tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35797868834310745872024-03-29T03:29:37.395+00:00Merseyside Pub GuideThe Researcher's BlogUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger373125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579786883431074587.post-60042008922778860092024-03-16T23:02:00.001+00:002024-03-17T01:24:52.959+00:00Earlestown<p>Today I headed east to Earlestown where there are a number of pubs overdue for a revisit. I began by walking past some good targets which I will get on the way back, to Vulcan Village and the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=655" target="_blank">Vulcan Inn</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-rm6TRGxh0EIVR0tPe6wkodBUJolQKnISQwaBsaGDk2r5WRTQYPLNAUH3oobv3ZNxLjyvgc__qiJe45yBi1VuLlaazD-i1dxsUJJxY2mJHwEQzpzETWURJmI582FWZywrbNnSzDMlHkmlZBuPiMlLzflFyJdfKQWTfs8Bi2XlbNnp74aCIcQhzIX2t0/s3264/5316-d-dscf0260-Newton-le-Willows--Vulcan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-rm6TRGxh0EIVR0tPe6wkodBUJolQKnISQwaBsaGDk2r5WRTQYPLNAUH3oobv3ZNxLjyvgc__qiJe45yBi1VuLlaazD-i1dxsUJJxY2mJHwEQzpzETWURJmI582FWZywrbNnSzDMlHkmlZBuPiMlLzflFyJdfKQWTfs8Bi2XlbNnp74aCIcQhzIX2t0/w400-h300/5316-d-dscf0260-Newton-le-Willows--Vulcan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I used up all my Star Trek jokes last time I was here so I won't do that today. My pre flight checks had shown this as closed, and indeed it was.</p><p>Back the way I came and next is the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=656" target="_blank">Wargrave Hacienda</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTh1fF1rHfU6oyhLkW1PWDkvWPFif_WQA5AKaz2eWUUxdBpfNc5U2YrCRRbZ7ijVImLmnMOMVTyfE9LWO-Vg1wbiGj2FhhTDoOUONU7SDIBIiD7qD3vrE1qA75gOrsYGl_4CqzaW8VaRLHhfUrDQcZ04g2G96DzbkoE1OpKNbELeuR1ra2UaGSFup8JM/s3264/5316-d-dscf0259-Newton-le-Willows--Hacienda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTh1fF1rHfU6oyhLkW1PWDkvWPFif_WQA5AKaz2eWUUxdBpfNc5U2YrCRRbZ7ijVImLmnMOMVTyfE9LWO-Vg1wbiGj2FhhTDoOUONU7SDIBIiD7qD3vrE1qA75gOrsYGl_4CqzaW8VaRLHhfUrDQcZ04g2G96DzbkoE1OpKNbELeuR1ra2UaGSFup8JM/w400-h300/5316-d-dscf0259-Newton-le-Willows--Hacienda.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Facebook says it opens at 12:30 but it didn't. Google says 15:00 but I'll be well away by then. So two fails out of two so far!</p><p>A little further on is the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=654" target="_blank">Victoria</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhqILi7b4GByxhvy2cp7xP5iY2C9hnE21oADC-n1Ald7vyjQETz5vnoAX1aMUlS8Tn57j8rAE5GSn6zjbyYGYbN19fzJ9-ndqwO1F_cXkCoAyf7Mhfy_j2XcIwWo3b2Qc_0niMqBvBFvsDBSJL1cPGd71yuNSBZSCpvvSf-Y-gQULWyXq3e3Na_ltqxM/s3264/5316-d-dscf0257-Newton-le-Willows--Victoria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2180" data-original-width="3264" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhqILi7b4GByxhvy2cp7xP5iY2C9hnE21oADC-n1Ald7vyjQETz5vnoAX1aMUlS8Tn57j8rAE5GSn6zjbyYGYbN19fzJ9-ndqwO1F_cXkCoAyf7Mhfy_j2XcIwWo3b2Qc_0niMqBvBFvsDBSJL1cPGd71yuNSBZSCpvvSf-Y-gQULWyXq3e3Na_ltqxM/w400-h268/5316-d-dscf0257-Newton-le-Willows--Victoria.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This one was a "closed when it should be open" failure last time I surveyed round here, so I haven't been in since 2010. No such problem today, and I was soon drinking a Carling in this comfortable two sided pub.</p><p>I adjourned to the extension at the back, an empty dining area hopefully ready for lots of food later.</p><p>One barmaid was busy inflating green balloons in preparation for tonight and/or tomorrow's celebrations.</p><p>I know I seem to write this in almost every pub, but once again this one is nicely decorated, well maintained and spotlessly clean. It really is a comfortable place, only needing cask ale to make it a favourite.</p><p>Next, another pub that, like the Victoria, I had seen open on my way down, the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1270" target="_blank">Sunbeam</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGLA1Xvq14UNHLesxJluVI4xgl1FeRIcsTaGyPACp-FGuQSlCc9SDFbzlTK6ZOb2zW_TRsdkUdHEnTnyMnJ63V2JSIVp70hZHDMFykLjm8UIHPJIhS2gjVn7VvlsmTkFtLdIULp_7sZuPlXd4VY6HVNVNcKuN7KYxWMa9j_oyga_wbKPkFGm_DLvHXtA/s3264/5316-d-dscf0253-Newton-le-Willows--Sunbeam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGLA1Xvq14UNHLesxJluVI4xgl1FeRIcsTaGyPACp-FGuQSlCc9SDFbzlTK6ZOb2zW_TRsdkUdHEnTnyMnJ63V2JSIVp70hZHDMFykLjm8UIHPJIhS2gjVn7VvlsmTkFtLdIULp_7sZuPlXd4VY6HVNVNcKuN7KYxWMa9j_oyga_wbKPkFGm_DLvHXtA/w400-h300/5316-d-dscf0253-Newton-le-Willows--Sunbeam.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>A classic down market two sided back street boozer this one, perhaps not as "nice" as the Victoria but still clean, pleasant and comfortable.</p><p>Just five regulars were watching the FA cup, the rest of the pub was empty apart from some children in the other side. I had Guinness this time, it is after all Paddy's Day tomorrow although I was pleased to note there's no sign of it in here.</p><p>They've got one of those backwards clocks, so confusing after a few pints!</p><p>On to the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1208" target="_blank">Old Crow</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhmpYsOD0ihvWKIe35373Dt-9eiYD264_JPhdy2ZMDcLvrVzh5QC5z9NyVfl3RdacMj_ZpwWtp812NU8EByxJHP56Z-rcAbMJCJpWi8W6M2thoP8yeY5f-ZeHZVyNOuZi3p4oDA6ObgYjBECJgg9DEO7P8m9X8b1n6_eOjUGGdS-dO9Pu6ZcGtIqG80A/s3264/5316-d-dscf0261-Newton-le-Willows--Old-Crow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhmpYsOD0ihvWKIe35373Dt-9eiYD264_JPhdy2ZMDcLvrVzh5QC5z9NyVfl3RdacMj_ZpwWtp812NU8EByxJHP56Z-rcAbMJCJpWi8W6M2thoP8yeY5f-ZeHZVyNOuZi3p4oDA6ObgYjBECJgg9DEO7P8m9X8b1n6_eOjUGGdS-dO9Pu6ZcGtIqG80A/w400-h300/5316-d-dscf0261-Newton-le-Willows--Old-Crow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I was a little concerned as I approached to see some closed doors, but a closer look revealed an open one, thank goodness. I seem to remember a similar moment of doubt last time I came here, it does look like it's shut doesn't it.</p><p>This large two bar pub was pretty quiet, I joined four or five regulars in the left hand side (No idea if there is a bar/lounge difference.) There were two or three people in the other side as well.</p><p>Clean, well maintained and comfortable once again, and for the third time today a worrying lack of customers on a Saturday afternoon. I've said it before and I'll probably say it again: Use it or lose it, people, I can't save all the pubs on my own.</p><p>Now, a walk to the other side of Earlestown and the imposing building that is the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1274" target="_blank">Griffin</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Wp4vO4IEiw2ybwhYT0Bm_YAbjTQSEA2G5_IcQ3XEu90FKvpaOc80cYfLvAh9-hRR06nPy9VLm0X2c4UuKG9hgsMKP7OmqE2W2lWLEkLaIV4URRSARqWWbSo_-us0pnhCapS2a3Ux0BcV0WXd9gAxrFxT0_rp5D68-OLk0caPRG7xO8MtEwyhCUyDPj4/s3264/5316-d-dscf0263-Newton-le-Willows--Griffin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Wp4vO4IEiw2ybwhYT0Bm_YAbjTQSEA2G5_IcQ3XEu90FKvpaOc80cYfLvAh9-hRR06nPy9VLm0X2c4UuKG9hgsMKP7OmqE2W2lWLEkLaIV4URRSARqWWbSo_-us0pnhCapS2a3Ux0BcV0WXd9gAxrFxT0_rp5D68-OLk0caPRG7xO8MtEwyhCUyDPj4/w400-h300/5316-d-dscf0263-Newton-le-Willows--Griffin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>There's something about this pub, not just the gorgeous building, that makes me rate it highly. The two bar multi-room interior has slightly quirky and very attractive decor. As usual, it's well maintained and spotless.</p><p>There were almost enough customers in here to create a hubbub of conversation, but the rugger (league) commentary was winning.</p><p>I looked at the telly briefly. Hull 4 Leicester 22 and the stands are mostly empty. (No, wait, LEI is Leigh) If they can't fill the ground on a Saturday afternoon then the sport is doomed, I think - Another use it or lose it situation. I was surprised to see the substitutes pedalling on exercise bikes on the touchline, they don't do that in footie.</p><p>The backwards clock salesman did well in Earlestown, here's another one and this time I've had enough beer to be momentarily confused by it.</p><p>Having run out of required targets, I think it is time to head for home.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pub of the day:</b> Griffin<br /><b>Beer of the day:</b> Guinness<br /><b>Miles walked:</b> 3.5<br /><b>Maybe coming soon:</b> Bebington, Canny Farm, Claughton</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579786883431074587.post-84689352438430881202024-03-09T23:16:00.001+00:002024-03-10T14:01:46.232+00:00Croxteth<p>The direct bus doesn't seem to exist any more, so it was a train into town and the a bus out again that took me to Gillmoss where I started in the modern Marston's construction that is the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1912" target="_blank">Vikings Landing</a>. I had a moment of concern on checking Google maps to see where the bus stop was as I approached and finding the pub marked as "temporarily closed". It wasn't.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7goaJX86HCXxISu_jutY3LRrzek9soqQJC2oaAzinNVExLUmt-V1_gQxlAwvmm21wBjU7h17TiOkkPFI1zDLB3TrQGTnAuztWwwrfpyowhqGg7MucC_cphaT1L9Pz4fWyOhC2Un8jzv4qAxkYROWjcXwszOyQkh_OlPE74AlHYvZndepyAPKuS4wwIw/s3264/5309-d-dscf0243-Croxteth--Vikings-Landing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7goaJX86HCXxISu_jutY3LRrzek9soqQJC2oaAzinNVExLUmt-V1_gQxlAwvmm21wBjU7h17TiOkkPFI1zDLB3TrQGTnAuztWwwrfpyowhqGg7MucC_cphaT1L9Pz4fWyOhC2Un8jzv4qAxkYROWjcXwszOyQkh_OlPE74AlHYvZndepyAPKuS4wwIw/w400-h300/5309-d-dscf0243-Croxteth--Vikings-Landing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>In this standard modern chain dining place the young lady at the "Please wait to be seated" sign captured me before I could sneak past, but once I explained I only wanted a drink she suggested I order at the bar and then sit in the drinkers' area.</p><p>Five handpumps but only one beer is sometimes a bad sign but my Wainwright was spot on. It came in a short fat colourfully decorated Wainwright glass.</p><p>A steady flow of customers came in to dine, no one joined me in the drinkers' corner. I was going to write drinkers' ghetto there but that would be completely unfair as it was comfortable, warm and well appointed, and in no way was I treated like a second class citizen. I don't know why the word popped into my mind.</p><p>I observed operations: Tables were carefully allocated by the computer and the lady at the door, probably a good idea as it looks like the pub will soon be full. If you want a meal here on a Saturday afternoon I'd recommend booking. Having said that, the tables in "my" corner are available as overflow.</p><p>By doing their job carefully and efficiently the friendly staff here seem to have created a good successful operation, and they deserve praise. I contributed, perhaps, by submitting corrections to Google.</p><p>On into Croxteth now, and the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1508" target="_blank">Lobster</a>. My internet researches had found multiple reports of a fire last September so I was expecting to photograph a blackened ruin but I was wrong:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWf3C-nhzgXH77vJPEdTHiRljDS_4pTgiLyAqJfv021gGn_HZuNBCLaHA3Hb8wBZKNq5vQCGwijdb8056iMgOM_aFcXxZ3tXH3QddetV-DJLL8TLthgHF-wp2MQ-dVIlwAkXJd3aOmNEwYPnQsL13klsbneMuHeWjEkLADrlcBwQbsREVV2HCeP5CLNw/s3236/5309-d-dscf0245-Croxteth--Lobster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="3236" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWf3C-nhzgXH77vJPEdTHiRljDS_4pTgiLyAqJfv021gGn_HZuNBCLaHA3Hb8wBZKNq5vQCGwijdb8056iMgOM_aFcXxZ3tXH3QddetV-DJLL8TLthgHF-wp2MQ-dVIlwAkXJd3aOmNEwYPnQsL13klsbneMuHeWjEkLADrlcBwQbsREVV2HCeP5CLNw/w400-h185/5309-d-dscf0245-Croxteth--Lobster.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Inside I found a pleasant two bar plain boozer, full of locals of all ages, some watching Everton being beaten in the early kickoff, others playing darts, and many just enjoying a drink and a chat in their beautiful local.</p><p>The decor in here is the now popular shades of grey, very well done and excellently maintained.</p><p>Carling for me, various lagers and Guinness were being sold at a steady rate.</p><p>Next, the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1760" target="_blank">Abbey Road Wine Bar</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AAbmEsk8U27oysP_S7tT6_F9szTe4Gwv75RRQqFYiMVhN0xyFvm1rXgcXhv91p76b8ic3Gxbvhjot4PLn9jQ1sZKIJx347naDFWiwXfo-G7_QxpD9qgksHKQsnt-9MRthECmqkp04az7P5vhBHbIMI6r_ZWqzk4T-ELadeAmJf1zZltefjucM3C8kq8/s3264/5309-d-dscf0246-Croxteth--Abbey-Road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1904" data-original-width="3264" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AAbmEsk8U27oysP_S7tT6_F9szTe4Gwv75RRQqFYiMVhN0xyFvm1rXgcXhv91p76b8ic3Gxbvhjot4PLn9jQ1sZKIJx347naDFWiwXfo-G7_QxpD9qgksHKQsnt-9MRthECmqkp04az7P5vhBHbIMI6r_ZWqzk4T-ELadeAmJf1zZltefjucM3C8kq8/w400-h234/5309-d-dscf0246-Croxteth--Abbey-Road.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This well done shop conversion hasn't changed much since I was here five years ago, but it's not as busy as it was then. Nonetheless, seven or eight cheerful regulars were keeping the noise level up, drowning out the football commentary.</p><p>Everton lost and the main TV was immediately switched to a music channel - No interest in the post-match punditry.</p><p>What a great locals' boozer.</p><p>Next I headed for the long closed <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=170" target="_blank">Sefton Arms</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtdvB0du4rpEbJcK7wlYVIGtOpFxuqiAi9cXsbtnpaYRs-lSWkbL_tWhSTDXNqx3rB8nDDEYc9QJQ9WKUfUzRX3Y63_7d69tMki_eM61wndEkn7d7wwr99FlR5-m66hvJ3xI9C-VlPEzRE0_JB-R1WvPWNjTOvdL83NZ9CJD4G6C4cA2aj65jsh0I9Wo/s3264/5309-d-dscf0247-Croxteth--Sefton-Arms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtdvB0du4rpEbJcK7wlYVIGtOpFxuqiAi9cXsbtnpaYRs-lSWkbL_tWhSTDXNqx3rB8nDDEYc9QJQ9WKUfUzRX3Y63_7d69tMki_eM61wndEkn7d7wwr99FlR5-m66hvJ3xI9C-VlPEzRE0_JB-R1WvPWNjTOvdL83NZ9CJD4G6C4cA2aj65jsh0I9Wo/w400-h300/5309-d-dscf0247-Croxteth--Sefton-Arms.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Oddly, despite having been closed as a pub for many years it has been maintained and cared for and is well fenced off from the street, so someone is looking after it and using it for some purpose, sadly not its original function. Mind you, I seem to recall it was a bit of a dump when I had a drink here in 1998.</p><p>Next, the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=171" target="_blank">Western Approaches</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTDZhYghVz34PnqiIIfBQlR-RjsMCD7nnZavW03qJCkBBYsXtsrXWdPQSkqFkH_UyySq1vejEzRJ9Vq2A5h_nwUyu8fQn3Avu71-b9fPrNd9CMZ05SAXhcW-025Vj5PTUwEGXDeEJ4Tl_7AsZ8YqbRgranc1__MzBc1wgeHpePuPJPSrhVSDGTb_UlUE/s3264/5309-d-dscf0249-Croxteth--Western-Approaches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTDZhYghVz34PnqiIIfBQlR-RjsMCD7nnZavW03qJCkBBYsXtsrXWdPQSkqFkH_UyySq1vejEzRJ9Vq2A5h_nwUyu8fQn3Avu71-b9fPrNd9CMZ05SAXhcW-025Vj5PTUwEGXDeEJ4Tl_7AsZ8YqbRgranc1__MzBc1wgeHpePuPJPSrhVSDGTb_UlUE/w400-h300/5309-d-dscf0249-Croxteth--Western-Approaches.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Last time I was here there was a baby celebration of some sort and coincidentally today part of one side was reserved for a function with chair covers, table cloths and balloons. The entrance into that side was locked and I had to go in the other way.</p><p>No staff were visible so I nipped through the corridor to the function half where there were more customers but still no staff. After a short pause the barmaid appeared and soon served me another Carling, she had been in the cellar changing a keg, I think.</p><p>As I always seem to say now, this is a clean tidy well maintained plain boozer. Perhaps a little plainer than the Lobster, but no less tidy.</p><p>A member of staff was inflating bronze coloured balloons, presumably for the upcoming function. I wonder if the regulars (and I, if I'm still here) will be chivied into the other room when the time comes.</p><p>There's just one more open pub near here so it would be daft not to finish in the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1522" target="_blank">Lingmell Inn</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcugpvpf03DzjWHVmQwuM7m9435uETqBzppG9mi-_qur2-t0LOg1DEO-IoYjwZCNw7lgqwDlWOdm3n90-9kMQwC1cuj2CaxhlE4m8cJBrKFzcyNB7Hd7BOPHeK86hdOIMW4USMR5sKtlOwgDLrjZHlegb3NJ2a_dkNF3p1KjS1iUXyXRvTVLOdyXWjMxo/s3264/5309-d-dscf0252-West-Derby--Lingmell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcugpvpf03DzjWHVmQwuM7m9435uETqBzppG9mi-_qur2-t0LOg1DEO-IoYjwZCNw7lgqwDlWOdm3n90-9kMQwC1cuj2CaxhlE4m8cJBrKFzcyNB7Hd7BOPHeK86hdOIMW4USMR5sKtlOwgDLrjZHlegb3NJ2a_dkNF3p1KjS1iUXyXRvTVLOdyXWjMxo/w400-h300/5309-d-dscf0252-West-Derby--Lingmell.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The interior of this one is knocked through into one very pleasant room. It feels perhaps a little up market compared with the previous three ticks but I'm not sure I can actually justify that suggestion.</p><p>Decorations were being put up for Mother's Day which, in the UK, is tomorrow. (I learned to my intense irritation many years ago that in America where I was living, Mother's Day is on a different date.)</p><p>Another comfortable pub doing fairly well on a Saturday afternoon. I couldn't see many eating, but the menu looks good and good value.</p><p>A bloke joined his friends at a table with a bag of food from the local chippy which I thought was a bit cheeky in a dining pub. Ah - wait, they're staff or friends thereof, so perhaps OK. One of the group collected food from the kitchen.</p><p>The decoration team got closer to where I was sitting but erected their ladder without needing me to move.</p><p>Time to head for home, I think. Five pubs all doing a good trade is great to see in 2024.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pub of the day:</b> Lobster, I had feared finding a burnt out wreck.<br /><b>Beer of the day:</b> Wainwright<br /><b>Miles walked:</b> 3.3<br /><b>Maybe coming soon:</b> Bebington</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579786883431074587.post-33374455469231817162024-03-01T23:42:00.002+00:002024-03-05T09:24:52.701+00:00Woolton and Halewood<p>A chilly damp Friday with no trains saw me on the bus to Woolton from where I soon walked to the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1232" target="_blank">CookHouse</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcl4WbSjxADjqN1iu-MszQIV-UhZeWw3aQb6uB-PxvuIkmvTTYwPf9sD-oKko8Fxoq_kHoCd22QhMSpDUBkMZ5V6O4VbtnGWdRaMwNqn6ndKk-Vm4NBf0arMiEDeumhyJ8pT9HfoWAeKuc6DdHBnhwJY43F6jFldkhuAwHWnjHMcmK1F2vTMF8IM2b0sQ/s3264/5301-d-dscf0234-Woolton--CookHouse.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1968" data-original-width="3264" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcl4WbSjxADjqN1iu-MszQIV-UhZeWw3aQb6uB-PxvuIkmvTTYwPf9sD-oKko8Fxoq_kHoCd22QhMSpDUBkMZ5V6O4VbtnGWdRaMwNqn6ndKk-Vm4NBf0arMiEDeumhyJ8pT9HfoWAeKuc6DdHBnhwJY43F6jFldkhuAwHWnjHMcmK1F2vTMF8IM2b0sQ/w400-h241/5301-d-dscf0234-Woolton--CookHouse.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This unusual curved building used to be the English Rose, a two sided pub which still had many original features inside when I was first here twenty-six years ago. More recently it was refurbished out of all recognition in a pleasant modern style. The CookHouse is definitely food-oriented but still welcomes drinkers. It still has the uncommon curved shape to the main room.</p><p>The cask ale I enjoyed in 2018 has gone and there was no Carling visible (It's surprising how few pubs don't sell it, only Guinness is more ubiquitous, I think) so I treated myself to a pint of the delicious Neck Oil. Having written that it occurred to me that I didn't see any Guinness taps either. I checked on the way out and yes, they only have Murphy's.</p><p>Only a smattering of customers at one thirty on a Friday, some eating others drinking. No one visited the carvery while I was there, I always think this will result in chewy dried out meat. The menu of pub standards looks good and occasionally a waiter emerged from the kitchen with food for elsewhere in the pub.</p><p>Next, how about another unusual building; Will the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=280" target="_blank">Grenadier</a> be open?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUGxAIVgat_QnV2lDV0Y_MqBpL6JaIrmvHyxgGjzE5O4zeDn0IdtOD0jnGPmXHiSYbBxFoq4b1cyMoLdclWLlxw2LaajWBoR7eVPIDzjrIKh2EXjbU1b4XDdJJQRzPEfmXJ_C-bOiogZkG5IMJS59C5JH3Apx9ZeyEOswsoCR9dYWVWhJJmaJ1NR79HY/s3264/5301-d-dscf0237-Halewood--Grenadier.