slightly fruity IPA.  Needless to say  the place was very busy, but not completely packed and I got a table in a quiet (ish) corner.

I noticed my Wetherspoon shares are creeping upwards in value, well deserved in my opinion as they continue to provide good beer at great prices (My pint was £1.90 with a CAMRA voucher).  It seems odd to me that no other chain manages to compete with them, it's not as if the formula is complex or secret.

Across the way is what used to be the never visited Modo, I think, and there was also the Kiosk which was underneath if I recall correctly from my 1998 visit.  Now it is DeLuca's:

The terrace in front was doing a great trade but always the contrarian I headed inside to the the beautifully done out and totally deserted interior.  My pint of Staropramen came unexpectedly in a standard conic, usually places that sell it have the correct glass. £7.50!

I was interested to note that my contactless payment appeared as Modo on my phone.  I am responsible for online payments for an organisation (nothing to do with pubs) and I had thought that my failure to correct the message that appears on customers' statements was my fault, but perhaps not.

The outside facing counter was busy, with three staff kept busy, my side was quiet and no one else sat inside.  Some people on the terrace were getting waiter/ress service, I saw a tray of about a dozen shots of something red go out.

At this point today's lack of planning revealed itself, where next?  I wandered randomly for a while, noting that Red Door has reverted to one of its older names; Black Horse and Rainbow. But I was only in there last year so a visit is not really required yet.

My next move was to the Grapes, similarly not required but I went in anyway:

Always a favourite, this one.  A quick scan of the pumps and I selected Neptune's Black Cherry Stout, which turned out to be superb.

I took my seat in a quiet corner and watched as umpteen customers came in and out, the place was certainly doing a good trade.  There were clearly some groups of blokes on pub crawls, suddenly filling the place up.  Nonetheless, the seats in my corner remained vacant.  A number of people ignored the "no drinks outside at any time" sign, I hope that doesn't put the licence at risk.

Next, back to Berry Street, and what's this?  Chamber Thirty Six.  Didn't I go in one called that in Wavertree?

Clearly aimed at the dining customer, but the waitress was happy to pour me a pint of Asahi and give me a small table by the counter.  I didn't pay for it immediately, she "opened a tab" for me.  So maybe it doesn't count as a bar?

The decor was Chinese in style but not over the top, I really liked it.

I think the other place with the same name, in Wavertree, is now closed?  At least, that's what my database says.

I paid for my pint, £6.20, and headed out.  Over the road is the Petit Cafe du Coin which used to be the Whitehouse:

Definitely an up market sort of place, and another one where I got a pint without immediately paying, but nonetheless a very pleasant bar.

My Estrella Galacia came in the proper glass, of course.  The other options were Asahi and Staropramen.

As I drifted into an alcohol induced haze (and I've only had four and a half pints so far) I must say I really liked this one.  Busy but not packed, as long as I remember I haven't paid yet I'll be OK.

Finally, a tick I had wanted to do for some time, the Royal Institution Bar:

To be honest, I had wondered if this was a members only sort of place, it was unclear on their website, but I just walked in, entered a small nicely decorated room on the right and immediately had a pint of Mahou, and paid six quid.  Google says this is brewed in Spain.

No one else was in, at four o'clock, perhaps it's a bit early for the cocktail crown.  I was pleased to have paid my £6.00 immediately.  I still need to explore and to find where the gents is.

Good grief, is this six pints?  Surely not!  There are other spaces in the building, but either I didn't explore, or I don't remember what I found.  Definitely time for home.

Pub of the day: Grapes
Beer of the day: Neptune Black Cherry Stout
Miles walked: 1.8
Merseyside pubs visited in the last five years: 1,018
Maybe coming soon: Newton-le-Willows

Birkdale

Amazon decided they would deliver a parcel on Saturday so I quickly rescheduled my survey to Friday, and headed under grey skies towards Birkdale, getting off the train at Hillside.

I've mentioned before that sometimes I have to walk past good pubs because I'm heading for somewhere else.  So I ignored the Pines and the Grasshopper and headed on to the Crown:

A standard Ember Inns, this, perhaps less twee than most?  Pleasant and peaceful inside with not many customers at two on a Friday.  At least, it was peaceful until something upset the dogs.  I know this opinion is unpopular but I prefer dogs to be kept outside.  Eventually the family and dogs left and calm was restored.