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="3264" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUGxAIVgat_QnV2lDV0Y_MqBpL6JaIrmvHyxgGjzE5O4zeDn0IdtOD0jnGPmXHiSYbBxFoq4b1cyMoLdclWLlxw2LaajWBoR7eVPIDzjrIKh2EXjbU1b4XDdJJQRzPEfmXJ_C-bOiogZkG5IMJS59C5JH3Apx9ZeyEOswsoCR9dYWVWhJJmaJ1NR79HY/w400-h191/5301-d-dscf0237-Halewood--Grenadier.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Yes it is. Inside this wonderful piece of sixties whimsy is a classic estate boozer. There has been some knocking through inside but it still has three rooms and two counters in what I assume is close to the original layout.</p><p>Carling this time (and Guinness was available), a scan round the room showed almost everyone had a Carling glass, as did I.</p><p>Here we had that irritating arrangement of a silent music channel on the TVs and different music on the speakers. Why do they do that?</p><p>Six regulars plus me were the custom at two fifteen, that's poor for a Friday but I guess it's the norm nowadays.</p><p>As usual in the 2020s, the furniture, carpet and walls were all immaculate. When was the last time I visited a truly scruffy pub?</p><p>Next, let's tick the Hillfoot. I thought I was being smart when Google Maps offered me a short cut, but it turned out I was too clever for my own good as I headed across a rather squelchy golf course and then along a narrow overgrown path between houses. I managed to avoid being cut to shreds by the brambles in the jungle and eventually reached civilisation and my destination, the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=297" target="_blank">Hillfoot</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii89f_S7sXhiD9zXIQduOoRJSXZDy_ZcFv8KXy8F2SSpUNZOCjUcTRKgmscPHRAMCjOb1o46C4m9hAD0CSRzn7vIsXjirdQCcurNxAs1xepu4GlwIvERsZyFynCGJEzUprXOVqFvVnNedJwPpTlgOl7OGwfLsWXrWvZI0BK2Zn3LBlRV1iwCjMA5cBs-4/s3264/5301-d-dscf0239-Hunts-Cross--Hillfoot.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii89f_S7sXhiD9zXIQduOoRJSXZDy_ZcFv8KXy8F2SSpUNZOCjUcTRKgmscPHRAMCjOb1o46C4m9hAD0CSRzn7vIsXjirdQCcurNxAs1xepu4GlwIvERsZyFynCGJEzUprXOVqFvVnNedJwPpTlgOl7OGwfLsWXrWvZI0BK2Zn3LBlRV1iwCjMA5cBs-4/s320/5301-d-dscf0239-Hunts-Cross--Hillfoot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>A bog standard chain dining pub, this, nicely decorated. I entered to a lot of lively chatter, it was very loud in here, but by the time I had drunk an inch of my Carling the big group had departed and it was suddenly much more peaceful. The music, perhaps turned up while it was busy, was now a little on the loud side but not too bad. </p><p>I wonder if a microphone could be used with a control system to adjust the music level according to the noise in the room? That sounds like the sort of thing a big pub chain would be interested in, much of their modus operandi seems to involve removing from the local staff any kind of decision making or initiative, so why not take away their volume controls. Perhaps I've just invented something that could be a lucrative product - Dragons' Den here I come!</p><p>I looked out of the rear windows, the beer garden looks good, I bet it is popular in warmer weather. They've got plenty of tables on the grass and also a number of wooden shelters to keep the sun (or rain) off. Needless to say there was no one out there today, despite the late afternoon sunshine.</p><p>As I reached the end of my pint I looked around again, they are really doing well with most tables occupied as we headed towards Friday evening. It's only four o'clock but the rush is getting started.</p><p>Now on to Hunts Cross station and the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=300" target="_blank">Waiting Room</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywt-ZuB2Y1Pf5IciXrXF8MYA4IsPOAKj8dbBj5FB03jqXwb1BhUvYUQ8J0TYL2EcoYYk7oQDy7zCwpu-oBSWaq25VF4s0Q2iYqnNZX9IjzyBVIC4R8CxaMI7X0lXRxovEZ9C40pIn9CJgB96jPdr5cQaB9gNrx3AtxB2pQ5xz8jBpStjdMb2u7Ugcl0U/s3264/5301-d-dscf0240-Hunts-Cross--Waiting-Room.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywt-ZuB2Y1Pf5IciXrXF8MYA4IsPOAKj8dbBj5FB03jqXwb1BhUvYUQ8J0TYL2EcoYYk7oQDy7zCwpu-oBSWaq25VF4s0Q2iYqnNZX9IjzyBVIC4R8CxaMI7X0lXRxovEZ9C40pIn9CJgB96jPdr5cQaB9gNrx3AtxB2pQ5xz8jBpStjdMb2u7Ugcl0U/w400-h300/5301-d-dscf0240-Hunts-Cross--Waiting-Room.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Good grief, busy or what? I took my Carling (In a Fosters glass, tut tut) on a tour of the pub, eventually finding a high table to sit at.</p><p>So, how to describe this pub, located in the original station buildings? Pleasant, comfortable, plain, well done are all comments that come to mind. Whatever it looks like, it is certainly a successful boozer, you'd be hard put to find a seat at four on a Friday.</p><p>The music was at the right level, audible but mostly beaten by the hubbub of cheerful chatter.</p><p>Now the 89 bus has a weird timetable in which they get less frequent in rush hour so I had to drink slowly and wait for the next bus home. In the increased traffic due to the train strike they were not managing to keep to time anyway, luckily the live bus map kept me updated.</p><p>The big screen was showing horse racing. One horse had decided he or she didn't want to race, the jockey kicked his heels in and the horse just stood still. Eventually the jockey dismounted and a groom walked the horse, still unwilling, away from the start. Horse one, humans nil.</p><p>The staff of a local Home Bargains, six or more of them, turned up. Presumably the unlucky ones had to run the shop until closing time.</p><p>The map said my bus was approaching, so time for home. I did another complete tour of the pub before realising the gents is upstairs.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pub of the day:</b> The Grenadier, for the interesting building<br /><b>Beer of the day:</b> Neck Oil<br /><b>Miles walked:</b> 3.1<br /><b>Maybe coming soon:</b> Bebington</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579786883431074587.post-46660520412552953242024-02-24T23:28:00.004+00:002024-03-01T00:27:32.982+00:00Fazakerley Failures<p>On a lovely sunny day I took the train to Fazakerley hoping for some overdue ticks.</p><p>I started at the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=244" target="_blank">Foresters Inn</a>, but annoyingly it was shut. I couldn't tell whether it was permanently out of action or simply a late opener.</p><p>So I walked westwards towards more targets. I passed the never ticked <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=245" target="_blank">Longmoor Social Club</a>, which was also shut but to be fair, a big sign says it doesn't open until two. And onwards... But the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=246" target="_blank">Prince George</a> was also shut, this one looks more like like an operational pub, perhaps it also opens at two?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTATtfUvJPVL1XBiITRjOQS8svBCJajY8jTzCmbbblERtiKI9iHLy5EtE-YgHwy_SaE6h9zisz2uCpbTYfCUQVIIeZg5qJYqHK2c82_bZ6uRlyd7sE4z2XtAfY1ZD5wpidBP2n_zsXVR5UCqaoTq2Jyevo-Nn6f2nNvHVNJkAksuievR1IvjGWgybzY2A/s3264/5224-d-dscf0225-Fazakerley--Prince-George.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTATtfUvJPVL1XBiITRjOQS8svBCJajY8jTzCmbbblERtiKI9iHLy5EtE-YgHwy_SaE6h9zisz2uCpbTYfCUQVIIeZg5qJYqHK2c82_bZ6uRlyd7sE4z2XtAfY1ZD5wpidBP2n_zsXVR5UCqaoTq2Jyevo-Nn6f2nNvHVNJkAksuievR1IvjGWgybzY2A/w400-h300/5224-d-dscf0225-Fazakerley--Prince-George.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Not a good start but just across the road is the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1577" target="_blank">Farmers Arms</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqER1TraPosVWUS6fF2aouUlhAwuK9LQ3NJl_PtNkvGByUnUAuL5s0O2R9hb0HQRtt7Z9reqgYqitiSxCqGv9RnI_6WZrCeZZ1cnDUIY715Gs9p7c-UuPOyp1jaG8W4MYDhg4kQErcWZ1e2w4DfgntmBCf6ZStyp4GATm6yKBgaOcZiaev6n1PYowTKyI/s2628/5224-d-dscf0223-Fazakerley--Farmers-Arms.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1916" data-original-width="2628" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqER1TraPosVWUS6fF2aouUlhAwuK9LQ3NJl_PtNkvGByUnUAuL5s0O2R9hb0HQRtt7Z9reqgYqitiSxCqGv9RnI_6WZrCeZZ1cnDUIY715Gs9p7c-UuPOyp1jaG8W4MYDhg4kQErcWZ1e2w4DfgntmBCf6ZStyp4GATm6yKBgaOcZiaev6n1PYowTKyI/w400-h291/5224-d-dscf0223-Fazakerley--Farmers-Arms.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>At last, a working pub! A well cared for plain boozer, the inside of this classic sixties construction has been knocked through into one open room.</p><p>A steady stream of custom was keeping the place going, not surprising when it's the only open pub in Fazakerley! The jukebox was mostly drowned out by lively chatter, laughter and the clack of pool balls.</p><p>One regular was telling his pals, in the pub and on the phone, about the trials and tribulations of his hospital treatment. He was wandering about the pub dressed in pyjamas and a dressing gown. All life is here!</p><p>Should I dawdle until two to see if the George opens? No, I can't be bothered. It was still shut when I left at 13:40 so I abandoned Fazakerley and strolled on towards Walton Vale. </p><p>Firstly, I wanted a picture of <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=2002" target="_blank">Jaxon's</a>, a good micro I visited just the once, in 2021, and since closed, but there was no trace. I think it was the shuttered shop front with no sign.</p><p>On to a less risky tick, the splendid building that houses the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1078" target="_blank">Black Bull</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpxho2_UW0wqK7eLTw5wVpUIcoSskX-V2xXX5Z3BorATJqqCnH2VhvkpZroG2uZM_nnqHXEK11Y9CNWkoXpuKmgF1dwVgDFvzHgCuERRmuhNAmiC_vjkFiJUBUvfLTjxw7oTLlVHpigKMHZCyQMOAXbE2idv0lxcddzV5o17rKuH7LLKl5YGAo9nI6Fg/s3264/5224-d-dscf0226-Walton--Black-Bull.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpxho2_UW0wqK7eLTw5wVpUIcoSskX-V2xXX5Z3BorATJqqCnH2VhvkpZroG2uZM_nnqHXEK11Y9CNWkoXpuKmgF1dwVgDFvzHgCuERRmuhNAmiC_vjkFiJUBUvfLTjxw7oTLlVHpigKMHZCyQMOAXbE2idv0lxcddzV5o17rKuH7LLKl5YGAo9nI6Fg/w400-h300/5224-d-dscf0226-Walton--Black-Bull.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This is another proper traditional boozer, retaining two sides both pleasingly busy with a mix of customers; punters watching the racing, family groups with young kids, blokes my age chatting and joking, etc.</p><p>This is what a real pub looks like. Busy, cheerful, people coming in and out, even the occasional toddler running around. Gentle background music (Radio Gaga as I wrote this.) largely drowned by animated conversation.</p><p>Some sandwiches appeared on the counter, I resisted the temptation, they might not be for everyone. I imagine eating someone else's food would be a major faux pas.</p><p>My plans have been somewhat broken, but luckily I have a fallback option because despite my survey here only a couple of months ago there remain a number of required ticks in Walton Vale. So let's head on to a post war classic of a building.</p><p>I emerged from the Black Bull into the sunshine to find a sea of flashing blue lights. Are my plans to be broken again? The road was closed to cars, with all three emergency services attending a car crash, but pedestrians were free to proceed so I soon reached the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=906" target="_blank">Windsor</a> where I took the opportunity to snap a picture without the usual heavy traffic in front:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFYGY-3nbysShPhkRMj38DX6aRuJKYyfmPRxBCjRsj5d8y9buyuVs7-S_MbmhtpiK-juU0AkDZi_3_yYDoq_Xz32H1z4BkhIPDWXuD16Tltkbz4Pe7Hrhnwk85dOwi2WlRX9h0T3RDwLJhHCC82TBhAq7Cjgw9GeEQAKnxU7U0SzhhUSWgsSHkBsjfEU/s3264/5224-d-dscf0227-Walton--Windsor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFYGY-3nbysShPhkRMj38DX6aRuJKYyfmPRxBCjRsj5d8y9buyuVs7-S_MbmhtpiK-juU0AkDZi_3_yYDoq_Xz32H1z4BkhIPDWXuD16Tltkbz4Pe7Hrhnwk85dOwi2WlRX9h0T3RDwLJhHCC82TBhAq7Cjgw9GeEQAKnxU7U0SzhhUSWgsSHkBsjfEU/w400-h300/5224-d-dscf0227-Walton--Windsor.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I remember being in here on a wet Sunday afternoon years ago, enjoying a pint of cask Tetley in a deserted pub.</p><p>Once again, a popular busy traditional boozer, and once again gentle background music is mostly masked by cheerful chatter. The interior looks particularly well cared for, is that fresh paint I can smell? Brand new or not, everything is beautifully maintained.</p><p>I selected a seat by the front windows to drink my third Carling so I could see what was happening in the street. Soon the crisis was over and traffic flow was restored.</p><p>I looked round. Every table I could see was occupied, so in the 2020s this counts as a busy pub. They are obviously doing something right here, I hope they continue.</p><p>Next, not far away is <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1223" target="_blank">Joey Orrs</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgro3luV4PulI32CL03Hb8nh3eMDaPHdJ0vVbxpQNJ-IvaxdgJ6jryUbPxVfq1dR9KtZIfFXQ0lp_j3JCA4dOyMm427LXn5dMlWPim06ii9hCtgiENabTsqcvUKkjQ3p35JYBmeahyJU0gJ5S6GHC4D-AlIqx7CAy_DDxqnD1Or1E8fyo9eTnCzRJewnws/s3264/5224-d-dscf0231r-Walton--Joey-Orrs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgro3luV4PulI32CL03Hb8nh3eMDaPHdJ0vVbxpQNJ-IvaxdgJ6jryUbPxVfq1dR9KtZIfFXQ0lp_j3JCA4dOyMm427LXn5dMlWPim06ii9hCtgiENabTsqcvUKkjQ3p35JYBmeahyJU0gJ5S6GHC4D-AlIqx7CAy_DDxqnD1Or1E8fyo9eTnCzRJewnws/w300-h400/5224-d-dscf0231r-Walton--Joey-Orrs.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>A very nicely done traditional boozer once again. This one is perhaps a little more distinctive, decor wise, the dark green wallpaper with leaves and flowers combining with green matchboarding on the walls and counter front to create an excellent style.</p><p>There was some kind of buffet food arrangement in the rear of the large open space, I couldn't discern whether this was a function or open to everyone if they paid.</p><p>I sat in "Frank's Corner" to enjoy another Carling, hoping that Frank wouldn't turn up and claim his table. Not quite as busy as the Windsor here, so if he did I could move elsewhere.</p><p>I watched the chef prepare a large bowl of chips and sniggered as he ate one before heading out to deliver it to the appropriate customers. Somewhat to my surprise, it was his lunch and he adjourned to a free table to scoff the giant portion.</p><p>I consulted Google to see if I could tick the Orrell Park Bar which is mainly a function suite, and up popped the L9 Sports Bar. If it exists then this could be a first visit...</p><p>The sign outside says <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=2109" target="_blank">L9 Lounge</a> so I think that's the correct name, let's get a brand new tick:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvFwdFy1SyTDMym9_Z8M4wyV3wn5rphCqW3A5GhWLubUvvV6ymqeCgLD9Lk12vmLd6bxKEl0DzrE4xD1cHFMXrozBqTmtPsH0ckFQTwhZulA8NYji6_FVm_wgm-awBONwhzgYGnL1siC3AcR7cyxDf_23hSKSWUjMtMMRINmV7_g0vk9KaAPznAWZ4yE/s2220/5224-d-dscf0232-Walton--L9-Lounge-Bar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2108" data-original-width="2220" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvFwdFy1SyTDMym9_Z8M4wyV3wn5rphCqW3A5GhWLubUvvV6ymqeCgLD9Lk12vmLd6bxKEl0DzrE4xD1cHFMXrozBqTmtPsH0ckFQTwhZulA8NYji6_FVm_wgm-awBONwhzgYGnL1siC3AcR7cyxDf_23hSKSWUjMtMMRINmV7_g0vk9KaAPznAWZ4yE/w400-h380/5224-d-dscf0232-Walton--L9-Lounge-Bar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Inside this shop conversion is a rather well done bar. Rough wood cladding on the walls, with comfortable looking bench seats along the walls, the transformation has been done very well.</p><p>This is not a CAMRA-style micro, no cask ale so I had my fifth Carling of the day . They did appear to have a better than average offer of lagers, such as Cruzcampo.</p><p>Ticking over nicely, but not full, so I managed to get a table.</p><p>I wonder how long this place has been going. [Streetview shows it opened after July 2019 and before September 2022.] It is great to see new operations, I hope it does better than Jaxxon's which only lasted a couple of years. There was a steady stream of people in and out which must bode well for the long term survival.</p><p>As with all today's pubs, the sound in here was piped music with chatter on top.</p><p>After a shaky start today's research turned out rather well, especially with the new tick in a bar I didn't know existed.</p><p>Is Fazakerley really a one pub town now, or was I just unlucky with opening times?</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pub of the day:</b> L9 Lounge because it was an unexpected bonus.<br /><b>Beer of the day:</b> Carling<br /><b>Miles walked:</b> 1.8<br /><b>Maybe coming soon:</b> Bebington</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579786883431074587.post-22889254451646049862024-02-18T14:04:00.003+00:002024-02-19T11:28:56.432+00:002024 BookWhile I was relaxing in the Crows Nest yesterday afternoon and writing about the forthcoming Merseyside Pub Guide 2024 book, the proof copy was already sitting on my doormat. So I can now put it on sale.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmi4YV2U7RuYcm-pCPqXw2singSB2CY8pWfNP9uA83bsPdTrGkdVUroJpaH4Op5Di2J69vt60rT_VwPaSTO9mfvtw7GrU1EDkCEp9s51B0GWuAyUG-2npgwRpuT4xbssYy6QIEJMDgmYS-Hn9cnLWnpxWL14fINZQMEpnzqF-Kpho37RoTf3ndZigv9OY/s2052/5218-d-dscf0221c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2052" data-original-width="1720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmi4YV2U7RuYcm-pCPqXw2singSB2CY8pWfNP9uA83bsPdTrGkdVUroJpaH4Op5Di2J69vt60rT_VwPaSTO9mfvtw7GrU1EDkCEp9s51B0GWuAyUG-2npgwRpuT4xbssYy6QIEJMDgmYS-Hn9cnLWnpxWL14fINZQMEpnzqF-Kpho37RoTf3ndZigv9OY/w335-h400/5218-d-dscf0221c.jpg" width="335" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This year's edition lists 1,982 pubs of which I have visited 1,472.<div><br /></div><div>You can order a copy direct from the printers by clicking <a href="http://www.merseypub.com/book.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Or in due course it will be available from Amazon and other popular distributors.</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579786883431074587.post-48361246124551423972024-02-17T23:42:00.001+00:002024-02-18T13:01:42.009+00:00New Ticks In Crosby<p>For today's research I headed up to Crosby, hoping for a favourite and a new one. I started in the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1286" target="_blank">Crows Nest</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYEMt4MXPF3II8R7T3tSri2ukdn9u3DuVh0XuI_iiQ2yRP9WsvpPHr-klqqNWBTbCJeqeh57LIsaxaROOTHEw6nwGQN5CPqEum_y_CLBbG8Ro2Fx0gxd5vTBenEDHI55yruJROspZKZGrHjE56l7ki0-hjMCkDMPta2uFm9YSpsItUB0W_T1EkmdA9jg/s3264/5217-d-dscf0211-Crosby--Crows-Nest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYEMt4MXPF3II8R7T3tSri2ukdn9u3DuVh0XuI_iiQ2yRP9WsvpPHr-klqqNWBTbCJeqeh57LIsaxaROOTHEw6nwGQN5CPqEum_y_CLBbG8Ro2Fx0gxd5vTBenEDHI55yruJROspZKZGrHjE56l7ki0-hjMCkDMPta2uFm9YSpsItUB0W_T1EkmdA9jg/w400-h300/5217-d-dscf0211-Crosby--Crows-Nest.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This lovely pub continues unchanged since I was last here in 2018, the highlights being gorgeous architecture, excellent real ale, and waiter service in the lounge.</p><p>The lounge side was completely empty when I arrived at ten past one, a group of three came in shortly afterwards. I don't think there was anyone in the bar either.</p><p>I ordered my pint of Yorkshire Blond at the hatch and it was brought to my table soon after.</p><p>No music disturbed the splendid peace in this wonderful pub. What a contrast with my first call last week, the Albert! I contemplated cancelling the research and just staying here as it is so good, but the pub guide author's work is never done so I'll carry on. Talking of the guide, the proof copy of the 2024 book is in the post as I write, so if it's alright it will be on sale in a few days.</p><p>On to the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=155" target="_blank">Birkey</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_h0MSooJpuQ6PNbtSDMy0vg_JXGxBwnp3kUP3G58j2vlrShP1E59r-XOckbB7EyiH9wzJ3VQRDNoYHOhHD8cSt1v8IrM26JmdjJA6VoRPPhiMBFz15JXtI5GCNR49AP-L8x8AHEUyxAx5-NVyW3mhAOoBSa-ZEd5SsRyN4SPH0JV77CPvQLElFXatjek/s3060/5217-d-dscf0212-Crosby--Birkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1988" data-original-width="3060" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_h0MSooJpuQ6PNbtSDMy0vg_JXGxBwnp3kUP3G58j2vlrShP1E59r-XOckbB7EyiH9wzJ3VQRDNoYHOhHD8cSt1v8IrM26JmdjJA6VoRPPhiMBFz15JXtI5GCNR49AP-L8x8AHEUyxAx5-NVyW3mhAOoBSa-ZEd5SsRyN4SPH0JV77CPvQLElFXatjek/w400-h260/5217-d-dscf0212-Crosby--Birkey.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I should have realised when someone came into the Crows Nest to ask if they had the match on and left when told no: They had got the match here, on umpteen small and big screens, and the place was full of reds.</p><p>Only one pump had a label, I gambled on London Glory and it was spot on, and only £3.24 with CAMRA discount. (Unusually there was a sign on the counter directly in my eye line so I remembered to claim the discount.)</p><p>Everyone else was here for the footie, and I had to stand and lean on a pillar where I wasn't blocking anyone's view.</p><p>Next, in to the centre of Crosby, and a place I haven't visited since it was the Exchange, in 2002. Since then it has been called Village and Suburb 24 before becoming <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=163" target="_blank">Townhouse</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZkz78itHy3HFXOXncA1HQ75DTfmOptQIK6xzgwVyBwquF03e-8mGzHnDFnKou8QhI8H4fMmrfCGLrHfU_vG01vTk8_hcL2w7gq_1PT-IZpUeZ159zQEdmnjR5TSGh66TVBslXYoyHL9fPeh8DilHcZcYUannzBxIPwFETMqrBBy8FObW1hb8qVym_CM/s3264/5217-d-dscf0214-Crosby--Townhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZkz78itHy3HFXOXncA1HQ75DTfmOptQIK6xzgwVyBwquF03e-8mGzHnDFnKou8QhI8H4fMmrfCGLrHfU_vG01vTk8_hcL2w7gq_1PT-IZpUeZ159zQEdmnjR5TSGh66TVBslXYoyHL9fPeh8DilHcZcYUannzBxIPwFETMqrBBy8FObW1hb8qVym_CM/w400-h300/5217-d-dscf0214-Crosby--Townhouse.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>What I found in here was attractive rough wood decor, making for a very pleasant pub. Some customers were in to watch the footie, Liverpool won 1-4 as I enjoyed my pint of Madri.</p><p>It's a shame I didn't get to visit the intermediate versions of this place in the twenty two years since I was last here, I would have liked to know what they were like. I can't actually recall what I saw in '02 but I assume it was nothing like this rather well designed modern pub. I noticed they have limited opening hours (In fact Google says they don't open until four today.) so they are presumably aiming for the busy evening customers. I guess I was lucky Liverpool were playing or I wouldn't have got this tick.</p><p>Almost all the customers departed once the match was over, I hope this rather attractive places gets more people later. It continued to tick over slowly with a few odd customers coming in but not enough, I fear, to pay the barmaid's wages.</p><p>The weather had now changed to heavy rain, so it was time to get wet. I moved on to a new tick, <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=2095" target="_blank">Angus</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYf-USdDnXoYNwqO_4DznZannfTRM69qhbws8-Sfkpw5EGhYVrPv1ihd47aB4p33y1znFc5vFtYIhLP6mzf6f-qtNiOpRtrqKgXxJ9YKutMA8CLZ5HUbIXDXjSOd25JqNK-jvak41TEqED80MZZsKB8s5vMlLJ6-PTqCiRLkNzusBSkj4SUjE-cIKe4c/s2084/5217-d-dscf0215-Crosby--Angus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1964" data-original-width="2084" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYf-USdDnXoYNwqO_4DznZannfTRM69qhbws8-Sfkpw5EGhYVrPv1ihd47aB4p33y1znFc5vFtYIhLP6mzf6f-qtNiOpRtrqKgXxJ9YKutMA8CLZ5HUbIXDXjSOd25JqNK-jvak41TEqED80MZZsKB8s5vMlLJ6-PTqCiRLkNzusBSkj4SUjE-cIKe4c/w400-h378/5217-d-dscf0215-Crosby--Angus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Having been in the Angus in Liverpool I had an idea what to expect here, but I was completely wrong! A large cavernous front area was full of blokes and loudish music. Sky sports news was on a giant screen, silently.</p><p>Before me at the counter were two "little old ladies", not seeming to fit with the vibes of the place; once they'd got their drinks they headed upstairs so perhaps it's more calm on the mezzanine?</p><p>No cask, unlike the branch in town, so for a change I had a fine pint of Erdinger. I sat in the slightly quieter back of the room, but even here it was noisy and busy.</p><p>Right, I'm knackered already, time to head for home. One classic gem and one new tick are enough to make this a good survey, I think.</p><p>But hang on a mo, what's this? Only a few yards along my journey back to the station, I find <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=2107" target="_blank">Rocksalt</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNIzVG-7QtK-OuRfgcOVbu25FcYGSwIiooTh3j2IZ9E4VDTs2kLeCocOnTTD8nofGs1cT5Py2Cym_I2kNIQbQ3eAq5HXPqAmZHLe4kso_ynSbaSyqufeSzLkNpCkLAipEENbwFveapKO1nFvBJDxm2dkMFFcJwoPpzoV0lVFPx4siEAIZVAGB8qPu450/s2284/5217-d-dscf0216-Crosby--Rocksalt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2124" data-original-width="2284" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNIzVG-7QtK-OuRfgcOVbu25FcYGSwIiooTh3j2IZ9E4VDTs2kLeCocOnTTD8nofGs1cT5Py2Cym_I2kNIQbQ3eAq5HXPqAmZHLe4kso_ynSbaSyqufeSzLkNpCkLAipEENbwFveapKO1nFvBJDxm2dkMFFcJwoPpzoV0lVFPx4siEAIZVAGB8qPu450/w400-h373/5217-d-dscf0216-Crosby--Rocksalt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>A somewhat up market cafe bar, comfortable and pleasant and I enjoyed a pint of Camden Pale in one of those short fat glasses. The leather sofa I sat on was very relaxing, with a significant risk of me dozing off!</p><p>They make a big thing about using local suppliers for their food ingredients, so perhaps they ought to have local craft ales, such as Love Lane, instead of London brews but who's complaining, the Camden was good,</p><p>It's always good to catch a brand new (To me, actually it has been here since 2019.) unexpected tick, so perhaps I'm a little biased but this is a rather fine cafe with plenty of customers, many of whom were enjoying the food which, I must say, smelled good. Or do I mean smelt good?</p><p>Definitely time for home now.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pub of the day:</b> Crows Nest<br /><b>Beer of the day:</b> Ossett Yorkshire Blond<br /><b>Miles walked:</b> 1<br /><b>Maybe coming soon:</b> Fazakerley, Bebington</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579786883431074587.post-37799790016436057402024-02-10T23:20:00.002+00:002024-02-12T08:37:34.981+00:00Desirable Targets In Anfield<p>Liverpool had a rare three o'clock kickoff today providing an opportunity to get some special ticks. I took the train to Sandhills and joined the crowds on the long walk to the ground (The football bus is for wimps.)</p><p>Once there, I headed for a very difficult target, the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=21" target="_blank">Albert</a>. I haven't been here since 2004. Not only is it match days only, but I have seen the doors closed mid match, so I made sure I got here before kickoff, and it was open. This picture was taken later when the crowds had gone in to the ground:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZMIguKnVBp-r_0t_6Z2j8XsOW0vSRV3eKF9iN0skjk3DarlzvHsW28RrdGR8hGL9DiacfumCYpoYivLG6HLmEMHZI_ua2pTXFkvDco6JABXSJO1ggmAhsG6V0xzO6j1Tr1XPYC1cNcH7-9Zs5Jgyq3bnkZG3zjAQGXbclJ9EyFpnMLFTqwL6dveZ2Qc/s3264/5210-d-dscf0209-Anfield--Albert.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZMIguKnVBp-r_0t_6Z2j8XsOW0vSRV3eKF9iN0skjk3DarlzvHsW28RrdGR8hGL9DiacfumCYpoYivLG6HLmEMHZI_ua2pTXFkvDco6JABXSJO1ggmAhsG6V0xzO6j1Tr1XPYC1cNcH7-9Zs5Jgyq3bnkZG3zjAQGXbclJ9EyFpnMLFTqwL6dveZ2Qc/w400-h300/5210-d-dscf0209-Anfield--Albert.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Wow! It is a good few years since I've been in a pub like this. The whole room was packed from wall to wall with vertical drinkers. A rather good singer with a guitar was just starting American Pie, but with locally relevant words (No idea what) I eventually squeezed my way to the counter for a pint of Carlsberg (£4.90) served by the efficient and very busy bar staff.</p><p>The fella served just before me paid with contactless and it didn't go through, by which time he had melted into the crowd. Later I saw the poor barman squeezing through the crush looking for him in vain. The order was two shots so they could have been drunk and out in 30 seconds.</p><p>I sang along with You'll Never Walk Alone and quickly swigged my beer, I'm getting too old for drinking in a throng like this. Eventually I escaped and finished my drink in the relative calm outside.</p><p>Next, the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1894" target="_blank">Church</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbnf5WbAwy4kybVncwPRKP32byaR8NwzMlQFR-H4qlw3aWpXR5DSDzjk5iISWoowZfI3LclTcjfd5Q7FJQkMP8NvZ8Bg1Aq_x3nL9VyqLyd2KXa0kkkIKn1faXmGv7KvJ5b5x2otVKLTQxxmXHGFv3KaTF6iHj4GtAGVsdLH8xs3LEMytRuhLoBidDjI/s3264/5210-d-dscf0204-Anfield--Church.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbnf5WbAwy4kybVncwPRKP32byaR8NwzMlQFR-H4qlw3aWpXR5DSDzjk5iISWoowZfI3LclTcjfd5Q7FJQkMP8NvZ8Bg1Aq_x3nL9VyqLyd2KXa0kkkIKn1faXmGv7KvJ5b5x2otVKLTQxxmXHGFv3KaTF6iHj4GtAGVsdLH8xs3LEMytRuhLoBidDjI/w400-h300/5210-d-dscf0204-Anfield--Church.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This wonderful former church has pews for seating in the impressive main room. I have to say when I came across it by chance in 2018 I was of the opinion that it couldn't survive for long as, apart from match days, I couldn't see why anyone would come in. Happily, I was wrong and it's going strong. </p><p>The bar staff were busy collecting millions (I think that's called hyperbole) of empty glasses as everyone had departed for the game but they still poured me a Carling, £4.</p><p>Everton had lost the early match according to the pictures on the stunning big screen which was clear and bright and I guess about eight metres wide. I imagine they get a good crowd for away games, England matches etc etc</p><p>A slow trickle of customers came in, keeping the place ticking over and of course it will be wedged again come full time.</p><p>The giant screen moved to Sky Sports News, with appalling lipsync. Someone needs to adjust something, it looks terrible. </p><p>Meanwhile I'm off to that rarest of ticks: A pub in the urban Liverpool area which I have never been in, but it's not a new one. Yes, I only learned of the existence of the Old Barn last year (Thanks Steve), so let's see if I can get in...</p><p>D'OH! shutters are down.</p><p>Back to the ground and the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=29" target="_blank">Park</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg459J378ifnthmHh8HQ5Gi5me1qT1zmz-6CrxUUgnJkmwzcEktt7USRQrSXvCOlsYLJgP_ErXmXCpM6pzYDvjjLJUju4wsnulkzgtyuFX8fwXu7FewkQ2YMpGpgLLweEfF-l1_sFLuJPVubqLcvNN4L6cY6ZHKY60ed6aDBKGKKp8xmUWJ9zH21B4ZEc0/s3264/5210-d-dscf0208-Anfield--Park.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2180" data-original-width="3264" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg459J378ifnthmHh8HQ5Gi5me1qT1zmz-6CrxUUgnJkmwzcEktt7USRQrSXvCOlsYLJgP_ErXmXCpM6pzYDvjjLJUju4wsnulkzgtyuFX8fwXu7FewkQ2YMpGpgLLweEfF-l1_sFLuJPVubqLcvNN4L6cY6ZHKY60ed6aDBKGKKp8xmUWJ9zH21B4ZEc0/w400-h268/5210-d-dscf0208-Anfield--Park.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Although not packed this one was busy enough that all the tables were occupied and I had to stand by the counter.</p><p>Knocked through into one room on two levels, the Park is a pleasant enough plain boozer and I enjoyed another Carling, £4 cash only.</p><p>We had a radio version of sports news in here, they were announcing Liverpool going 1-0 up as I came in, but I already knew because I'd heard the roar as I approached.</p><p>I now have two choices: Dawdle over a couple of pints and try the Old Barn again at full time, or just collect other ticks and head home before the rush. I won't bore you with my medical problems (nothing serious, just a wonky ankle, I'll try not to go on about it too much...) but I think I'll take the easier option today.</p><p>I walked past the Albert, and the doors were shut as I expected. I would have thought a gentle flow of beer sales between the two rushes would have been money for nothing, but clearly some pubs around here think otherwise. Dodds Bar was also closed having been open before KO. I expect they know better than me!</p><p>On to the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1102" target="_blank">Twelfth Man</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGuowtJ0EX4iqfoaGiWAN-o17HUj0ITg3pZXApjWfv5ITJCXvqSlgdL7Wod3MI-YkHZ93K6IzNYzik_bVZCUdHRA42hBP4LV-h3OIwjj0bPfqbcAIB9PB-rLlTjTp9VPEsnLbM-77V22QFzNQN_XoBO6XqG7BI7cg865gYfEVo03PixXZSy2SPIbo9OA/s3264/5210-d-dscf0210-Anfield--Twelfth-Man.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGuowtJ0EX4iqfoaGiWAN-o17HUj0ITg3pZXApjWfv5ITJCXvqSlgdL7Wod3MI-YkHZ93K6IzNYzik_bVZCUdHRA42hBP4LV-h3OIwjj0bPfqbcAIB9PB-rLlTjTp9VPEsnLbM-77V22QFzNQN_XoBO6XqG7BI7cg865gYfEVo03PixXZSy2SPIbo9OA/w400-h300/5210-d-dscf0210-Anfield--Twelfth-Man.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>A rather fine two sided traditional boozer this one, and after touring both sides I managed to pinch the corner of a table and a chance to sit down and rest my ankle.</p><p>We had rugby on the telly in here, plus Sky Sports News on other screens. We, and the crowd at the rugby match, watched what seemed like ten minutes of slow motion while they decided whether Scotland had scored a try or not. They hadn't.</p><p>The pub was doing a steady trade which again makes me wonder why others don't keep the doors open during the match. I assume it will be wedged come full time, but I'll try and get away before then.</p><p>As I relaxed on my comfortable seat I reconsidered my plans, can I dawdle and then get back to the Old Barn at full time?</p><p>I walked back past the Albert, still closed, and Dodds, open before, closed during, and now open again, joining the surprisingly large number of early leavers streaming away from the ground, and back to the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=2087" target="_blank">Old Barn</a>. (Is it alcohol or the comfortable seat in the Twelfth that means I'm walking at normal speed now?)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ64ev0wjrTDcRuuQjgir5VdJ9iV1w-Qo9RTwHj9bYYNYm7OZdxiOWSu7R1Avt16BFZX56KqfHUK5sG3nSwAxH-_Tk48vhvTx2kLflFi2Byau4LVzGBs99VykMfZoL4BjWeyOGc3VFek0bpJR5KXb2pwqiFhvJSYPIdh6psQOVVJp_JZ2nxLrX0quaMFQ/s3264/5210-d-dscf0206r-Anfield--Old-Barn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ64ev0wjrTDcRuuQjgir5VdJ9iV1w-Qo9RTwHj9bYYNYm7OZdxiOWSu7R1Avt16BFZX56KqfHUK5sG3nSwAxH-_Tk48vhvTx2kLflFi2Byau4LVzGBs99VykMfZoL4BjWeyOGc3VFek0bpJR5KXb2pwqiFhvJSYPIdh6psQOVVJp_JZ2nxLrX0quaMFQ/w300-h400/5210-d-dscf0206r-Anfield--Old-Barn.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>That picture was taken on my abortive attempt at a tick earlier. This time the door was open, so in I went.</p><p>A beautiful traditional two sided boozer this, the bar side at least is covered in football memorabilia LFC and EFC, it depends which way you look. I was the only customer as we listened to the end of the match, 3-1 to Liverpool.</p><p>The "other side" doesn't have a counter, it is served from a hatch at the end of the counter.</p><p>I kept waiting for the crowd to come in but it remained two staff and just me for a good ten minutes until finally some more customers arrived, just one group of four. And then a slow trickle of more, keeping the landlady quite busy.</p><p>Perhaps I'm biased because this is such a desirable tick, but I think this is a really beautiful pub and it's a cert for pub of the day today!</p><p>I noticed quite a few of the customers were heading up the stairs where I believe there is a function room.</p><p>Gradually more groups came in, am I the only loner in here? A few minutes later the place was busy, more and more came in, but I'd already got my seat and table, so I was happy! I did wonder if the pal who recommended this place would come in and recognise me, but he didn't. Perhaps he walked past and neither of us noticed. Soon every seat was filled.</p><p>I took my time over my pint, of Guinness for a change, hoping the crowds would disperse before I headed home.</p><p>Another match came on the telly, with close-ups of players and stewards clearing thrown objects off the pitch. Little plastic footballs and other rubbish. Who's playing? Oh, it's Bayer Leverkusen, isn't there a late match in the premiership?</p><p>In conclusion, a wonderful survey, one pub not done since '04 and one brand new - to me - but it's an old pub. I have to confess that in my conceit I'd assumed there were none of those left, but clearly one can never be sure. If you know of more, please tell me.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pub of the day:</b> Old Barn<br /><b>Beer of the day:</b> Guinness<br /><b>Miles limped:</b> 3.7<br /><b>Maybe coming soon:</b> Fazakerley, Bebington, Crosby</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579786883431074587.post-67562793964009299532024-02-03T23:39:00.002+00:002024-02-19T11:36:44.085+00:00Wallasey: Cask and Architecture<p>Yesterday I suffered a bit of a pub failure: I was in Chinatown for some shopping so I thought this would be a good opportunity to tick the Liverpool Marina, where I last drank back in 1999. You can imagine my irritation when I walked all the way round the docks to find a notice saying the bar was closed. I marched grumpily back to James Street and got the train to Lime Street, where I cheered myself up with a wonderful pint of Oakham Citra in the Crown before getting the train home. (It could have been worse, at first I thought there was no Er Guo Tou Jiu in the Chinese supermarket which would have rendered the whole walk pointless, but they had simply moved it to a different place.)</p><p>Back to today: As is often the case nowadays Merseyrail was in a mess, but my train turned up on time and I rode in 507001 which has been repainted in its original livery to celebrate the end of these units. I hope to travel on the farewell tour in May.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtyRmBkcSNNOELO1uw-Lwe_junRu4A0oxT0DyX2FFHSL2gnnVzjSt3_25-Fmq-If8S-YZLm65jIgBs1Ta6YvN3ITD2WNIy397J_d9SBSLWoX6mG51iCb1B2XRTLFdSpqCq4WSSvGHRwlqba5MX-tewhBFStoDuGgCvEtBtFl3Wb6u2uwYPJvm083mz8o/s2780/5203-d-dscf0197c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1448" data-original-width="2780" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtyRmBkcSNNOELO1uw-Lwe_junRu4A0oxT0DyX2FFHSL2gnnVzjSt3_25-Fmq-If8S-YZLm65jIgBs1Ta6YvN3ITD2WNIy397J_d9SBSLWoX6mG51iCb1B2XRTLFdSpqCq4WSSvGHRwlqba5MX-tewhBFStoDuGgCvEtBtFl3Wb6u2uwYPJvm083mz8o/w400-h209/5203-d-dscf0197c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I began my Wallasey research in the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=883" target="_blank">Nelson</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RHaKfuOzCapVB8yz3z74H6n-AJPeEn-8ECx9730HfKxC87FFN0D0oSOQnoTs1O5DJNGWOXgPEMr8n_lBcdnRRLXCyN_p6MBwmvX0oNAY3CMzhBi_pmYgWoOYVbKtomr2swssBsUOKPKRAHbg2mql3sXVB7R9NDIK_eNMDoabg-LNHaEPMVHHmhO8o50/s3264/5203-d-dscf0198-Wallasey--Nelson.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RHaKfuOzCapVB8yz3z74H6n-AJPeEn-8ECx9730HfKxC87FFN0D0oSOQnoTs1O5DJNGWOXgPEMr8n_lBcdnRRLXCyN_p6MBwmvX0oNAY3CMzhBi_pmYgWoOYVbKtomr2swssBsUOKPKRAHbg2mql3sXVB7R9NDIK_eNMDoabg-LNHaEPMVHHmhO8o50/w400-h300/5203-d-dscf0198-Wallasey--Nelson.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This is a very well done chain dining pub in a rather fine building.</p><p>I was pleased to see two handpumps and my pint of Yardbird was excellent, and it was served in a Yardbird glass. </p><p>Everton were on the TV, one group of lads might have been watching but most of the limited population of the pub were not. One or two were watching racing on a different channel.</p><p>I looked around. Compared with other chain pubs this one seems better; there's nothing exciting about the decor, it is just beautifully done and maintained. For architecture fans the inside does not reflect the outside, there is very little original apart from some leaded glass in the windows.</p><p>The menu is standard fare with fish and chips at £12, from my seat I couldn't see anyone eating.</p><p>Next, the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=882" target="_blank">Lighthouse</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohil2HEcGWf8_u5GStsV4b9o8n-duYSkbQRPaLJAfDGlei9JDkdP7oNneSWrgPFiEnr8Ul0I4fIUk7dNY4S0CeTLZlKCIpLySOvBJTumDqOfykmggUNWGPGv_tiEVve6wWkTndfTysUXCNhS7iBx8So-nQu8Ya78tzZ_CpLf9-_3_SV0dTqN9TWyY8ZM/s3264/5203-d-dscf0199-Wallasey--Lighthouse.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2068" data-original-width="3264" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohil2HEcGWf8_u5GStsV4b9o8n-duYSkbQRPaLJAfDGlei9JDkdP7oNneSWrgPFiEnr8Ul0I4fIUk7dNY4S0CeTLZlKCIpLySOvBJTumDqOfykmggUNWGPGv_tiEVve6wWkTndfTysUXCNhS7iBx8So-nQu8Ya78tzZ_CpLf9-_3_SV0dTqN9TWyY8ZM/w400-h254/5203-d-dscf0199-Wallasey--Lighthouse.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This time the architecture aficionados will recognise a classic 1960s construction, and once again it has been substantially modified inside.</p><p>Just like the Nelson this is a Greene King dining operation, but with one big difference: It is busy in here. I was OK for a table but most of them were occupied by family groups, many of them eating. Fish and chips is £13.19 so it's not a food price differential that causes everyone to come here.</p><p>There were four handpumps on the counter but the only ale available was IPA which came out of the Old Golden Hen pump. This hints at poor cellar work but my pint was of excellent quality, so no complaint. It was significantly cheaper at £3.70 than the £5.40 I paid in the Nelson. Perhaps that's why everyone comes here!