I selected Boddingtons, I don't often see the new version from Lees.  Was the real Boddies this bland?  It wasn't my favourite back in the early eighties when I lived in Manchester, but it was good enough.  I wonder if the easy availability of very flavoursome beers (e.g. White Rat, Oakham Citra, anything from Peerless etc etc) has resulted in "ordinary" bitters seeming dull nowadays.

Once the dogs had departed I think there were only three customers in here, surely that is not enough to make a profit?  Later four more people came in, and then more.

Across the road is Taylors, will it be open?  Google says yes but my eyes say no.  Maybe at two o'clock?  I had spotted a "Sorry, we're closed" sign in the door and it seemed to still be there ... but wait, on closer inspection it has been turned round!  In we go:

Just the cheerful barmaid and I in the pleasant interior of this place.  I'm not sure what market they are aiming at; is it a cocktail bar?  There were no cocktail or wine lists visible on the tables or on the wall.  Never mind, there were two handpumps and my Wainwright Gold was tasty.  I wonder if this is that fake real ale CAMRA are complaining about?  Good anyway.

The decor is a bit hard to define, "contemporary" is suitably meaningless so no one can say I'm wrong!  Anyway, it is pleasant and comfortable in here.  Too many high tables, perhaps, but plenty of proper height seats as well.

I found myself wondering why anyone would come in here instead of the Crown over the road.  What does this one offer that Ember Inns don't?  That's where a good wine and or cocktail menu might come in, perhaps?

No one came or went while I enjoyed my pint.  The barmaid was busy sorting out behind the counter, she was out of my vision but I could hear the slicing of lemons (guess) and then the clink of bottles being arranged.

Outside, the weather looked even greyer.  Am I going to get wet?  We'll see.  Next, a long walk to somewhere I believe is probably closed but I need to check, the Woollen Pig.  Still standing, but not open, this was a rather quirky place; mainly a bakery but offering beer including real ale and I'm sorry to find it has gone.

Next, on to the Beer Den:

A pleasant shop conversion, larger than most, perhaps two or three shops knocked through.

The friendly barmaid abandoned her position up a ladder cleaning the front windows and served me a pint of Fell Walker I think it was.  Definitely past its best, I'm afraid, possibly the first out of the pump today?

Two other customers and one dog (well behaved but I'd still prefer it outside) were hardly keeping the place going, it was half three by now.  I seem to recall finding this place packed last time and thinking I might have to stand.  I checked my own blog, yes, that's right, it was very busy on a sunny Friday just five years and a week ago, so here's a clear indication of the decline of pub custom.  Mind you, maybe they'd get more customers if the beer was better.

Now I've got a number of options.  A very long walk would get me to three pubs last visited in 2022, at least one of which may well be closed.  Or I could take the lazier choice and head the other way, towards Birkdale station, possibly with a call or two on the way.  Lazy it is, of course...

So, on to the unusually named Upsteps:

Now this is a truly great pub and I'm glad I came here even though it's not due a visit yet - Last time was in 2024.  As I approached I could hear the noise from inside.  No, not karaoke, not loud music, not arguments, not even dogs barking; just a hubbub of cheerful chatter.

I tried to ease between the blokes sitting at the counter and the on-the-ball landlady/barmaid had my order before I reached the front.  Two real ales on, I had Wainwright.  Spot on, and it came in a Wainwright glass.

What can I say about this magnificent local's boozer?  Everyone knows everyone else, and welcomes their friends when they come in.  This is one of the best pubs in Merseyside, I think. One day I'll have to come here sober to see what it's really like!!  Two bar staff are kept busy, that's not something I've seen so far today.

The grey weather had faded away and the sun was shining.  Maybe one more now I'm on the way to the station.  I was aiming for the Barrel House, a great micro pub, but hang on a moment, what's the Oosha Ba:

Well I never, a new one.  The menu concentrates on wine and cocktails but they also offer six draft beers including Neck Oil, in the correct Beavertown glass.

Popular but not completely packed at five on a Friday, this tiny bar is nicely decorated including a bare brick fireplace - Is it original?  Looks good anyway.

So, time for home.  4 required ticks, including one brand new one, not bad at all.  And I'll be in for my parcel tomorrow!

Pub of the day: Upsteps
Beer of the day: Wainwright
Miles walked: 3.2
Merseyside pubs visited in the last five years: 1,014
Maybe coming soon: Cains Brewery