</p><p>Again Everton were on the telly, and again not many were watching.</p><p>The sounds in here were faint football commentary mostly drowned out by happy chatter.</p><p>Just a few yards further along the road is the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=876" target="_blank">Farmers Arms</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaK8uFYtjSCH7i3JLAjoRNKAFmwaAaVV1xdqo4I0DUAXTUBBLB75vmHSAr91l9KbQzfWrI857UtfYljyHV3C1stXj8rgIkIsc10_tghyBUeS6q30z6pyuPx1jz1_jfIrNWqBR_1HP5RYgFUYvt61igylgXpcms-DfQJwWBYCSdIAJRobZefSjo2NYAq0/s3264/5203-d-dscf0200-Wallasey--Farmers-Arms.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaK8uFYtjSCH7i3JLAjoRNKAFmwaAaVV1xdqo4I0DUAXTUBBLB75vmHSAr91l9KbQzfWrI857UtfYljyHV3C1stXj8rgIkIsc10_tghyBUeS6q30z6pyuPx1jz1_jfIrNWqBR_1HP5RYgFUYvt61igylgXpcms-DfQJwWBYCSdIAJRobZefSjo2NYAq0/w400-h300/5203-d-dscf0200-Wallasey--Farmers-Arms.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Another architectural gem, this time there is no doubt about when it was built as it says 1924 on the front.</p><p>The inside is beautiful with dark wood panels and leaded glass partitions splitting it into a number of separate areas. I am most definitely not an expert, but I'd say much of the interior is original.</p><p>Three cask ales are on offer and I chose a guest from Conway. The barmaid took my money while it was settling. Next, she topped up a pint from the IPA pump. "No No, Conway" I said, "I know" was the reply, then I realised it was the previous order she was finishing. Oh dear, there's only one thing worse than correcting the bar staff, and that is correcting the bar staff when they are right! Oooops. Never mind, no damage done and I soon had the third excellent pint of the day.</p><p>Everton were on the TV in here too, the majority of the regulars were watching. I retreated to one of the side areas to drink my ale in solitude.</p><p>I contemplated the survey so far and decided that three quality pints is an excellent score. Can we make it four, or even five?</p><p>Everton equalised in injury time. (I could hear the commentary but I couldn't see a telly from my quiet corner.) Finally, full time and a good result, I think. Suddenly some footie fans who had been in a back room appeared and left the pub.</p><p>For my next move I walked past Sheridan's, saving it for later, and on to the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=873" target="_blank">Cheshire Cheese</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiji3lEoaRcDCpQ8yL3SKxnPR1k4PeAZQ00nqy1LMzlnjnXxSFn6cGYqB_7E2YBRy5fOkO59qpNq-BSl_P2alckd269HBSX7p6wUtHUAZIVKIH_OBO6bETYT_UFH_-vcMnodSt2vb_Ms6J0b4tocTN-FGUQ2d1dRb15hZMUwOaHl8Q_vpLFdEsyd96Www4/s3264/5203-d-dscf0202-Wallasey--Cheshire-Cheese.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2132" data-original-width="3264" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiji3lEoaRcDCpQ8yL3SKxnPR1k4PeAZQ00nqy1LMzlnjnXxSFn6cGYqB_7E2YBRy5fOkO59qpNq-BSl_P2alckd269HBSX7p6wUtHUAZIVKIH_OBO6bETYT_UFH_-vcMnodSt2vb_Ms6J0b4tocTN-FGUQ2d1dRb15hZMUwOaHl8Q_vpLFdEsyd96Www4/w400-h261/5203-d-dscf0202-Wallasey--Cheshire-Cheese.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I cannot recall the source of the information but I marked this pub as closed in 2021, so I was rather chuffed when undertaking this morning's pre-flight checks to find it isn't, as it was something of a gem. Is it still?</p><p>Well, as a cask ale destination it is perhaps not as good as I remember, there were only three on, but my Boltmaker was excellent, so no criticism: One is enough, three is wonderful. I'd forgotten just how good Boltmaker is; a slight hint of toffee raises it from classic bitter to something rather special.</p><p>As a pleasant pub, it is just as good, with multiple areas around the two part servery. Customers were fairly sparse but it wasn't completely dead.</p><p>The TVs here were showing rugger, England were losing. Did I hear there is a campaign to ban school children from playing rugby? It never did me any harm - Apart from instilling a lifelong aversion to participating in any sports. Actually, that's not harm that's a benefit!</p><p>More regulars arrived, perused the pumps, and also chose Boltmaker.</p><p>To complete the Wallasey pubs, back to the former Black Horse, now <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=872" target="_blank">Sheridans</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mqDLOBo-35OJXSKjtrMLpxImNr0BqPcwRmk2tqZpqypghmsgHOJ0bUqfGWsLlIt3jYi5_CG9ejRWiNbekhRL8Ezf3yaishHHs9tW75wu5dt42anDrbipf0D_LRQpGTV6-ZSILSd2DOmy6U6nbQqz4oIUfCFYriddY_b-ox0kw1dtxLswsJHtrGyP6Bc/s3264/5203-d-dscf0201-Wallasey--Sheridans.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2036" data-original-width="3264" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mqDLOBo-35OJXSKjtrMLpxImNr0BqPcwRmk2tqZpqypghmsgHOJ0bUqfGWsLlIt3jYi5_CG9ejRWiNbekhRL8Ezf3yaishHHs9tW75wu5dt42anDrbipf0D_LRQpGTV6-ZSILSd2DOmy6U6nbQqz4oIUfCFYriddY_b-ox0kw1dtxLswsJHtrGyP6Bc/w400-h250/5203-d-dscf0201-Wallasey--Sheridans.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Another fine building, brewers' Tudor is the style.</p><p>My quality cask streak couldn't last for ever; none in here so I finished the day with a Carling.</p><p>Ale choice notwithstanding, this is another rather good boozer, pleasantly done out, spotlessly clean and if I'm allowed a negative, rather chilly. Custom was a little sparse in here although the place was ticking over, and some people were eating.</p><p>Sky sports news was on a telly above my head, no one was watching. (Where's Jeff Stelling? Oh, he's retired.) </p><p>Judging by the signage, accommodation is an important part of the operation, the cynic in me says no one would want to stay here in the middle of <strike>nowhere</strike> Wirral, but hopefully I'm wrong.</p><p>A fine selection of pubs for today's research and four out of five offering quality cask which is a bit better than last week's zero out of five! Time for home.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pub of the day:</b> Cheshire Cheese<br /><b>Beer of the day:</b> Boltmaker<br /><b>Miles walked:</b> 1.5<br /><b>Maybe coming soon:</b> Fazakerley, Bebington, Crosby, Anfield</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579786883431074587.post-17156278474863673002024-01-27T23:52:00.001+00:002024-01-28T11:18:49.435+00:00Everton At Home<p>As Everton were at home for a proper three o'clock kickoff today, my objective was some pubs near Goodison which may have match day only opening hours.</p><p>But first, a chance to tick off one in town as I pass, <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=2093" target="_blank">Central Sports</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8cGaPZhyphenhyphenTRWvWHuVztgoPXSiVQ1J3-PX5C1W_DRqEnWCzyWMEJN1NfOk3E-6y8SDnY6ZzxLKYDlnSvlToVN5xGRcby4pBKTKMnAugoKlIWHuKbn4FXHE_n6Nre_q3IwxHGIj8Qd5p-bI5BEBt60oVAMf3F38LegcD6KNx2aiwVMA3q8MKnZOjnJ-hoc/s3264/4b18-d-dscf0039-Liverpool--Central-Sports.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8cGaPZhyphenhyphenTRWvWHuVztgoPXSiVQ1J3-PX5C1W_DRqEnWCzyWMEJN1NfOk3E-6y8SDnY6ZzxLKYDlnSvlToVN5xGRcby4pBKTKMnAugoKlIWHuKbn4FXHE_n6Nre_q3IwxHGIj8Qd5p-bI5BEBt60oVAMf3F38LegcD6KNx2aiwVMA3q8MKnZOjnJ-hoc/w400-h300/4b18-d-dscf0039-Liverpool--Central-Sports.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This is located upstairs above Tess Riley's on Charlotte Street, making it the eighth bar on that short road.</p><p>I wasn't sure exactly what to expect here, imagining a scruffy shed designed to sell lager to as many fans as possible when there's a match on. However, what I found was a very well done sports bar offering tables large and small, booths with individual TVs and even some sofas facing a giant screen.</p><p>I was the only customer, I suggested to the barmaid it would be busier later but she opined "it's only FA cup, so probably not".</p><p>I couldn't see Carling so I treated myself to Stella instead. A text came in from my brother who was enjoying Oakham Citra in the Live and Let Live in Cambridge, making me somewhat jealous! A great pub and a favourite ale. When I said I was unlikely to see a handpump today his reply was "Oh dear".</p><p>On to Central Station to join the throng on their way to Kirkdale. Actually, the train was surprisingly empty.</p><p>I exited the station to find crowds of people heading towards the match, the pavement was so busy I had to queue for two cycles of the traffic lights to get across the road. The first pub I came to was the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1163" target="_blank">Melrose Abbey</a>, but I wasn't going in because I ticked it less than a year ago:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZo5CJfYA6FzvYfIUHFjzxBnff1QcrldDPX3RKUb-t2OIlvnWoE-tJkHW4Drn-cI2GnniVmqT-5164dlt2InERY6omKwSTWNFuEBceMCGSRhe1qJjPOhx_H_-gl3crpsUT4CdJ9asg4OKW_JRf-xJRYrMyQ4-2Z3MxfCkhI4v2dAhD4m6pek7S2EVaI7k/s3240/4204-d-dscf0054-Kirkdale--Melrose-Abbey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1936" data-original-width="3240" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZo5CJfYA6FzvYfIUHFjzxBnff1QcrldDPX3RKUb-t2OIlvnWoE-tJkHW4Drn-cI2GnniVmqT-5164dlt2InERY6omKwSTWNFuEBceMCGSRhe1qJjPOhx_H_-gl3crpsUT4CdJ9asg4OKW_JRf-xJRYrMyQ4-2Z3MxfCkhI4v2dAhD4m6pek7S2EVaI7k/w400-h239/4204-d-dscf0054-Kirkdale--Melrose-Abbey.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I peered into the open door to see how busy it was and there was former work colleague, drinking buddy and Evertonian John, so naturally I joined him for a pint and some catching up. I do like it when this sort of thing happens on a survey.</p><p>The Melrose Abbey is a plain two sided boozer, naturally doing very well an hour before KO. The other side is in the process of refurbishment, with missing bench seats and temporarily exposed pipework.</p><p>When I exited the Melrose I noticed a large black cloud in the sky, not a thunderstorm as I first thought but the emissions from a large fire nearby.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggt3O3wxXa1Ph_6Rk4kzXEGvXKRE7Mq-dt9mVjsXuBbg1BYo4Y5u06u6K9KkufA5ZRs3y_D7_SjmUMLXMIFRKqWxBqvjYSdAtkLqoN4mJWdryaJey3M47lhLBPfYSg6u-_DXQQUZJfEAAAQZhmCfW8_4fQLgFSeMqrSWO4chSH3y__0tGMxza3JU9tjfU/s2723/fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1227" data-original-width="2723" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggt3O3wxXa1Ph_6Rk4kzXEGvXKRE7Mq-dt9mVjsXuBbg1BYo4Y5u06u6K9KkufA5ZRs3y_D7_SjmUMLXMIFRKqWxBqvjYSdAtkLqoN4mJWdryaJey3M47lhLBPfYSg6u-_DXQQUZJfEAAAQZhmCfW8_4fQLgFSeMqrSWO4chSH3y__0tGMxza3JU9tjfU/w400-h180/fire.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Next, on to pub number three which was the first target on my plan, the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1191" target="_blank">Saddle</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yZosw9SlV8nSzYzZFDdMC0mnYYruM2PaX3_r7f_aquNZh0xn9panP5mT-3_UgTVu-xttCW8rNsaMgUr8k7DIlVG7Y1EsW_PjNDEwe25D5VB7EVK2Z4MJQFXSvn3eM_Ef2qnC2s5YnVasb0LTulXWXEZACzbzagmXOIYs3kevtkn5FyeaPs8mppeKvEU/s3264/5127-d-dscf0189-Kirkdale--Saddle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yZosw9SlV8nSzYzZFDdMC0mnYYruM2PaX3_r7f_aquNZh0xn9panP5mT-3_UgTVu-xttCW8rNsaMgUr8k7DIlVG7Y1EsW_PjNDEwe25D5VB7EVK2Z4MJQFXSvn3eM_Ef2qnC2s5YnVasb0LTulXWXEZACzbzagmXOIYs3kevtkn5FyeaPs8mppeKvEU/w400-h300/5127-d-dscf0189-Kirkdale--Saddle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This gem continues unchanged, there are some wonderful ceramics inside and the lounge is still served from a hatch at the end of the servery.</p><p>Having poured me a Carling the barmaid warned that they hadn't got the match on. When I indicated that was fine she assumed I was going to watch it on my tablet. As if!</p><p>The counter was almost full of empty glasses but all the fans had gone by now and I was briefly the only customer until I was joined by one other, who requested racing from Uttoxeter on the telly.</p><p>Rapid loading of glassware into the dishwasher occupied the staff, one also hoovered the lounge side.</p><p>What else can I say about this pub, I think the word beautiful sums it up.</p><p>Leaving the Saddle I noted the smoke plume was thinner than before but there was a sprinkling of pieces of ash on everything, pavement, parked cars, front yards, it must have been a major fire.</p><p>On to Walton Road, and the first pub I came to was the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=368" target="_blank">Saint Hilda</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibH-gUB2mPb7dsV3Wa7E8O5N3QMr02DopfJBrepjcl0pcb-_q1rFuXwQsK6E4iG5Y5sgkzDOXGkLoQoddXbspI9JqxfexTkJN0mDPziORi-dB2DBZKQjpvN03DHddBi7xtKWwMcPhqQnOdbg86RZYHdPujLmphqmKFAiPyKwTbWcMCURk7RF53n6b45xk/s3264/5127-d-dscf0190-Kirkdale--St-Hilda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibH-gUB2mPb7dsV3Wa7E8O5N3QMr02DopfJBrepjcl0pcb-_q1rFuXwQsK6E4iG5Y5sgkzDOXGkLoQoddXbspI9JqxfexTkJN0mDPziORi-dB2DBZKQjpvN03DHddBi7xtKWwMcPhqQnOdbg86RZYHdPujLmphqmKFAiPyKwTbWcMCURk7RF53n6b45xk/w400-h300/5127-d-dscf0190-Kirkdale--St-Hilda.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>A plain well cared for place with an L shaped main room plus a side lounge.</p><p>It was ticking over, much busier than the Saddle, with miscellaneous groups of locals enjoying the calm between the pre and post match rushes. Or perhaps the rush doesn't reach here?</p><p>The walls in the side room were decorated with classic albums, I checked them all but I only own one, Simon and Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water. Can I renew my not recently repeated complaint, that classic vinyl should be preserved, not nailed to the wall.</p><p>I was interested to see some hotel guests checking in, I had assumed one would stay here only if visiting for footie, but apparently not. It's good to see another source of income for the establishment.</p><p>I proceeded up Walton Road. The advantage of bumping in to John is that he knows my interests and advised me someone had told him the Salutation had reopened. So I walked past my next planned target, the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=351" target="_blank">Clock</a>, last visited in 2018:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglis8YA52gjcsa26x1hYWWrT5S1c5yb-oU-QO92W2uK3bbf0oTp_oUMtJ6URrozvEDaRArrhsgHE_aHIYqOHDzxoqZ-7s4IEhW7nN2BntDwsoTbRzFxs91UK0U0WKyeXp0sD-F2RLMf0-fKAZ2dx-XAMEo9FqHWAUbT9-8EVR4cc9gaWBuMwGRWmyiEuY/s2900/5127-d-dscf0192-Kirkdale--Clock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2284" data-original-width="2900" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglis8YA52gjcsa26x1hYWWrT5S1c5yb-oU-QO92W2uK3bbf0oTp_oUMtJ6URrozvEDaRArrhsgHE_aHIYqOHDzxoqZ-7s4IEhW7nN2BntDwsoTbRzFxs91UK0U0WKyeXp0sD-F2RLMf0-fKAZ2dx-XAMEo9FqHWAUbT9-8EVR4cc9gaWBuMwGRWmyiEuY/w400-h315/5127-d-dscf0192-Kirkdale--Clock.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>... and on to the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=369" target="_blank">Salutation</a>. My last time here was in 2010 and it is recorded as closed in my database:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2JlELHobbxWheF9TtiO4dQ9O8gzNx0KvoE8yQE_SOJpFwPevw0glsajsKX3WymBVFZgo6llUb_SyXtKGrIWyHaigXzoDcgTBEPkaqQ36Eg-vZJrX_rAYKoLk1zXdd9tMz17TKNRT8S9isIr6jYo-jtOIGtcY-TIYDcRPRnwIQks-e97ySvv-qHC6Qik/s1980/5127-d-dscf0194-Kirkdale--Salutation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1832" data-original-width="1980" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2JlELHobbxWheF9TtiO4dQ9O8gzNx0KvoE8yQE_SOJpFwPevw0glsajsKX3WymBVFZgo6llUb_SyXtKGrIWyHaigXzoDcgTBEPkaqQ36Eg-vZJrX_rAYKoLk1zXdd9tMz17TKNRT8S9isIr6jYo-jtOIGtcY-TIYDcRPRnwIQks-e97ySvv-qHC6Qik/w400-h370/5127-d-dscf0194-Kirkdale--Salutation.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Oh yes, it's open!</p><p>A two room plain boozer, with a counter only in the front room. Lots of tellies, mostly switched off, and a large number of regulars chatting, some watching the footie. Everton weren't doing very well, but then they equalised.</p><p>It is good to see a plain pleasant comfortable boozer surviving, especially when I had it down as closed. Long may it continue. I'm guessing it'll be packed after full time, so perhaps long term survival is at risk once Everton go to their new stadium.</p><p>What a great survey, nothing like what I'd planned this morning. One new bar, one I thought was long closed, and an unexpected reunion. You can't ask for more than that. OK, maybe some real ale! I headed home before the post match rush.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pub of the day:</b> Salutation, welcome back.<br /><b>Beer of the day:</b> Carling<br /><b>Miles walked:</b> 1.8<br /><b>Maybe coming soon:</b> Fazakerley, Crosby, Anfield, Wallasey.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579786883431074587.post-53357747821870009532024-01-20T23:33:00.001+00:002024-01-21T14:04:59.198+00:00Shiny New Ticks in Town<p>Today's plan was for a trip to Crosby to revisit a favourite and catch some new ones, but I decided I couldn't be bothered and only went as far as the city centre where I had learned there was a new pub. So, up to Hope Street and the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1809" target="_blank">White Hart</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qZwm2akq1TiOwpHrTiw-sxahEP5S3XOuVntXLeY6Jk6l60Xf3Zjta7R0DW_rY61cP0uP94BAm-nvCDFJDcp-MOXbnh3BMGra9Z62MGQ676WUiyJUIkHOH9N_CM_x3BDdmbpSQbjpZ6aOrU85_5g-eRIoB-Z5mVqlIP_zexgpx8Dqr5yg19PEoff6c2M/s3088/5120-d-dscf0141-Liverpool--White-Hart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3088" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qZwm2akq1TiOwpHrTiw-sxahEP5S3XOuVntXLeY6Jk6l60Xf3Zjta7R0DW_rY61cP0uP94BAm-nvCDFJDcp-MOXbnh3BMGra9Z62MGQ676WUiyJUIkHOH9N_CM_x3BDdmbpSQbjpZ6aOrU85_5g-eRIoB-Z5mVqlIP_zexgpx8Dqr5yg19PEoff6c2M/w400-h318/5120-d-dscf0141-Liverpool--White-Hart.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>A freshly minted pub (This is only its third day.) in a location which has had various operations including Clove Hitch, Bread and Butter, and finally Keystone which I visited a couple of years ago.</p><p>Inside I found a rather wonderful multi room multi floor pub with quirky decor that immediately caused me to suspect that it's a new operation by The 36 Pub Company (The Vines, Queen of Hope Street, Red Lion etc.)</p><p>The fine choice of six cask ales confirmed my suspicion; I selected Proper Job which was very good, just as it was in the Big House on Wednesday.</p><p>What a beautiful pub, "Dickensian decor" according to one puff piece I read, with the usual trademark real fire, candles, stuffed animals and some ancient furniture.</p><p>Where next? As I enjoyed my pint I was checking the internet to confirm the owning company and I'm very glad I did because I learned that the White Hart opened on Thursday along with another bar from the same company. So I headed out the back of the Hart, through the conservatory and in to the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=2104" target="_blank">Engineer</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfv8evAYk3mUd-SL3fbzGdlDYHFfyXA-sSmMqRFttk93X4hlckBXbtrbxS9NawYJx334S6TUAwsSN0wutzil3OWHxnm15SScVfGiEBioUEpq24Br0RsFYL16wvKgY909KOxsZpBH6cF8p1AZGi-odue77lmTZS5TF_i-1ihPvZ0iRBeRDrowhh6_z8DM/s3128/5120-d-dscf0145-Liverpool--Engineer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2336" data-original-width="3128" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfv8evAYk3mUd-SL3fbzGdlDYHFfyXA-sSmMqRFttk93X4hlckBXbtrbxS9NawYJx334S6TUAwsSN0wutzil3OWHxnm15SScVfGiEBioUEpq24Br0RsFYL16wvKgY909KOxsZpBH6cF8p1AZGi-odue77lmTZS5TF_i-1ihPvZ0iRBeRDrowhh6_z8DM/w400-h299/5120-d-dscf0145-Liverpool--Engineer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Now, one might argue these only count as one pub, but the Engineer has a street entrance and its own toilet so I'm claiming two ticks.</p><p>The decor here is very different to the Hart. A sort of industrial vibe, bare brick, tiled floor with cracks, and a mezzanine walkway made of wood which affords access to some small upstairs rooms.</p><p>"Only" four handpumps here, I had a lovely pint of Ossett Silver King.</p><p>A couple came in with two dogs, one a giant shaggy thing whose head was higher than the counter. (And the dogs were quite big as well! Sorry.) I was pleased when they headed through to the White Hart.</p><p>Unlike the other half they had footie on the telly here. Arsenal scored, with Jesus awarded an assist. That reminded me of the very old graffiti outside a Liverpool church. The sign said "JESUS SAVES" and someone wrote underneath "but Dalglish scores on the rebound". I see today is another Saturday with no 3 o'clock matches. Next time a manager whines about fixture congestion ask him what they were doing in January.</p><p>You know that thing where a real ale pub has a collection of previous pump clips on display? I've always had a little suspicion that they buy in a job lot of clips. Well there's a row of them behind the bar here and since it's only day three of operation they obviously aren't beers that have previously been on sale!</p><p>The Silver King went off sale as I drank mine which was a touch cloudy but tasted fine. Another member of staff came over from the White Hart and disappeared into the "cellar" behind the counter, and I could hear the sound of a mallet working on a cask. Soon the Silver King was back on.</p><p>Time to move on, perhaps I can continue with places never before ticked?</p><p>Down towards the other (Anglican) end of Hope Street is <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=2065" target="_blank">Papillon</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvK-rYa-TtW5AOnXE-0tsoNEdbPMUYm16Juehc5mNTzuuy-j_-jWg14GmMK8A3W1m8L2asfmiZGSycljmsof6tOFUj7tn-B7fESHe_ZSgtBWDlBEHKZ_PDSJn7nXWviOB4wquHgATKsmOdjk932hXEwwG-HvQFhApI0gB2fRQnl6W-WQbczG29oUD2iHI/s3264/5120-d-dscf0147-Liverpool--Papillon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="3264" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvK-rYa-TtW5AOnXE-0tsoNEdbPMUYm16Juehc5mNTzuuy-j_-jWg14GmMK8A3W1m8L2asfmiZGSycljmsof6tOFUj7tn-B7fESHe_ZSgtBWDlBEHKZ_PDSJn7nXWviOB4wquHgATKsmOdjk932hXEwwG-HvQFhApI0gB2fRQnl6W-WQbczG29oUD2iHI/w400-h278/5120-d-dscf0147-Liverpool--Papillon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Despite the sign saying "a public house" it is actually very close to the pub/restaurant borderline. Ignoring the Please wait to be seated sign I stood at the counter by the pumps, but my order was taken by a passing waitress who pointed me to a table and soon brought me a fine pint of White Rat.</p><p>Could this one also belong to 36? Similar ale selection and candles on the tables suggest so but the internet says no. Anyway it is a rather good place although more of a restaurant than a pub in my opinion.</p><p>That's two new ticks, can we get more? Of course we can, let's try <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=2105" target="_blank">Antisocial</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXrzOJSFQwesouEQRs0pDFLerSDxpnLz5vLl2ocrqIJsrA02kQUgJrEBDR9evwVLZ2x6CTn4X4uG_8kW6bJFuPQuHEALjhm4PvbN5NASWbVtXkmPv1NBFKS3qs2PnFzdzcRc9Yw8qUdrkYOzXd9__uehhCGgaozjoUJlQjZ1Qw_67CHU5akdMSNZ3Z8E/s3264/5120-d-dscf0148-Liverpool--Antisocial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXrzOJSFQwesouEQRs0pDFLerSDxpnLz5vLl2ocrqIJsrA02kQUgJrEBDR9evwVLZ2x6CTn4X4uG_8kW6bJFuPQuHEALjhm4PvbN5NASWbVtXkmPv1NBFKS3qs2PnFzdzcRc9Yw8qUdrkYOzXd9__uehhCGgaozjoUJlQjZ1Qw_67CHU5akdMSNZ3Z8E/w400-h300/5120-d-dscf0148-Liverpool--Antisocial.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Here I found a completely empty one room bar where the friendly barman poured me a pint of Camden Hells. He had seen me taking a picture and apparently there's something special about the building's frontage which causes architecture students to take photos, so I explained the Guide and why I was here. He bemoaned the problems of being on the borderline between bar and restaurant, it looks like a restaurant from the front so they don't get the drinkers that they deserve. On reflection, perhaps it would do better if they wrote the name in big letters on the front!</p><p>Our chat was interrupted by two more customers but they turned out to be enquiring about a function booking, so didn't actually buy any drinks.</p><p>The decor in here is sort of modern plain, in my opinion rather well done with just enough clutter to make the place feel comfortable.</p><p>Two more customers came in, they had some complicated coffee/chocolate order which kept the barman busy for ages. Still, custom is custom.</p><p>Someone else came in, but he seemed to be staff, so once again no sale.</p><p>Time to go home, but maybe one more brand new tick? On the route back to the station on Hardman Street is <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=467" target="_blank">Metrocola</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUs6Y2xI2QhPd7nelL2FTryerHvt8nWXiS8_NHyR959CFcRKh_c1xsJ75iDYwn5fT0bcZeb_GRXSc3FXysb-W8o_Z3T8zEE382AWrhCks0-xQACuswgVdCXM3x3S2D_tf3qRw3NPL4nI0NQP1QWC1ncsozdOmp1F6XGw4hDMD-0gypFTc4fGnnjF25fU/s3264/5120-d-dscf0137-Liverpool--Metrocola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2068" data-original-width="3264" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUs6Y2xI2QhPd7nelL2FTryerHvt8nWXiS8_NHyR959CFcRKh_c1xsJ75iDYwn5fT0bcZeb_GRXSc3FXysb-W8o_Z3T8zEE382AWrhCks0-xQACuswgVdCXM3x3S2D_tf3qRw3NPL4nI0NQP1QWC1ncsozdOmp1F6XGw4hDMD-0gypFTc4fGnnjF25fU/w400-h254/5120-d-dscf0137-Liverpool--Metrocola.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The picture was taken on my way up some hours ago, it was getting dark by now.</p><p>How does one pronounce the name? My guess would be metro-cola but it could be met-rock-o-la? Aha, their web site says Metro-cola.</p><p>Annoyingly, being four pints to the good I wasn't on the ball so I completely failed to spot the handpumps and ordered a fine pint of (real) Budweiser. I wonder if the Cheshire Cat would have been any good.</p><p>How can I sum up the decor? Distressed wooden floor, bare brick walls, yellow tiles on the counter front, neon signage and lots of hanging greenery, I really like it.</p><p>Quite a few groups, my age and much younger were keeping the place going so obviously they're doing something right. At four on a Saturday afternoon they are ticking over, I bet it's a lot busier later, at least I hope so.</p><p>I wondered if I had been in here before, in the days before the pub guide I used to frequent night clubs around here on a Friday night, but I think Plummers and Kirkland's were elsewhere on Hardman Street, so this really is a new one.</p><p>My electrical engineering mind kicked in: There are a number of METROCOLA neon signs around the room, but are they really neon or some modern simulacrum? I have to say the one nearest my seat had the blacked tubes between each letter which suggested to me it was genuine. If I'm right it's good to know someone is still making real neon signage. Google to the rescue once again, the answer is yes and there's a company in Bolton for example.</p><p>Well, how about that! Two brand new pubs and four brand new ticks taking my grand total to 1,470. Can I make 1,500 this year? Time for home.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pub of the day:</b> White Hart<br /><b>Beer of the day:</b> White Rat<br /><b>Miles walked:</b> 1.8<br /><b>Maybe coming soon:</b> Fazakerley, Crosby, Anfield, Wallasey, Kirkdale.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579786883431074587.post-69257645002627553462024-01-13T23:35:00.001+00:002024-01-14T13:11:56.083+00:00Where Am I?<p>A bus under the river soon dropped me in, er, is it Liscard? Or Seacombe? Who knows! My first target was the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=885" target="_blank">Rose & Crown</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxSoQsVFcgoDAq-BZPHxkFGF3QNEmPYLKRawteyJlC_uFBuAsDTL4n69k-xGPArw0NSJlgaG66ytjFrUuXF_CTupMVe73NUdmOoXwLrAKvvuAnOF4ci0yjb0j4MQBcLywYvz3tVEfans964Ca4XvduLXVIceof7RNHc5rJrkKZuZ6bOmW971gh8Wv33Y/s2968/5113-d-dscf0127-Liscard--Rose-and-Crown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1972" data-original-width="2968" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxSoQsVFcgoDAq-BZPHxkFGF3QNEmPYLKRawteyJlC_uFBuAsDTL4n69k-xGPArw0NSJlgaG66ytjFrUuXF_CTupMVe73NUdmOoXwLrAKvvuAnOF4ci0yjb0j4MQBcLywYvz3tVEfans964Ca4XvduLXVIceof7RNHc5rJrkKZuZ6bOmW971gh8Wv33Y/w400-h266/5113-d-dscf0127-Liscard--Rose-and-Crown.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I was a little concerned as I approached: Two shut doors and Christmas decorations still on display, could it have closed? Happily no, the third door was welcoming and I was soon in the bar side which was deserted apart from the friendly barmaid who quickly poured me a pint of lager.</p><p>The decor in here is plain, one might even say down at heel, but well maintained and spotlessly clean so really all it needs is a few more customers. And the removal of Santa and Rudolf painted on the windows.</p><p>I could see some people in the lounge side even though the entrance door was locked. There must be another way in.</p><p>More "customers" came in, three youngsters who headed straight for the toilets and left a few minutes later. That won't pay anyone's wages.</p><p>Next, <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=886" target="_blank">Sandbank</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1p6lhQZh2H3XL9F2_Tu04XLuczd_KsxtIJ34KMgZP21_oxzHXJgs0ZzfpCGl2I8GsjO7geYjkTLVFK0p6w7SW0Uy7yzYumeGrI3DxabRIMDv_HmZYm2L9-Vg1IBLFcnLlkquv-YIKP8NzoKSV19E-DUGwQiKo2Of1i5T-YHaDnH5X2IaGmkR3UYLmZLw/s3264/5113-d-dscf0128-Seacombe--Sandbank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2248" data-original-width="3264" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1p6lhQZh2H3XL9F2_Tu04XLuczd_KsxtIJ34KMgZP21_oxzHXJgs0ZzfpCGl2I8GsjO7geYjkTLVFK0p6w7SW0Uy7yzYumeGrI3DxabRIMDv_HmZYm2L9-Vg1IBLFcnLlkquv-YIKP8NzoKSV19E-DUGwQiKo2Of1i5T-YHaDnH5X2IaGmkR3UYLmZLw/w400-h275/5113-d-dscf0128-Seacombe--Sandbank.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>According to my database we're now in Seacombe, but I wouldn't place much trust in that.</p><p>Exactly as last time I was here, 2018, this is a pleasant one room boozer populated with cheerful locals. So much busier than the Rose and Crown it's hard to believe they're well under a mile apart.</p><p>Just two female customers amongst two dozen blokes, mostly about my age with one or two a generation younger.</p><p>I remember a previous time here when I was politely asked to move from where I was sitting because the table was reserved for bingo players. I don't recall actually moving so perhaps I said I'm leaving after this pint. No bingo today, just a cheerful crowd with no one watching the rugger.</p><p>This boozer is a bit of a classic, I think, long may it continue.</p><p>If I were to predict pub closures, my next target would be top of today's list but let's try the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1762" target="_blank">Mona Castle</a> and see...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-damUCtVYlXlUjTk0mLptoORY_bd235sdIL1Iir1v5NNyxs9kEVnZSPZ_vBlWFxlKwosM-GDemduy0C6_Um0onSGYyYbt-Qj0orKVBS9oh_04jMpvsr_6aYnJe1URaJsNVCw9AhrTz6U_LDzppuqC8Cq6YKj2kqjRcDQimM6b1aB8MWkcgTYvjxNb7Mo/s3264/5113-d-dscf0129-Seacombe--Mona-Castle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-damUCtVYlXlUjTk0mLptoORY_bd235sdIL1Iir1v5NNyxs9kEVnZSPZ_vBlWFxlKwosM-GDemduy0C6_Um0onSGYyYbt-Qj0orKVBS9oh_04jMpvsr_6aYnJe1URaJsNVCw9AhrTz6U_LDzppuqC8Cq6YKj2kqjRcDQimM6b1aB8MWkcgTYvjxNb7Mo/w400-h300/5113-d-dscf0129-Seacombe--Mona-Castle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Sadly, my prediction was correct and although it still looks almost like it might be an operational pub the doors were closed. A great back street boozer, I'm sorry to see it gone.</p><p>On to the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1218" target="_blank">Five Bars Rest</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7nEcqZ2hx2RHCMH4gHXaRXJZkBA2o2AbQvnBt_4yKNLnKceyg6mlhsx3IaRsYfMR7gbW-HVdClp6ig1GKoR2SNpWTbqRrpbgmyKkw-IApW-XyRcbzya18b-kbOlS0bRZ7va3inVsv81NRJqjIUFJ34CEO8txYHPM5L5sL2XLk5gq95Hfp6jgShTgpLI/s3264/5113-d-dscf0131-Seacombe--Five-Bars-Rest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7nEcqZ2hx2RHCMH4gHXaRXJZkBA2o2AbQvnBt_4yKNLnKceyg6mlhsx3IaRsYfMR7gbW-HVdClp6ig1GKoR2SNpWTbqRrpbgmyKkw-IApW-XyRcbzya18b-kbOlS0bRZ7va3inVsv81NRJqjIUFJ34CEO8txYHPM5L5sL2XLk5gq95Hfp6jgShTgpLI/w400-h300/5113-d-dscf0131-Seacombe--Five-Bars-Rest.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This was another one I thought might have failed, but the door was open, albeit with a rather unwelcoming "PROOF OF ID MUST BE SHOWN ON ENTRY" notice.</p><p>I entered (Without showing any ID) and soon sat down to enjoy another Carling.</p><p>Only three or four other customers so the place was hardly even ticking over, but at least it's open. The interior is plain and perhaps even a little untidy, but as usual nowadays very clean and well maintained. Actually, looking round I think the untidy is undeserved, it's actually rather a nice pub. Long may it survive.</p><p>When I was researching this location last night I came across a police report when they attempted to get the place closed back in 2008, complete with fascinating extracts from the incident logs. I'm surprised this sort of information is freely available, it doesn't show the pub in a good light even if the licence wasn't withdrawn. Names and addresses of the protagonists are sometimes shown.</p><p>Oh dear, the witty sign behind the counter "YOUR IN MY PUB NOW" is rather spoiled by the your/you're error. I blame the education system.</p><p>Next, along to Egremont where there are two ticks close to each other. The weather had worsened to dark drizzle as I passed the long closed and never ticked <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1288" target="_blank">Brighton</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJp10MoXNPwZMZHgayRderEJQoGbjgfYZzXUcYFGAt53ZNaLLUPZBMK5xCT6SFiiLqyj-T7j88K-8k4cScXv4MS8VRFXrLr_mKrFpvFWcGm02cneeA76GsLXuG5kfMumIxbBbFR9Dz32kXgfCNsRcco7OUGrYoxbqFDsQtceeg4IAga4_UtmValZV9m4A/s3264/5113-d-dscf0133-Egremont--Brighton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJp10MoXNPwZMZHgayRderEJQoGbjgfYZzXUcYFGAt53ZNaLLUPZBMK5xCT6SFiiLqyj-T7j88K-8k4cScXv4MS8VRFXrLr_mKrFpvFWcGm02cneeA76GsLXuG5kfMumIxbBbFR9Dz32kXgfCNsRcco7OUGrYoxbqFDsQtceeg4IAga4_UtmValZV9m4A/w400-h300/5113-d-dscf0133-Egremont--Brighton.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Carrying on, I passed by the Vaults (Saved for later) and headed down to the river and the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=877" target="_blank">Ferry</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjnLnchg_3uAZCZCiFoQGk6N_1L0o9JGfgxaT6WqmSKCCA9bcWgUxUER9pjRB8djIEAL1bZTPtLVREQtkqxqgGJXKhECu92qpSuqHLxOg9M3kYxlxoLrVADJtx4PfihmMsefNApIcSd7SQcMiCW0GxcKb7PwIgRNhCwI_40DzTTOSkEPkPXKcKnLHtRM/s3264/5113-d-dscf0135-Egremont--Ferry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="3264" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjnLnchg_3uAZCZCiFoQGk6N_1L0o9JGfgxaT6WqmSKCCA9bcWgUxUER9pjRB8djIEAL1bZTPtLVREQtkqxqgGJXKhECu92qpSuqHLxOg9M3kYxlxoLrVADJtx4PfihmMsefNApIcSd7SQcMiCW0GxcKb7PwIgRNhCwI_40DzTTOSkEPkPXKcKnLHtRM/w400-h226/5113-d-dscf0135-Egremont--Ferry.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>A really busy pub aiming at diners but welcoming of drinkers. Two operational handpumps on the counter and I soon had a carefully poured Wainwright. Spot on, it was.</p><p>My report from my previous visit - Is it really twelve years ago? - included the phrase "a little tatty". Not true now.</p><p>I found the only free table in the whole place, they are certainly doing a roaring trade.</p><p>Down on the waterfront with a scenic view of Everton's new stadium, this is a great location for a pub and it's doing very well even in today's horrible weather.</p><p>Unfortunately, my seat obstructed the way in to the ladies, so by the time I'd drunk half of my ale someone wanted access. I jiggled my chair to let her in, bumped the table and tipped my pint over. How annoying! Fortunately no one, not even me, was splashed with beer so I just finished what remained in the glass, mopped up some of the mess with blue roll provided by a barmaid, and then departed, somewhat embarrassed.</p><p>Finally back up the hill to finish at the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1217" target="_blank">Vaults</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmOZ4STApQbYngeFrHjbzIr2euQPeln7FLcGYjDJw49D1_hlSTniC5qruOSXxd1pKt2rzo4DOH7UHtLLEOL-Otjay8qDE42Sb-1pRv-4jEgwYjuDA82QXc7XHR6yMrQBJFiDVJcpaw6Og2I2WDJJjqM2EnXrQwq33aE1HpU-FF-435k1cdp5Pf2AYB9-o/s3264/5113-d-dscf0134-Egremont--Vaults.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmOZ4STApQbYngeFrHjbzIr2euQPeln7FLcGYjDJw49D1_hlSTniC5qruOSXxd1pKt2rzo4DOH7UHtLLEOL-Otjay8qDE42Sb-1pRv-4jEgwYjuDA82QXc7XHR6yMrQBJFiDVJcpaw6Og2I2WDJJjqM2EnXrQwq33aE1HpU-FF-435k1cdp5Pf2AYB9-o/w400-h300/5113-d-dscf0134-Egremont--Vaults.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Another classic boozer this one, one open room (but I think there might be another room down the hill?), well filled with cheerful locals, but there were enough spaces for me to have a table and comfortable seat to enjoy my final drink, a Guinness this time.</p><p>The regulars in here were certainly enjoying their cheerful banter, it was completely drowning the football commentary on the TVs. And a remarkable lack of swearwords, I must say.</p><p>By the way, I see the premiership football today is one early match, one late match and none at all at three o'clock. That's a new one on me, another result of Sky's influence? Has the historic 3pm Saturday finally been destroyed? I hope not.</p><p>So in conclusion five required ticks, the last two haven't been done for twelve years so very overdue. Only one real ale, but a number of decent boozers. And one regrettable loss, if the Mona has closed it's a shame. (Or two regrettable losses if you also count one third of a pint of Wainwright on the floor of the Ferry!)</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pub of the day:</b> Sandbanks, a classic.<br /><b>Beer of the day:</b> Spilled Wainwright<br /><b>Miles walked:</b> 2.5<br /><b>Maybe coming soon:</b> Fazakerley, Anfield, Crosby, Wallasey</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579786883431074587.post-6845781272022729232024-01-05T23:49:00.002+00:002024-02-02T09:30:09.372+00:00Bootle Bonus Up High<p>Today's jaunt started with a foolish decision: As I loaded tablet and map into my bag I glanced out of the window and was pleased to see sunshine. So I was a little miffed when I exited the front door a few minutes later into heavy rain. The sensible choice would have been to let the shower pass and catch a later train but I was in "I've started so I'll finish" mode so arrived at the station rather wet.</p><p>The rain, of course, had almost stopped by the time I reached Liverpool, my train was somewhat delayed due to what appeared to be signaller incompetence.</p><p>Anyway, I was soon at Kirkdale station for a stroll to my first target, the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=121" target="_blank">Mons</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLXU0JowQpvcUKyTfbDhyphenhyphenoms77NhUe91SgFIuB3UyK87ng9lkL4vfhNSL3thGXfK2OgcdhDTY97KKUJPCtbpTMHRrx6Qt75RvO22tRQxNYLmd1h4KXgPu7241IZS0yzmwqwiZVSNg7mGimvqnVwfvas4LnZ6uWkcazSojuprRK276T9XF5rGoI8GqcO4/s3264/5105-d-dscf0116-Bootle--Mons.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLXU0JowQpvcUKyTfbDhyphenhyphenoms77NhUe91SgFIuB3UyK87ng9lkL4vfhNSL3thGXfK2OgcdhDTY97KKUJPCtbpTMHRrx6Qt75RvO22tRQxNYLmd1h4KXgPu7241IZS0yzmwqwiZVSNg7mGimvqnVwfvas4LnZ6uWkcazSojuprRK276T9XF5rGoI8GqcO4/w400-h300/5105-d-dscf0116-Bootle--Mons.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This large pub is now branded Stonehouse. On the first Friday of "dryanuary" it was pretty deserted, I could only see one other customer as I waited at the counter. After a short delay the lone barman spotted me and poured me a Guinness. It was taking some time to settle so he brought it to my table.</p><p>The decor in here is rather good, bog standard "traditional" with pastel blue matchboarding below the dado. Everything appeared well maintained.</p><p>As I enjoyed my pint a few additional customers came in but there was still acres of empty space.</p><p>I looked at the menu on my table which offered a good selection of bar snacks. Don't they do meals any more? Perhaps there's a full menu in the other side. On my way to the gents I learned that there is a restaurant part, complete with a carvery option.</p><p>A rather bedraggled looking Just Eat guy came in to collect an order. Not a job I'd fancy in this weather. Or in any other weather, come to think of it.</p><p>The other day a friend asked me if Guinness Extra Cold is still a thing. Here there are two Guinness taps, one says Extra Cold and the other doesn't, and I wondered if there was actually any difference. My pint came from the extra cold one, I think that was because that was where I and the barman were standing. Does anyone in the trade know if the difference still exists (Assuming it ever did.)</p><p>Next comes my Bootle bonus. While checking my targets last night I discovered <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=2101" target="_blank">14 Bar and Grill</a>. To be honest, I did wonder if this was a fictitious place - I remember some years ago searching residential streets in Birkenhead for a bar that appeared on Google Maps but had never existed. But there's definitely something sparkly on top of Daniel House:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6zn5DVA4GpvP6ey-VCfvNEW6xMTKX71uIvjXDZTGC5lNqw2HHTqOKkCnTpS3BMgnsuHHCyJADy5pAu9FPmlZwqNbhjGRkJF3DZ8ETBinTfF0cGh0iNUsQl5cpS9vH8XBMTXud4K9cFMN7Ux1ytvAsDBEab6iO1KxTgQ8LnLY8zpjSjdo9JAlcE4gzJU/s3264/5105-d-dscf0118-Bootle--14-Bar-and-Grill.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6zn5DVA4GpvP6ey-VCfvNEW6xMTKX71uIvjXDZTGC5lNqw2HHTqOKkCnTpS3BMgnsuHHCyJADy5pAu9FPmlZwqNbhjGRkJF3DZ8ETBinTfF0cGh0iNUsQl5cpS9vH8XBMTXud4K9cFMN7Ux1ytvAsDBEab6iO1KxTgQ8LnLY8zpjSjdo9JAlcE4gzJU/w400-h300/5105-d-dscf0118-Bootle--14-Bar-and-Grill.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The entrance doesn't give any clues:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_KneNddVdIhQXJHD2CN59_7wNllVYbBySJd4cma_EiCIUHsrh1OCq49iO-nXs48_cEN_wfjVfMOHlb1koZuNJTD7UFImotsw7mzASt5fPIxuukDBnY5vAOFzBgHvo7kyRrV7z8Hbgf18jzxNAoBFZLycUo9ePybqbqwjKsHK6vi9XlJBAhgaceDEYs0/s3264/5105-d-dscf0121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_KneNddVdIhQXJHD2CN59_7wNllVYbBySJd4cma_EiCIUHsrh1OCq49iO-nXs48_cEN_wfjVfMOHlb1koZuNJTD7UFImotsw7mzASt5fPIxuukDBnY5vAOFzBgHvo7kyRrV7z8Hbgf18jzxNAoBFZLycUo9ePybqbqwjKsHK6vi9XlJBAhgaceDEYs0/w400-h300/5105-d-dscf0121.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>but after going up thirteen storeys in the lift, and then walking up one more I found this spectacular greenhouse of a place. Definitely more of a restaurant than a bar but they seemed happy to pour me a pint of Mahou and bring it to my table, in a Mahou glass.<p></p><p>I love the decor in here, the entire ceiling is covered in sparkly baubles. Is that just for Christmas? I hope not.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ANwQ4fEvEB6w8-y5xfMDK6qEuIcT_xcICrMDOYYDJJzyFEzhWxV-P5AVMsI_Z0YxnpFdm5j78LTwzd6geUTGBvfcPzxjGqlvvtkUrE195aYTYAWYmhJBP3YJYdnp3pOiuIy5aRtBrMcRCYkZDvgMagHlQ10wHSkoWj6gdPxsbxQW2P3TASy33hytwNM/s3264/5105-d-dscf0120-Bootle--14-Bar-and-Grill.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ANwQ4fEvEB6w8-y5xfMDK6qEuIcT_xcICrMDOYYDJJzyFEzhWxV-P5AVMsI_Z0YxnpFdm5j78LTwzd6geUTGBvfcPzxjGqlvvtkUrE195aYTYAWYmhJBP3YJYdnp3pOiuIy5aRtBrMcRCYkZDvgMagHlQ10wHSkoWj6gdPxsbxQW2P3TASy33hytwNM/w400-h300/5105-d-dscf0120-Bootle--14-Bar-and-Grill.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>More customers than the Mons, the muzac mixed with a number of gentle conversations.</p><p>The menu looks good although not cheap, fish and chips is £17 and I noticed a 14oz chateaubriand for sharing is £75.</p><p>They have a substantial outdoor area which must be good in better weather, and I think there's also a terrace on the roof for even better views.</p><p>So, not really the type of place my guide aims at as it is definitely a restaurant, but well worth a visit if only for the decor and the views of the docks, three football grounds, two cathedrals etc etc. Not the sort of place you expect to find in Bootle, perhaps, but deserving of great success in my opinion.</p><p>My most expensive pint so far this year, it cost £6.</p><p>Next, another tower block but this time it's the ground floor for the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1531" target="_blank">Cat and Fiddle</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCoIEiD5uu_ABBiSkIc5ngU6JrhxEaKTFXopDSMEMTLT71Yh7cmKirIhNnwpLGwIlXMIjhHQuiRIFXbH0jNPgp5PZNGUwIz8uyZ0nviuFDtstArce118QZLXO_TCuoYmUi1hfv3az0aSFhkh6mrJqjExpWpFnEwSdqeArs-3LbhY29WklQzM62w98KP4/s3012/5105-d-dscf0122-Bootle--Cat-and-Fiddle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3012" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCoIEiD5uu_ABBiSkIc5ngU6JrhxEaKTFXopDSMEMTLT71Yh7cmKirIhNnwpLGwIlXMIjhHQuiRIFXbH0jNPgp5PZNGUwIz8uyZ0nviuFDtstArce118QZLXO_TCuoYmUi1hfv3az0aSFhkh6mrJqjExpWpFnEwSdqeArs-3LbhY29WklQzM62w98KP4/w400-h286/5105-d-dscf0122-Bootle--Cat-and-Fiddle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Years ago this was something of a real ale gem, but sadly no longer: On my 2017 visit I recorded low quality cask, and this time there are no handpumps at all. Nonetheless it is a pleasant comfortable boozer, well maintained, clean and tidy. I had another Guinness.</p><p>Quite a few regulars were in, indulging in chatter or, in one case, working on his laptop.</p><p>Rather odd sound in here, the TV's are showing a music channel, Now 80s I think, but silently, while the speakers are playing another music selection. On the plus side, we don't get to be annoyed by the adverts from the telly, but it does rather render the screens redundant. Also, if the screen shows a song I like, it's annoying to listen to something completely different. As I wrote that both TV and muzac were rubbish.</p><p>Next, the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1097" target="_blank">Jawbone Tavern</a> which I'm ashamed to stay I haven't ticked since 2016:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LZZaNkNFV2LsP3OksLjPt_UITXC-y1i0LGC7znFrEql0F_953FgelQfKBMGUuLdHFk2MIRHfvXgx1Ie6Ss36m2aoWjYUMIMTOMXJnod2fEoucz8lcFOWEB5l1Jy1bO2xQ_U_rIgKrxafqvt8s1DiOy4OY3d8hRndi1aO_oGE_Qz0DW3ubPEzQC2uHtg/s3264/5105-d-dscf0124-Bootle--Jawbone.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LZZaNkNFV2LsP3OksLjPt_UITXC-y1i0LGC7znFrEql0F_953FgelQfKBMGUuLdHFk2MIRHfvXgx1Ie6Ss36m2aoWjYUMIMTOMXJnod2fEoucz8lcFOWEB5l1Jy1bO2xQ_U_rIgKrxafqvt8s1DiOy4OY3d8hRndi1aO_oGE_Qz0DW3ubPEzQC2uHtg/w400-h300/5105-d-dscf0124-Bootle--Jawbone.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Another one formerly providing real ales, and it says cask ales on the signage, but no handpumps were in evidence so I had another Guinness.</p><p>Ticking over with a number of customers here, and the music mixed with animated chatter. It's half three on a Friday, places really need to be busier than this. As I've said before, come on folks, I can't save the industry on my own. (So far this year I've drunk in nine pubs which is not bad in five days, so I think I'm doing my part! Probably one more today plus one or maybe two tomorrow.)</p><p>There's just one more target in Bootle so I can't go home without call in to the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1553" target="_blank">Addison Arms</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qaiW5RjtCh01kjoJEKPJFf-SDcQM9e7mudhuixmULYIVp-IPMxBNbcZDHEs4Y95uIXVq-gY5_xzcvEJ_K9MhxyWMOXlPEOSNqvxyUSA70z5ubnZfo4yYtk7U-HzrdDs6Z33tqohTUgy3cW60CN3s4kMKrZhdE6NizEFi8qwrY2-4HtH2mdXXGnOG7lI/s3264/5105-d-dscf0125-Bootle--Addison-Arms.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2172" data-original-width="3264" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qaiW5RjtCh01kjoJEKPJFf-SDcQM9e7mudhuixmULYIVp-IPMxBNbcZDHEs4Y95uIXVq-gY5_xzcvEJ_K9MhxyWMOXlPEOSNqvxyUSA70z5ubnZfo4yYtk7U-HzrdDs6Z33tqohTUgy3cW60CN3s4kMKrZhdE6NizEFi8qwrY2-4HtH2mdXXGnOG7lI/w400-h266/5105-d-dscf0125-Bootle--Addison-Arms.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Formerly a Yates's, this enormous pleasantly done one room boozer is, in stark contrast to my four previous calls, busy. Not packed out like I used to experience back in the 90s, but I had to tour the whole room before finding a free table to enjoy my final Guinness of the day.</p><p>There was some vague music playing but I couldn't identify it under the loud chatter of umpteen happy drinkers. I think one day I should bring an audio recorder to one of these places, as this cheerful hubbub is something you just don't hear very often nowadays.</p><p>The lively atmosphere in here really makes the place, and the contrast to the quiet Mons and Jawbone is amazing.</p><p>I could see some food menus on display but no one in my end of the pub was eating, this is certainly a drinkers' boozer and none the worse for that. </p><p>Two horse racing channels were on different tellies, and as I looked around quite a few of the customers were watching with interest.</p><p>Time for home I think, with the satisfaction of my first new tick of the year, plus four required revisits.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pub of the day:</b> 14 Bar and Grill<br /><b>Beer of the day:</b> Guinness<br /><b>Miles walked:</b> 2.2<br /><b>Maybe coming soon:</b> Fazakerley, Crosby, Egremont, Wallasey</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579786883431074587.post-90260398933268359672023-12-31T15:00:00.001+00:002024-02-02T09:43:31.986+00:00End Of Year Report<p>2023 has been a bit of a "steady as she goes" year for the Merseyside Pub Guide: The COVID restrictions are a distant memory, but we have the cost of living crisis to contend with instead.</p><p>This year I've managed to tick a pleasing forty-four pubs never before tried, bringing my grand total of Merseyside pubs to 1,465. I was cheered to note that a significant number of the new ticks were new operations:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5OIgAUZlPJyKKN48xv_GUwBNruQMq48caMrU3ORE8rnTuWPF-jufftj1J2TXk4AJVD9ttfHOyB9zjqkOwihQXdfALbhjJ5xXKI8rForkBcuG0p4Pu2CDg0eiN74bo0DK0E9NfGQ8u67bOsRFDnmjePiJd1a6-9q5LF370jzMH9LpZ_y_sS6FFk7KANY/s4896/six.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="4896" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5OIgAUZlPJyKKN48xv_GUwBNruQMq48caMrU3ORE8rnTuWPF-jufftj1J2TXk4AJVD9ttfHOyB9zjqkOwihQXdfALbhjJ5xXKI8rForkBcuG0p4Pu2CDg0eiN74bo0DK0E9NfGQ8u67bOsRFDnmjePiJd1a6-9q5LF370jzMH9LpZ_y_sS6FFk7KANY/w400-h200/six.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>During the year I have logged a total of 264 visits to 255 pubs. 204 of these were "required", i.e. to pubs not ticked in the preceding five years.</p><p>People sometimes ask me which is my favourite Merseyside pub and I have managed to work out a "witty" answer, which is "The one I am in!" I am not going to be so foolish as to try and come up with a pub of the year, although I was extremely pleased to see the Big House (Vines) in town rescued from its long decline:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPh5Sw5TRl5tI4JaenIw6Ipq7aJtWiEz27Ee0lBRF1VWEecTybe5_k0CuRhtNEgDxa7w7pV37YbvfQYFqXOHILBE3CuupIYqolwtM97UqP1YmGN7-PKc2wOhrWGZvbZVIBjSvL3orUU9oiPc-gR6zxW7eubbjkdSy59gNP5tahV0WBjOaMVgKHSe-ALE/s3264/4413-d-dscf0165-liverpool--Vines.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPh5Sw5TRl5tI4JaenIw6Ipq7aJtWiEz27Ee0lBRF1VWEecTybe5_k0CuRhtNEgDxa7w7pV37YbvfQYFqXOHILBE3CuupIYqolwtM97UqP1YmGN7-PKc2wOhrWGZvbZVIBjSvL3orUU9oiPc-gR6zxW7eubbjkdSy59gNP5tahV0WBjOaMVgKHSe-ALE/w400-h300/4413-d-dscf0165-liverpool--Vines.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I was honoured just a few days ago to get a mention in <a href="https://pubcurmudgeon.blogspot.com/2023/12/review-of-year-2023-part-2.html" target="_blank">Pub Curmudgeon</a>'s blog. Fame at last! His comments reminded me of the uniqueness of my blog and the Merseyside Pub Guide: I don't just collect good beer pubs or good architecture pubs, I target ALL pubs and am just as happy (well, almost) swigging Carling in a backstreet boozer as I am savouring Oakham Citra in an architectural gem. I have yet to find any other website which covers all and any pubs in this way.</p><p>My beer-fuelled odyssey has been under way for over twenty-five years so it might be worth looking at some of the changes I have seen:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The smoking ban obviously had a tremendous effect. I look back with some nostalgic fondness to entering a packed pub when you couldn't see the other side for the fumes, and much less fondly to picking up my coat the next morning to go to work and suffering the stink of stale smoke!</li><li>The demise of the real shithole has been a definite plus. The pubs with fag-ends and vomit on the floor, surly bar staff and customers, and tatty furnishings have either cleaned up their act (and their vomit) or closed.</li><li>There are many many fewer customers. In 1998 on a Saturday afternoon survey in, for example, Tuebrook I would expect to find them three deep at the counter, and once served I would have to stand. These days it is very rare for me to fail to get a table to sit at.</li><li>Opening hours have reduced in many places so that a Tuesday afternoon research trip is in danger of being fruitless nowadays.</li><li>Of course, we've lost a lot of pubs over the years. Of the 1,977 recorded in my database I have 874 marked as closed. This number is likely to be lower than the true figure as I often don't learn that a pub has gone until I try to re-visit.</li></ul><p></p><p>Finally, let me send all my readers my best wishes for the coming year. I wonder if I can find pub number 1,500 during 2024?</p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579786883431074587.post-45993376816387524672023-12-22T22:19:00.004+00:002024-01-08T10:45:57.137+00:00New In Walton Vale<p>The original plan for today was to get the train to Fazakerley for a number of overdue ticks working my way towards Walton. But my preflight researches revealed three new bars at the end of that journey, so instead I headed straight to Walton Vale, and Fazakerley will have to wait for another time.</p><p>Just across the road from the classic post-war architecture of the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=906" target="_blank">Windsor</a>, is <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=2098" target="_blank">Rooney's</a>:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00xiKuqiH9pfTzqVgKGFHiZ26Ja-SnzocJkudeeFYoN5rV5DqXSiqZmgE0XAmvGpn58UD7tlDzpnN2Hj4rg7cwrJ8SqKHWrZOtFzloG7XqgkC2HfIvkol9eDiZd_boz_tKRwuZhztbSRuI5zqp9nkGsoCeVUjdHjB2xOJ6wpQKHWJER5Zutf4Su3_FGY/s3264/4c22-d-dscf0106-Walton--Rooneys.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00xiKuqiH9pfTzqVgKGFHiZ26Ja-SnzocJkudeeFYoN5rV5DqXSiqZmgE0XAmvGpn58UD7tlDzpnN2Hj4rg7cwrJ8SqKHWrZOtFzloG7XqgkC2HfIvkol9eDiZd_boz_tKRwuZhztbSRuI5zqp9nkGsoCeVUjdHjB2xOJ6wpQKHWJER5Zutf4Su3_FGY/w400-h300/4c22-d-dscf0106-Walton--Rooneys.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Sorry about the rather blurry picture.<p></p><p>Not very pubby, but this attempt at American styling is rather good. Chrome tables, red white and blue seats, I really like it. There's a mezzanine above the counter with a pool table.</p><p>Nothing American in the beer choice, I had my usual Carling. If I were making suggestions I would say why not add a couple of American beers, that heavily advertised Brooklyn Lager or something you don't see every day like Sam Adams. (They did have Budweiser but that's probably brewed in Burton! Come to think of it, I bet Brooklyn Lager is too. Checks internet... Close, but no cigar! Magor (Wales) and Wolverhampton respectively.)</p><p>Not many people in at half one on the Friday before Christmas, two groups one of which left just after I arrived and a couple of lads playing pool. I was somewhat concerned about how busy things would be today and had decided my alternative plan of a few ticks in the city centre was unwise, but passing through Liverpool on my way here it seemed, if anything, quieter than a normal Friday.</p><p>Perhaps everyone is sick of Christmas already, or are they saving themselves for the weekend? Personally I'll visit the local supermarket early on Saturday morning and then I won't leave the house again until next Wednesday, when the blood donors need me.</p><p>Next, ignoring the splendid building that is the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1078" target="_blank">Black Bull</a> I crossed the road to the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=2099" target="_blank">Tiny Tavern</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiluNMpk1ZyG6jlcXoLJzSbJqNhyphenhyphenf50B6kzD_NxWyhwwsQXG-MgoYGCWVLDByuncrIiajP7G_LcermQA7SH04bmCatzdDe_eI_51CfHL0MDzRs4ZQUtP-fVKe5MWSk0JhKOaakiFlLsUTQrcgClmwKQL5sWpcUvTZ258lQBIe3l2D1dwwraU4SzoQBv-cI/s2288/4c22-d-dscf0111-Walton--Tiny-Tavern.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2112" data-original-width="2288" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiluNMpk1ZyG6jlcXoLJzSbJqNhyphenhyphenf50B6kzD_NxWyhwwsQXG-MgoYGCWVLDByuncrIiajP7G_LcermQA7SH04bmCatzdDe_eI_51CfHL0MDzRs4ZQUtP-fVKe5MWSk0JhKOaakiFlLsUTQrcgClmwKQL5sWpcUvTZ258lQBIe3l2D1dwwraU4SzoQBv-cI/w400-h369/4c22-d-dscf0111-Walton--Tiny-Tavern.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>A well done shop conversion, one room nicely decorated with lots of plastic greenery and flowers. Just a tiny nod to Christmas decorations; well done!</p><p>No real ale so I had another Carling.</p><p>The gentle music mixed with chatter between the barmaid and regulars.</p><p>A few doors down the road and directly opposite the Spoons is <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=2100" target="_blank">Cove Bar</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFg8Vh9_tD-MP3s3LYwjSsW_XyDwRNk6SXFzJTWyqfUP6DkQ_UbUACgIKefX8tLtEjBFKCi85TSFY0qLxHQl9PMQkT-28lasuF1yfooeFMf3r4pcKVNydQ7T54dXLSNs4N_dMBzmOCcz4xPZWfBzwXfMnxf4czhbgHzwEpN3ZlGrL-akUda-LooyNu7A/s3264/4c22-d-dscf0109-Walton--Cove-Bar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2088" data-original-width="3264" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFg8Vh9_tD-MP3s3LYwjSsW_XyDwRNk6SXFzJTWyqfUP6DkQ_UbUACgIKefX8tLtEjBFKCi85TSFY0qLxHQl9PMQkT-28lasuF1yfooeFMf3r4pcKVNydQ7T54dXLSNs4N_dMBzmOCcz4xPZWfBzwXfMnxf4czhbgHzwEpN3ZlGrL-akUda-LooyNu7A/w400-h256/4c22-d-dscf0109-Walton--Cove-Bar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Another pleasant shop conversion with no real ale, so Carling again. The Christmas decorations in here are much more noticeable, but very tastefully done, in fact beautiful, so another well done from me. This year I haven't seen a single pub with excessive dekkies, have I touched lucky or has fashion simply aligned with my personal taste?</p><p>After writing the last sentence I thought about the phrase "touched lucky". Google was no help at all but I think it is a phrase unique to Liverpool, meaning "been fortunate".</p><p>Quite a few customers in here, the loudest sound being animated conversations.</p><p>I looked out of the front windows. The roads here were extremely busy reminding me of last Friday's bus problems, the difference being I can get a train home this time. I hope! Cancelled trains at Lime Street on Wednesday after a very good Birkenhead crawl resulted in a perhaps unwise extra pint in the North Western.</p><p>With three new shop conversions ticked, it seems only fitting to do a slightly older example of the species, the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1884" target="_blank">Vale Bar</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKxp4AJ3k1TM-BFydmscsoDky99MhnBbb3mcen9qd_HADaN9cJCIa6QlDOTxQQuYdkx8kpdsCmX02CjDWcV_7MTehoL8DoKNwlWsrIAsMcboe_Mv7JB1umxvdVpMQFCqKZFaiX7PoIiA5wH40E28hPwRidedvMqCtb45m46eamN4MqQEHM5lpkO4bH4k/s3264/4c22-d-dscf0113-Walton--Vale-Bar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKxp4AJ3k1TM-BFydmscsoDky99MhnBbb3mcen9qd_HADaN9cJCIa6QlDOTxQQuYdkx8kpdsCmX02CjDWcV_7MTehoL8DoKNwlWsrIAsMcboe_Mv7JB1umxvdVpMQFCqKZFaiX7PoIiA5wH40E28hPwRidedvMqCtb45m46eamN4MqQEHM5lpkO4bH4k/w400-h300/4c22-d-dscf0113-Walton--Vale-Bar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I think this is my favourite non-cask micro pub in Merseyside, there's something about the over the top decor (Not a square inch of the walls unused.) that make the place attractive, and it was full of happy chatter and happy regulars. Perhaps I'm biased because all my visits have been after a few pints?</p><p>I had considered finishing my 2023 researches with some cask in Wetherspoon's, despite it not being a "required" tick, but this is much more fun. What a fine boozer.</p><p>So, a great result for my last survey of the year. (That's last survey and certainly not last pubs!) THREE brand spanking new ticks taking my score of new ones this year to 44 for an all time total of 1,465 pubs visited. All those stories about pubs struggling and yet I can find six new ones in eight days.</p><p>Let's see how frantic things are as I make my way home on so-called Black Eye Friday... The answer is the train from Lime Street was so quiet I got a table to myself.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pub of the day</b>: Vale Bar<br /><b>Beer of the day</b>: Carling<br /><b>Miles walked</b>: Less than 1.<br /><b>Maybe coming soon</b>: Fazakerley, Crosby, Egremont, Wallasey</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579786883431074587.post-11652155138806196362023-12-16T23:05:00.001+00:002023-12-17T09:35:29.396+00:00West Derby or East Of Eden<p>Another day, another bus ride, this time towards West Derby. It was a lot shorter and quicker than yesterday's and I was very soon at my first target: Just across the road from Alder Hey Hospital is a new tick, the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=2071" target="_blank">Eden Bar</a>. Damn, the shutters are down! I hadn't managed to find the hours on the web but I thought I was safe on a Saturday afternoon. I passed here on the bus at about the same time last Saturday and it was OK then.</p><p>Oh well, on eastwards through pleasant suburban back streets to a pair of pubs across the road from each other. First, the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=932" target="_blank">Royal Standard</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoI_gHnLaPB-WBjWHf3gPR5bpmc3h0XQVLK0mihQrO_bPct_2QxCiBdDQtXdG4S1wISGakCIyPE8bbvNbvdhE-nXW_0c869bYC2T1nYu9VWpAD833U5PkYdv8EHuUUoD-bBFsmKzG5MABTw74Ot_DfnO_CuoT_ZU4i4D5Ua2Oxwg35UVtUrIRlxPfN6AU/s3264/4c16-d-dscf0098-West-Derby--Royal-Standard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="3264" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoI_gHnLaPB-WBjWHf3gPR5bpmc3h0XQVLK0mihQrO_bPct_2QxCiBdDQtXdG4S1wISGakCIyPE8bbvNbvdhE-nXW_0c869bYC2T1nYu9VWpAD833U5PkYdv8EHuUUoD-bBFsmKzG5MABTw74Ot_DfnO_CuoT_ZU4i4D5Ua2Oxwg35UVtUrIRlxPfN6AU/w400-h231/4c16-d-dscf0098-West-Derby--Royal-Standard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>A very nicely done Greene King operation with plenty of customers in a very pleasant pub partly knocked through but retaining separation between areas.</p><p>Only one operational handpump, offering IPA, and initially it served cleaning fluid. The friendly barmaid headed down to the cellar and returned, grumbling about the stairs, to pull a couple of pints through before serving me with a spot on one.</p><p>Fish and chips is £12.19 on the menu of pub standards, what an odd price. The food arriving at nearby tables looks good.</p><p>The gentle muzac mixed with family chatter and the occasional gurgle of a baby as I reflected on my recent drinking experience. I know some readers of this blog pity me as I guzzle pint after pint of Carling but it occurred to me that since the lager in the Sheil Park last Saturday I have drunk twenty pints in umpteen pubs, all cask and all high quality. I wonder how long I can keep that up? I fear I know the answer, and I predict at least one of the next two ticks will be keg only.</p><p>Across the road is the 1930s gem of a building that is the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=929" target="_blank">Crown Inn</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFu-l5lHxrGa8_RNWuLXfvLSopAJT0VTrIwDe_k6Cm28eFSx4-pIDw4W8oK3JAhXF80Zl2pa2UVtmLqgcKmgEVlzOHmUzT4r9IS0X8HTEfntoxtxYBlppzhu6yDp5C5AUpRxDu7n_7TxfI9EKymKSQHSghSXPLikqaNsPvB8ZNhLhOvgA9magAsWVbrNw/s3264/4c16-d-dscf0099-West-Derby--Crown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2140" data-original-width="3264" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFu-l5lHxrGa8_RNWuLXfvLSopAJT0VTrIwDe_k6Cm28eFSx4-pIDw4W8oK3JAhXF80Zl2pa2UVtmLqgcKmgEVlzOHmUzT4r9IS0X8HTEfntoxtxYBlppzhu6yDp5C5AUpRxDu7n_7TxfI9EKymKSQHSghSXPLikqaNsPvB8ZNhLhOvgA9magAsWVbrNw/w400-h263/4c16-d-dscf0099-West-Derby--Crown.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Every time I come here I mention that this pub appeared as the Swan in Brookside, many years ago. The interior retains quite a lot of original features including leaded glass work and dark wood panelling and partitions. It has clearly had the layout of the rooms modified over the years, but it is still split into two sides with limited access between. What a nice pub, it seems more clean and tidy than I remember from last time.</p><p>Banter amongst the regulars mostly drowned out gentle football commentary from the telly, there was also racing on another screen.</p><p>As predicted it was a pint of Carling in here, oh well, my cask streak couldn't go on for ever. Actually it was tangy and refreshing and I really enjoyed it. Will I get kicked out of CAMRA for writing that?</p><p>I looked at the racing on the telly. Is it snowing there? No, I think it is poor reception. I'm surprised there is analogue transmission anywhere in the chain nowadays, surely all satellites send digital. My best guess is that the picture does the last leg from the satellite box to the telly by analogue UHF and the cable is defective. It's quite hard to buy a telly that will receive analogue TV now, I managed to find one on Amazon recently when I had a need, and it is now installed in my workshop.</p><p>Next, down the road to the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=928" target="_blank">Bulldog</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEDcOMzHdhLAZldTp8YT86Csw6hE614jF1eB6mwO4ys8uFLh7LPDvWpoublPTg5sz7msHlwi1ox4bmlNByzxx7XU42Tf4tf2wCJ7qnapZtxpTHnU3iPfRuN5C8fQYjVQ64dHDsqMI_Fejb00litDMd__UlVmoawalwTHNtrHcF6cDeLaSLKpb1JUzukY/s3264/4c16-d-dscf0101-West-Derby--Bulldog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1760" data-original-width="3264" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEDcOMzHdhLAZldTp8YT86Csw6hE614jF1eB6mwO4ys8uFLh7LPDvWpoublPTg5sz7msHlwi1ox4bmlNByzxx7XU42Tf4tf2wCJ7qnapZtxpTHnU3iPfRuN5C8fQYjVQ64dHDsqMI_Fejb00litDMd__UlVmoawalwTHNtrHcF6cDeLaSLKpb1JUzukY/w400-h216/4c16-d-dscf0101-West-Derby--Bulldog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Another Carling here, despite this being a Greene King pub. The enormous knocked through interior has been well looked after and looks very nice. Not busy but there were enough customers to keep the lone barman occupied with a steady flow of custom.</p><p>No sound except cheerful chatter as I relaxed in a quiet end of the pub with comfortable booth seating.</p><p>I admired my surroundings. This is a beautifully done out boozer and I really hope it does well and survives long term. I wonder what it's like on a Saturday evening? Hopefully busy.</p><p>I checked my map. With only a tiny extra walk I can go back to the Eden to find my bus home, perhaps it opened at two or three.</p><p>I'll have to check when I get home but I think today's three ticks (so far) mean I've reached my 2023 target of two hundred "required" pub visits. If so, I can relax for the remaining two weeks of the year, although that doesn't necessarily mean I won't do some more.</p><p>Anyway, back to <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=2071" target="_blank">Eden Bar</a>. Aha! The shutters are up:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguYk7V_lhs2nCR5UPqFz1-TNi93Yz2-19itFGVZR4u8__kkHXC6LCe7Wg4v7wMQy_npW1QJjEoFihBHiYpQF5CzC38iQxGI6Ql3NUbeJmbhHG6GNvX3HLuSO7_5jSkyE_227-wV4dHqVyDXic-yRt2TLxTv9q7j7S-1HxjH11FgU3Y0AP9g6w0rE_ep4/s3264/4c16-d-dscf0103-West-Derby--Eden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2132" data-original-width="3264" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguYk7V_lhs2nCR5UPqFz1-TNi93Yz2-19itFGVZR4u8__kkHXC6LCe7Wg4v7wMQy_npW1QJjEoFihBHiYpQF5CzC38iQxGI6Ql3NUbeJmbhHG6GNvX3HLuSO7_5jSkyE_227-wV4dHqVyDXic-yRt2TLxTv9q7j7S-1HxjH11FgU3Y0AP9g6w0rE_ep4/w400-h261/4c16-d-dscf0103-West-Derby--Eden.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Inside I found a well done shop conversion rather nicely decorated with some dark wood panelling and dark blue walls.</p><p>No cask but it didn't take me long to spot Tiny Rebel's Clwb Tropica on tap. Always a keg favourite this, fruity and sweet.</p><p>The barman searched for a matching glass, and failed. "It's in there somewhere" I suggested helpfully. "I don't work here I'm just covering", he explained. My pint in an unbranded goblet was fine. Although I do admire pubs that serve beers in the correct glass, it tastes just as good without. I'm reminded of classic bars in Belgium which have a hundred beers on the menu and still manage to find the proper glass for each one.</p><p>The music here was provided by the barman's phone, so had to stop abruptly when someone phoned him up!</p><p>How's that!? Annual target exceeded and one new tick, number 1,462. Time for home. If I don't do any more before Christmas, have a good one and I'll see you next year. Don't forget to support your pubs in January, they're FOR LIFE, NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS!</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pub of the day: </b>Bulldog<br /><b>Beer of the day:</b> Clwb Tropica<br /><b>Miles walked:</b> 1.8<br /><b>Maybe coming soon:</b> Kirkdale</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579786883431074587.post-55277505627625114182023-12-15T23:16:00.001+00:002023-12-16T11:39:40.121+00:00The Black Horse At Last<p>So, the question is "What idiot goes on a long bus ride across the grid-locked Wirral on a Friday afternoon in mid December?" And of course the answer is your intrepid reporter.</p><p>After an appallingly slow bus trip I eventually reached Heswall where I was hoping for some brand new ticks, starting with the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=2076" target="_blank">Harry Beswick</a>, a new pub opened last month by Hyde's:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEice9P3kphRfW_jqmIZHXUj5ehzJvqgAq_WBA09Cm4FtEOTB8DihrTDm875OJd_zNSCwFpknV2b79EsKhWUqy4IDrgjwu1SNunOWKf2vVOXBro_Cx7C3BF939JhvCMfTvbof334EFaYmxM6QEYq1cdxs0OsUACA2nCP_GIYOncX8OZbRr9fUVnDVxkl6PA/s3264/4c15-d-dscf0094-Heswall--Harry-Beswick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1928" data-original-width="3264" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEice9P3kphRfW_jqmIZHXUj5ehzJvqgAq_WBA09Cm4FtEOTB8DihrTDm875OJd_zNSCwFpknV2b79EsKhWUqy4IDrgjwu1SNunOWKf2vVOXBro_Cx7C3BF939JhvCMfTvbof334EFaYmxM6QEYq1cdxs0OsUACA2nCP_GIYOncX8OZbRr9fUVnDVxkl6PA/w400-h236/4c15-d-dscf0094-Heswall--Harry-Beswick.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Aiming at the pub food market this was naturally very busy on a pre-Christmas Friday but luckily I managed to grab a recently vacated table to enjoy a fine pint of Hopster.</p><p>Pleasant rather bland chain pub decor in here with no Christmas decorations apart from a very nice tree.</p><p>I noticed there was no music that I could hear, just a lot of cheerful chatter. Looking round I couldn't actually see as much food as I expected, I suppose at half two I've missed the lunchtime rush.</p><p>Next, a walk down a very steep hill to Lower Heswall and the primary target of today's excursion. I've descended this hill at least twice before and found the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=598" target="_blank">Black Horse</a> to be shut. Last year's failure was entirely my own fault, I got here at two despite the notes in my bag saying that it didn't open until three. Would I be luckier today? I arrived at 14:59 to see the front door being opened. A quick picture and I was in.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg218FJ8nYV-7CwdcHz87uKvdzn4J8_y-yZ3o93XImCpnlWpk8WEgvHvrsXGzgCXvGJq1Cmd81NHoExRGdo7wdsx9MECsQf2e9u8N5EON0NyrryZ94hPX9_97cH_q4ASIV-dYnh9uqHBdU9NNmL9p73e-JMSlt8EhMKVcQaSbFGJ0D-mPi4R7pbZ6NP62g/s3264/4c15-d-dscf0095-Heswall--Black-Horse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg218FJ8nYV-7CwdcHz87uKvdzn4J8_y-yZ3o93XImCpnlWpk8WEgvHvrsXGzgCXvGJq1Cmd81NHoExRGdo7wdsx9MECsQf2e9u8N5EON0NyrryZ94hPX9_97cH_q4ASIV-dYnh9uqHBdU9NNmL9p73e-JMSlt8EhMKVcQaSbFGJ0D-mPi4R7pbZ6NP62g/w400-h300/4c15-d-dscf0095-Heswall--Black-Horse.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>One customer had managed to get in ahead of me while I was taking the picture but needless to say the large comfortable multi-room pub was otherwise deserted.</p><p>I worried about it being the first out of the pump but my Wainwright was spot on.</p><p>The other customer downed his pint (cider I think) quickly and by quarter past I was alone apart from the barman who was busy sorting nuts and bottles behind the counter, and slicing lemons.</p><p>I'm not surprised they don't open earlier, no more customers appeared until half three when two turned up, and then another. I must say this is a rather pleasant boozer and I hope it does well at busier times; it deserves to.</p><p>Out here in the back of beyond there's no signal, so I couldn't check my sneaky plan of catching a bus back to Heswall to save walking up that hill. Do I drag my pint out - The buses are only once an hour - or get the exercise?</p><p>I decided to be lazy and take the bus up the hill. Big mistake, it didn't turn up. A local advised me that sometimes it doesn't bother. After standing for fifteen minutes I gave up and climbed the mountain anyway. To be honest, it wasn't nearly as hard as I remembered, and soon I was in my next target, the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1922" target="_blank">Beer Lab</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtC4Jhz9tjkvL-Y-swAeE1MycZLITb68zAFu0Al1KZlxYHHCxoDTMItXi_7Bm2Ip5smhNlXLQGI7cOQH6HrEDzC2U2p-X5LtQlAJgmx5F5QSkh91oDfJGTICpdAIWJjV-Kzs1v2srBaswTCuHjfBH1DF8u1HQuUfe0bEbx_XU0Uub3AxzgPrH6oCJLaso/s2048/z918-d-dscn9355-Hewsall--Beer-Lab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1324" data-original-width="2048" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtC4Jhz9tjkvL-Y-swAeE1MycZLITb68zAFu0Al1KZlxYHHCxoDTMItXi_7Bm2Ip5smhNlXLQGI7cOQH6HrEDzC2U2p-X5LtQlAJgmx5F5QSkh91oDfJGTICpdAIWJjV-Kzs1v2srBaswTCuHjfBH1DF8u1HQuUfe0bEbx_XU0Uub3AxzgPrH6oCJLaso/w400-h259/z918-d-dscn9355-Hewsall--Beer-Lab.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Way too dark for a picture by now, that one is from five years ago.</p><p>This pleasant plain micro was full of happy regulars, I managed to perch at the corner of a table and enjoy a great pint of Peerless Triple Blond.</p><p>People arrived and people left, all the arrivals being greeted by their friends. No one took any notice of the blogger writing his notes.</p><p>The blackboard of bottles and cans looks quite impressive here, they've got favourite Rochfort 10 for a start, also Kwak (Have they got the stupid glass?)</p><p>I pondered the torture of the bus ride home. Might it be worth dawdling over my remaining drinks in the hopes that the traffic will have eased? When will that be, midnight??</p><p>Next, how about another brand new one? The fourth member of the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=2077" target="_blank">Bow-Legged Beagle</a> chain opened here earlier this year, my only worry being that it might be too full at five o'clock.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQu61r2Qi8piILDgpQQ-LwIzPFTt7055A82pu8zq98Kr1i_B17sU6TpvE1n71-7ta2-thmIpIplZWjo_Xlr_xrZvX61R56dG8ZOgBgHbHjagTsNXmLt3aHjREAFQ0hAqKmSSrACvu88iA4wfKwRQHEiUkH9__2MPW9zMdsxT7ZFpe5y_xPeWh3x5i-zUw/s3264/4c15-d-dscf0092-Heswall--Bow-Legged-Beagle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQu61r2Qi8piILDgpQQ-LwIzPFTt7055A82pu8zq98Kr1i_B17sU6TpvE1n71-7ta2-thmIpIplZWjo_Xlr_xrZvX61R56dG8ZOgBgHbHjagTsNXmLt3aHjREAFQ0hAqKmSSrACvu88iA4wfKwRQHEiUkH9__2MPW9zMdsxT7ZFpe5y_xPeWh3x5i-zUw/w400-h300/4c15-d-dscf0092-Heswall--Bow-Legged-Beagle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>(I took the picture earlier in the day.)</p><p>Inevitably it was busy and I had to stand at the bar to enjoy a gorgeous coffee stout from Vocation. Merseypub's Second Law (If you are going to put an unusual flavour in a beer, it should slap the drinker in the face; a "hint" is no good at all.) has been followed with this ale, it has a wonderful coffee flavour.</p><p>Coincidentally, I finished a crawl in Manchester on Wednesday in the Britons Protection with the very same beer, I think. You don't get a blog entry for that trip because the details are all lost in an alcoholic haze, I know we started with Jaipur (6%) and Wobbly Bob (6%) and then four more pints mostly 5% or above. I'm surprised I managed to get the right train to take me home. Thanks for a great afternoon out, Mike.</p><p>Anyway, back to the Beagle: People came and left but I wasn't on the ball enough to bag a table so I just had to stand at the end of the counter. A Christmas party of women came in, a bottle of white wine kept them happy. Maybe I should have worn my t-shirt again today? It feels a bit fraudulent in pubs that I've never visited before.</p><p>Pleased to see they've got real Budweiser on draft, although I really hate the branded bucket they seem to serve it in here.</p><p>Time to head for home after a very successful day with three new ticks taking my total to 1,461, and I was especially pleased to finally get in to the Black Horse. As I had hoped, the traffic had eased by now and the bus back to Liverpool had no problems and made it in record time. I couldn't say the same for the trains home from Lime Street, mine was eighteen minutes late.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pub of the day:</b> Beer Lab<br /><b>Beer of the day: </b>Vocation's Coffee Stout<br /><b>Miles walked:</b> 1.7<br /><b>Maybe coming soon:</b> West Derby, Kirkdale</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579786883431074587.post-45221586903541256172023-12-09T23:17:00.002+00:002023-12-10T01:50:25.291+00:00Kensington<p>For today's crawl I headed to Kensington, starting my research at the long closed <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1434" target="_blank">Phythian</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TcvsDeQvFAUJ-GcJuAKup9mAa9S4oPb0oIIqPU2fkNZbgEsuTW95Iwz1bI5bGYOtdT6q2EFf924yRLxMBJkrYN0vGchP0l_Nwv5Ncoxm_GK7uqvQ0ivomBnuRg877mPK9ZTT0M7zM88VS14KqbbCCRwrNyQNti73WVuMYAcgOt5ufqL0KzELUPN0hNE/s3264/4c09-d-dscf0086-Kensington--Phythian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TcvsDeQvFAUJ-GcJuAKup9mAa9S4oPb0oIIqPU2fkNZbgEsuTW95Iwz1bI5bGYOtdT6q2EFf924yRLxMBJkrYN0vGchP0l_Nwv5Ncoxm_GK7uqvQ0ivomBnuRg877mPK9ZTT0M7zM88VS14KqbbCCRwrNyQNti73WVuMYAcgOt5ufqL0KzELUPN0hNE/w400-h300/4c09-d-dscf0086-Kensington--Phythian.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The surviving pub sign gave me hope for a moment that I might be in for an unexpected bonus, but no.</p><p>On to Boaler Street and the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1431" target="_blank">Newsham Park</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1PUh5TnafMdPIVPKXc38Ulaa2hsVu5zhZlTPlPFWIzAwy2Lma1Rjuv1U4M02QWEw5jqdGXYS841UxFGLOr7yHvKiRxNRVsKKnGmBi0XxA7hDAPcY-P0Crf3oeNUuG1Y3TVf-fghMhiqZ4dJGpNu2Mx0JVp57-FjRNvLT1br8whyphenhyphenH0UtJcNRLa9NDMnU/s3264/4c09-d-dscf0087-Kensington--Newsham-Park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1PUh5TnafMdPIVPKXc38Ulaa2hsVu5zhZlTPlPFWIzAwy2Lma1Rjuv1U4M02QWEw5jqdGXYS841UxFGLOr7yHvKiRxNRVsKKnGmBi0XxA7hDAPcY-P0Crf3oeNUuG1Y3TVf-fghMhiqZ4dJGpNu2Mx0JVp57-FjRNvLT1br8whyphenhyphenH0UtJcNRLa9NDMnU/w400-h300/4c09-d-dscf0087-Kensington--Newsham-Park.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>It looks like it might still be operational, but not open at half one on a Saturday. I don't think I'll be back in this area any time soon, so it's their loss. Oh well, on to the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1432" target="_blank">Sir Walter Raleigh</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5KRiuMVTNwqknaltxKxi8FdLayv2DwtOZaiLnQbAKgMdJsQefXeudt-sNVyCovX1vqvOtqBllkiQdH9YzUAplqc3f11-_Q_mSuSOKcc6WtEDF_aT9Dk_hXibv-wLcqqvUayfT86z-LZgg7DOgNah0qWVFYLo_SqWatuuju_UFghXG_vwWaGKx5lpepo/s3040/4c09-d-dscf0088-Kensington--Walter-Raleigh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2220" data-original-width="3040" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5KRiuMVTNwqknaltxKxi8FdLayv2DwtOZaiLnQbAKgMdJsQefXeudt-sNVyCovX1vqvOtqBllkiQdH9YzUAplqc3f11-_Q_mSuSOKcc6WtEDF_aT9Dk_hXibv-wLcqqvUayfT86z-LZgg7DOgNah0qWVFYLo_SqWatuuju_UFghXG_vwWaGKx5lpepo/w400-h293/4c09-d-dscf0088-Kensington--Walter-Raleigh.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>And this one is open. A pleasant pub knocked through into one room, nicely decorated but with the lights low because Liverpool was on the tellies with most of the customers watching. I noted a rather good ceramic fireplace surround in the back part.</p><p>As I am pleased to have recorded a number of times this year, the Christmas decorations are tastefully restrained and look very good.</p><p>The projection TV screen at the front of the pub is truly enormous, it really fills the entire wall. I remember last time I was here, in summer 2018, they were installing this or a similar screen in the back of the pub, and I joked with the installer that it wouldn't fit. His reply was "I've told them!"</p><p>What a great traditional pub this is, a proper local's boozer. Long may it continue.</p><p>Next, down to Prescot Road and the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=320" target="_blank">Vinebrook</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SYaB5NSUhnQ63NEPeP5K4wGevdXxVJyk4DeCp8dQKr5iiwPkfotkBIEJUI3kAjoBG0jaLKnS6hB91U-5Jz4_EQmLT1Pc5j2k7C2RdYFgA_1RP83aVg64GvI9IYVGVSGYzLW0gIkmxGMYC_HNgiJQUZ-lebxqxM-8mVvYKZZaS0gC_qrJ37VFNX049KA/s3264/4c09-d-dscf0089-Kensington--Vinebrook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2156" data-original-width="3264" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SYaB5NSUhnQ63NEPeP5K4wGevdXxVJyk4DeCp8dQKr5iiwPkfotkBIEJUI3kAjoBG0jaLKnS6hB91U-5Jz4_EQmLT1Pc5j2k7C2RdYFgA_1RP83aVg64GvI9IYVGVSGYzLW0gIkmxGMYC_HNgiJQUZ-lebxqxM-8mVvYKZZaS0gC_qrJ37VFNX049KA/w400-h264/4c09-d-dscf0089-Kensington--Vinebrook.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>On my previous visits I have noted that this is a football fans' pub and I recall many years ago during the Euros finding all the regulars with red white and blue face paint and silly hats. Today was no exception, and the place was busy with noisy Liverpool fans, all very happy as their team was now winning. No face paint this time!</p><p>I watched the last few minutes of a rather scrappy game until the whistle went with 102 on the clock, welcomed with a very loud cheer. More cheers when we learned that that LFC were now top of the league, albeit possibly for only two or three hours. </p><p>The atmosphere gradually calmed down a little but it remained a lively pub, another proper boozer.</p><p>I eyed up the weather out of the window. The rain was intermittently heavy and I haven't taken a picture yet, I need to cross the road. As I departed the rain almost stopped allowing photos of this and the next pub.</p><p>On to the architectural gem that is the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=322" target="_blank">Kensington</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RiFsn-0fD4-HV2c0i_shcH5dv1bXE9BJyHNJ7aRMh5uYDE-emZqYiny-b54rbfDxb-L2Z_eyyjmBs16ssTu0DfwqwEXNX8diKXAl1wwjqkEsiCO4cG94gXz8vwNqoWghuU4Z3-5akw2qgCArA8lEY69xx7p3ZXtF2dU4ZVhgW7m9zQr9zoKvk4lXYB8/s2888/4c09-d-dscf0090-Kensington--Kensington.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2308" data-original-width="2888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RiFsn-0fD4-HV2c0i_shcH5dv1bXE9BJyHNJ7aRMh5uYDE-emZqYiny-b54rbfDxb-L2Z_eyyjmBs16ssTu0DfwqwEXNX8diKXAl1wwjqkEsiCO4cG94gXz8vwNqoWghuU4Z3-5akw2qgCArA8lEY69xx7p3ZXtF2dU4ZVhgW7m9zQr9zoKvk4lXYB8/w400-h320/4c09-d-dscf0090-Kensington--Kensington.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Another friendly lively traditional boozer, perhaps not quite as busy as the Vinebrook. This one has kept quite a few original features and is on CAMRA's list of historic pub interiors, I think.</p><p>I sat in the front lounge, a small room with some wood panelling, and a tiny counter served via a small hatch in the bar back.</p><p>There was a bowl of chocolates on the counter so I helped myself to one to accompany my third Carling of the day. I remember being surprised to find cask ale and waitress service in here many years ago, causing a pub crawl of half pints to be paused.</p><p>The TVs here were showing rugger, not many of the customers seemed to be paying attention.</p><p>It was warmish in the lounge, none of the pubs so far have suffered from the chill I've grumbled about in the past. The majority of the regulars seemed to be keeping their coats on, but I was comfortable in just a tee-shirt (No, not that one; it would be a bit hypocritical, I think, to wear it in a pub I haven't been in for over five years!)</p><p>The next location along is the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1436" target="_blank">Sheil Park</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijy6MRMHmx1yh-3N8zXZQujK9Ks8XHbTGKyqDztftZc6UkM7xk37lU8Cz4cmQ6cNneqhyl8eEATGcdTDI7Oz87S0rrooRcujLDuO4awhr5-rbtOadIXkG_8vwnRKZvPteXDy8gU6FV7gh-D44uiMigKuT1YyEQYMgTxv1-Ge1oGtzhsiO6KWjHIqQdllU/s2048/z929-d-dscn9397-Kensington--Sheil-Park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1240" data-original-width="2048" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijy6MRMHmx1yh-3N8zXZQujK9Ks8XHbTGKyqDztftZc6UkM7xk37lU8Cz4cmQ6cNneqhyl8eEATGcdTDI7Oz87S0rrooRcujLDuO4awhr5-rbtOadIXkG_8vwnRKZvPteXDy8gU6FV7gh-D44uiMigKuT1YyEQYMgTxv1-Ge1oGtzhsiO6KWjHIqQdllU/w400-h243/z929-d-dscn9397-Kensington--Sheil-Park.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Too dark already for a picture, this one is from my previous visit. Definitely no chance of a blue sky like that today, with storm Elin passing through.</p><p>One large open room with a high ceiling in this rather fine traditional boozer. They have the same rugby on as the Kensington, I don't think anyone was watching.</p><p>The Christmas decorations in here were the busiest I've seen this season, but still mostly tasteful. Perhaps the greenery, silver balls and flashing lights along the front edge of the counter top are a little too much, but apart from that the place is beautifully done. The not oversized tree is especially attractive, although I do wonder if, had this been the first pint of the day instead of the fourth, I might have described it as excessive.</p><p>Shall I do another tick? No I think I'll get a bus home before the weather worsens.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pub of the day:</b> Kensington, for the architecture and the free sweet.<br /><b>Beer of the day:</b> Carling<br /><b>Miles walked:</b> 1.2<br /><b>Maybe coming soon:</b> Crosby, Heswall, Kirkdale</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579786883431074587.post-4420195345696480762023-12-06T23:59:00.004+00:002023-12-09T10:53:25.124+00:00The Pub Is For Life, Not Just For Christmas<p>Now here's something rarely, if ever, seen on this blog. Yes, it's a picture of me!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3bsRL92J7Y9ROfb3qypiLCcMZHQ93qq0hqmSDyWhXSYWVfJgBMqRyy8R7eAmx1bLR0jTFkRr5gA7L2r01zKnwgVM87d-IJtKDqoTgltFdFGf_zq58gNnPrgqzSrh1ZzabvkLkuoD3NDte2NaTcZV7g485waHCtsgXVrSZADdf8yHAf97Bd624g-1sMY/s3471/4c06-p-img_20231206_180226873c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3471" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3bsRL92J7Y9ROfb3qypiLCcMZHQ93qq0hqmSDyWhXSYWVfJgBMqRyy8R7eAmx1bLR0jTFkRr5gA7L2r01zKnwgVM87d-IJtKDqoTgltFdFGf_zq58gNnPrgqzSrh1ZzabvkLkuoD3NDte2NaTcZV7g485waHCtsgXVrSZADdf8yHAf97Bd624g-1sMY/s320/4c06-p-img_20231206_180226873c.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><p></p><p>I was in the Vines enjoying a pint or two of an all-time favourite beer, Oakham Citra. They also had another of my favourites, Titanic Plum Porter, so I was spoilt for choice.</p><p>Despite my tee-shirt, the Vines this evening was much busier than usual, with a surfeit of once-a-year customers clogging up the counter, ordering cocktails, and raising the noise level substantially. Many Christmas jumpers were in evidence.</p><p>As a consequence, my friends and I have cancelled our Wednesday evening get-togethers for the remainder of the year and will be undertaking afternoon pub crawls instead.</p><p>Please make sure you support your pubs all year round and not just in the holiday season. USE IT OR LOSE IT! </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579786883431074587.post-10803152709742953242023-11-28T23:41:00.001+00:002023-11-29T12:11:33.091+00:00Allerton Road<p>Non-pub-related activities last weekend and next are keeping me away from my researches (Although not from pubs!) so, unusually, I set off for a survey on a Tuesday. Train and bus carried me to Allerton Road where there are umpteen targets awaiting my attention.</p><p>I started in the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=627" target="_blank">John Brodie</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9G-GBfQHC-mtgXUj5AcdWGlbF4A6Nv6pqeyj1z64FU3jH4YRMTAyzr2fkDvlNJyzi7c21DFKxgm_m_Nm25_2H_qx8MPJqSGdO9nA8i70URsPkNbenl4KBzBPH7W5rm19VXtmX5vt-K3K046oqrrKGPR3iTEvPbYrbIsW11IkhhjZSj97zQekHBQV7AU/s3264/4b28-d-dscf0073-Mossley-Hill--John-Brodie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9G-GBfQHC-mtgXUj5AcdWGlbF4A6Nv6pqeyj1z64FU3jH4YRMTAyzr2fkDvlNJyzi7c21DFKxgm_m_Nm25_2H_qx8MPJqSGdO9nA8i70URsPkNbenl4KBzBPH7W5rm19VXtmX5vt-K3K046oqrrKGPR3iTEvPbYrbIsW11IkhhjZSj97zQekHBQV7AU/w400-h300/4b28-d-dscf0073-Mossley-Hill--John-Brodie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Years ago this was a Yates's, and in some ways it hasn't changed since then; the decor is very pleasant, with chain pub styling. Obviously it's not the same wallpaper and carpet after twenty-odd years and everything looks well cared for and tidy. The Christmas decorations here are understated and tastefully done.</p><p>Sadly, the three handpumps all had clips turned round, so I had a Guinness. Perhaps I would have got cask ale later in the week?</p><p>Plenty of customers at two on a Tuesday, but room for many more. Diners and drinkers in about equal proportions. The menu of pub standards looks good value, with fish and chips under a tenner.</p><p>I noticed a Deliveroo guy come in to collect an order. I must admit I'd never thought of ordering pub food to be delivered, seems like a good idea. I usually use delivery services for food from takeaways where I can't be bothered to go out and get it.</p><p>Next door is the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=623" target="_blank">Allerton Oak</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5oOWhDTLb1DSVzmR7mtvNcwA_U-EmQk9P8khYZh79wfz1IMYmobUZPHvr8RxjIKtaY5J7LTP-rq3AwHB6MuXBtgYVceaL7BDso_FMOmgWkDum-SHXrQ3NdhXUlcwWs04ReyzqPj3zmSqQxJ5bg5FurVA3ktOdrwj8gNgqCmcahlWFbv-BOEs6uhV9Tk/s3264/4b28-d-dscf0074-Mossley-Hill--Allerton-Oak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5oOWhDTLb1DSVzmR7mtvNcwA_U-EmQk9P8khYZh79wfz1IMYmobUZPHvr8RxjIKtaY5J7LTP-rq3AwHB6MuXBtgYVceaL7BDso_FMOmgWkDum-SHXrQ3NdhXUlcwWs04ReyzqPj3zmSqQxJ5bg5FurVA3ktOdrwj8gNgqCmcahlWFbv-BOEs6uhV9Tk/w400-h300/4b28-d-dscf0074-Mossley-Hill--Allerton-Oak.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I haven't visited this place since February 2000 when it was an American-themed bar called New York. What do we get twenty-four years later? Bugger! It's not open. Is this the down side of a Tuesday survey, or is it no longer in action?</p><p>Just a few doors down is a place I didn't know existed until I got here, <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=622" target="_blank">Mooneys</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMCUpJG_6zVfw5jE0a0jJUi3bln4X_AN3OGku8lI-8pu1SZkPVaE5U7VX7kaGTnZqCXtYkkvQKPQOVSKLbjoV7BBlkUOEDBAc2yGYVyoauk_FkdHcmIHfNZzhIS2xX4azgU4hvZpCN1lNV7J5_yoEShTiMNjNlZrj6waevODsMel3Tfr0BIJ_hfo6taQ/s1996/4b28-d-dscf0075-Mossley-Hill--Mooneys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1996" data-original-width="1844" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMCUpJG_6zVfw5jE0a0jJUi3bln4X_AN3OGku8lI-8pu1SZkPVaE5U7VX7kaGTnZqCXtYkkvQKPQOVSKLbjoV7BBlkUOEDBAc2yGYVyoauk_FkdHcmIHfNZzhIS2xX4azgU4hvZpCN1lNV7J5_yoEShTiMNjNlZrj6waevODsMel3Tfr0BIJ_hfo6taQ/w370-h400/4b28-d-dscf0075-Mossley-Hill--Mooneys.jpg" width="370" /></a></div><p></p><p>Research shows this was formerly Mezz, a long closed one I never visited.</p><p>What a pleasant Irish bar this is. Rather odd decor, I particularly liked the part where they have made a giant hole in the wall plaster to reveal the underlying bricks. The hole is irregularly shaped and the contrast between the carefully painted plaster and the naked bricks creates an interesting feature.</p><p>Not many customers in, about five I think, but enough to create a background of lively chatter which also included the staff, mixed with Sky Sports News and a racing channel.</p><p>A mic stand, mixer and speakers at the front imply live music but I guess Tuesday afternoon is not the time for this.</p><p>Bonus points here because there are no Christmas decorations. It's still November, after all.</p><p>By the way, in the cold weather today I'm happy to report both pubs so far have been pleasantly warm inside.</p><p>Across the busy road and into the next call, <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1885" target="_blank">Three Piggies</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3inLprh6m3jXN14ZI2GxxH7NEFIec-t0gJ-1tF3ut_3Rw7CJz4vhixF9J98pIMKGs441dqoUhiz1b-r0CbEf_p8JNILJHCXwANtrnB83RFgkAYZHCew8hGWq1g13ujiMRDXK-hAk1N6LSiC3_UTdcXis1K7KX5HyKMl9qmLFuGy9nHldsBLw2Gq_n3c/s3264/4b28-d-dscf0072-Mossley-Hill--Three-Piggies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3inLprh6m3jXN14ZI2GxxH7NEFIec-t0gJ-1tF3ut_3Rw7CJz4vhixF9J98pIMKGs441dqoUhiz1b-r0CbEf_p8JNILJHCXwANtrnB83RFgkAYZHCew8hGWq1g13ujiMRDXK-hAk1N6LSiC3_UTdcXis1K7KX5HyKMl9qmLFuGy9nHldsBLw2Gq_n3c/w400-h300/4b28-d-dscf0072-Mossley-Hill--Three-Piggies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Another warm one despite the wide windows onto the street, in fact one of the waitresses added some wood to the stove shortly after I arrived.</p><p>Three handpumps offered ales from Mobberley, I chose Bunji which turned out to be a rather fine sweet pale ale, almost a toffee flavour instead of the citrus one might expect.</p><p>More of a restaurant in style, here, but at three on a Tuesday I couldn't see anyone eating. The decor, a mix of distressed wood, bar brick and some white ceramics, is rather fine.</p><p>The background music was mostly drowned out by happy conversations.</p><p>I had a quick look at the cocktail menu. Why does no one do a bloody Mary, my favourite, any more?</p><p>Where next? If the Allerton Oak had been open I would have been in number four now and could have headed home, but now I'll have to walk a bit further for one or two more ticks. Not far away is a tempting target I've never been in, so let's try the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=2023" target="_blank">Crafty Swine</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGgd6ayiJ9h9RdbzF9EkWC7aeS20hK3cDABUOBvoUJJaOyqRvaAxArllhe1M2cIZM-oIzrrhW5klKzXJ7c5BulwdWnQPIYrpKHvYcNH_DAjPpBZs8W3Nkj_sVagpgAJ6wFI6xhA0TGi1aA045q9f9V87q11kNuqOH-GWCKxveiYRB1SbzyybUvkDNYXI/s3264/4b28-d-dscf0079-Wavertree--Crafty-Swine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGgd6ayiJ9h9RdbzF9EkWC7aeS20hK3cDABUOBvoUJJaOyqRvaAxArllhe1M2cIZM-oIzrrhW5klKzXJ7c5BulwdWnQPIYrpKHvYcNH_DAjPpBZs8W3Nkj_sVagpgAJ6wFI6xhA0TGi1aA045q9f9V87q11kNuqOH-GWCKxveiYRB1SbzyybUvkDNYXI/w400-h300/4b28-d-dscf0079-Wavertree--Crafty-Swine.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Gosh! Two brand new ticks in one day. I've got no idea how to describe the decor in this place except to say that I like it. Quite a large space, with only two or three customers I'm afraid.</p><p>Just one handpump with a clip (and one without) but the Wild Swan was very good. They mainly concentrate on craft ales. If I'm allowed to criticise, I think with fourteen keg taps they could put on a few "odd" options. For example, last Friday in Track Brewery Tap in Manchester I had some 12% imperial stout which was absolutely gorgeous. Not for everyone, of course, but with fourteen options you could spare one or two for "stupid" beers like that.</p><p>I looked up the Wild Swan on t'internet. It's Thornbridge, of course, I should have recognised the pump clip. Then I would have known it was tasty, I've never had a Thornbridge brew I didn't like. Jaipur, of course, is a favourite, but there's also a wonderful chocolate one I think?</p><p>Christmas decorations in here were once again restrained and therefore excellent. </p><p>I wonder what this place was before it was a pub? I'll check streetview when I get home... In 2008 it was a bar called Mustard, which I never ticked. Before that it was Holyoake Hall, a Co-op building which was a dance hall in the 1960s, hosting the Beatles a number of times. </p><p>Time to go home? Perhaps one more brand new tick before I go, <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1973" target="_blank">Leaf</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPFiONDeaqoPmhLKAiMFx2XDrOBl0F4N4-DHvGhR3wFOa8IgDMfN3Ari62ZdvaEL-OjFVJWfoeJlVDsZBjKGoetwfUfZNTcynhCB1j0UHVMu74eVPIlGKZpUlQTVJolHYCdU-h5hjbcGTsMYPvNb8uRDzpTaFs87jJeeBu-avjpJ01BJznD4NZjV66ss/s3264/4b28-d-dscf0077-Wavertree--Leaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPFiONDeaqoPmhLKAiMFx2XDrOBl0F4N4-DHvGhR3wFOa8IgDMfN3Ari62ZdvaEL-OjFVJWfoeJlVDsZBjKGoetwfUfZNTcynhCB1j0UHVMu74eVPIlGKZpUlQTVJolHYCdU-h5hjbcGTsMYPvNb8uRDzpTaFs87jJeeBu-avjpJ01BJznD4NZjV66ss/w400-h300/4b28-d-dscf0077-Wavertree--Leaf.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I did the branch in town some time ago but I've never been in this one, so let's see what we get. D'oh! It closes at four and what time is it? Four. </p><p>Oh well, I'll head for home then.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pub of the day:</b> Three Piggies<br /><b>Beer of the day:</b> Thornbridge Wild Swan<br /><b>Miles walked:</b> 1.3<br /><b>Maybe coming soon:</b> Undecided.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579786883431074587.post-31813081194745498752023-11-18T23:20:00.001+00:002023-11-19T13:46:14.413+00:00Northern Bootle<p>On a grey Saturday I made my way to Bootle for some overdue revisits. I started by walking north, passing two targets that I'll come back to later and on to the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1263" target="_blank">Queens</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFDWZK4REMdSgBAouNdkfMwBmVMm3dukL_IGXN8io3GZY_dpVU9lDjdKPFAZoKouFW0o8BILEDNYxolYV8kL-sGp2aHTphPO3CxdKlyni8aIOZ6fpyphgGDtb8C1Piu0OlmY-ZZNeXsc6c_a-qTFooh8JL-UPJ_adu49s2BI_ArmdXqZ7LGQgPviywDM/s2948/4b18-d-dscf0043-Bootle--Queens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2352" data-original-width="2948" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFDWZK4REMdSgBAouNdkfMwBmVMm3dukL_IGXN8io3GZY_dpVU9lDjdKPFAZoKouFW0o8BILEDNYxolYV8kL-sGp2aHTphPO3CxdKlyni8aIOZ6fpyphgGDtb8C1Piu0OlmY-ZZNeXsc6c_a-qTFooh8JL-UPJ_adu49s2BI_ArmdXqZ7LGQgPviywDM/w400-h319/4b18-d-dscf0043-Bootle--Queens.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The For Sale sign was concerning but the door was open and inside I found a plain traditional two-sided boozer, with no customers visible at one on a Saturday afternoon. Perhaps there were some in the other side.</p><p>The barmaid had to nip down to the cellar before pouring me a Carling, which cost £3.45 Two other customers joined me while I was waiting. "Do they sell Guinness" one enquired. I was about to tell him I hadn't been in here for over five years but I spotted a Guinness tap on the other counter so I was able to point that out.</p><p>I settled under the telly showing racing and took in my surroundings. Like all these "basic" boozers these days, it is nicely done out, clean and tidy. In the very grey weather it was quite dark until the barmaid turned the lights on. No Christmas decorations; good.</p><p>Was this the one with the disgusting gents with mould-covered walls last time I was here? I recall a regular saying "crackin', isn't it" when I came out of the gents last time. Let's see what it is like now...</p><p>Well the gents here is very good, in fact in a triumph of good taste they've even got the same tiles on the wall as in my bathroom at home! So am I remembering the wrong pub? On examining my records I find that my memory is correct, so they've done a very good upgrade.</p><p>Next I retraced my steps towards Bootle, and stopped at the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1265" target="_blank">Salisbury</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3UA25hpzHXvf7fLzEHvBZycONpYRmy8_Jcxa4T1HCFr9uxR6YAemudJS2EQs6hn6IRLH3YTVLA90CKNWYdeE9bA8N7twi0LP5R6Ts7hHyQLOgYcuw6F_65kbzRGdFXt4up8owuoZ6BZXUV6aVF8jjfpPEZ2ey6jzc3FG7um1Q6cb1b_7Ecl5iUntgJs/s3264/4b18-d-dscf0041-Bootle--Salisbury.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3UA25hpzHXvf7fLzEHvBZycONpYRmy8_Jcxa4T1HCFr9uxR6YAemudJS2EQs6hn6IRLH3YTVLA90CKNWYdeE9bA8N7twi0LP5R6Ts7hHyQLOgYcuw6F_65kbzRGdFXt4up8owuoZ6BZXUV6aVF8jjfpPEZ2ey6jzc3FG7um1Q6cb1b_7Ecl5iUntgJs/w400-h300/4b18-d-dscf0041-Bootle--Salisbury.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The large interior is plain, pleasant enough, and almost completely deserted with just two other customers.</p><p>My Carling (£3.20) came in a branded glass, but it wasn't the odd shaped one I'm used to (which I had in the Queens). I hope this is an older style and not a new one, as I really like the ones, I don't really know how to describe them, that have a "waist" half way up which has a ribbed surface for extra grip. I wonder if I can find a picture:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidowRms9JGJ_w0Z_U8SukoD5e6VSEZDg7GJ-RQ7vGNDJGtg60hBzTqQ6gUGgyjF1d1mIaRUZUSrjIslQ53irHh3mgIi7tXTM4bxyYT1SIXA8H3ZsjQFtnvsTsRAlPjY-uhznNOImeMMUKkzkUL2BZykYgMtPzgklHLKsTf85Eo3J3GPLBl3IQlsZkABhs/s880/CarlingPint.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="351" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidowRms9JGJ_w0Z_U8SukoD5e6VSEZDg7GJ-RQ7vGNDJGtg60hBzTqQ6gUGgyjF1d1mIaRUZUSrjIslQ53irHh3mgIi7tXTM4bxyYT1SIXA8H3ZsjQFtnvsTsRAlPjY-uhznNOImeMMUKkzkUL2BZykYgMtPzgklHLKsTf85Eo3J3GPLBl3IQlsZkABhs/s320/CarlingPint.png" width="128" /></a></div><br />Maybe I should start collecting branded glassware, or at least pictures thereof. Come to think of it, my collection of beer festival glasses means I have no room for more, so perhaps just pictures.<p></p><p>Heating in here was provided by a couple of portable Calor Gas heaters, lucky the weather is warmer today than yesterday. I suspect it'll be very cold in here come some real winter weather.</p><p>A few more regulars turned up while I drank, but the place was hardly busy.</p><p>Next, a classic sixties building, the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1596" target="_blank">Alexandra</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVp-CXQM8wOgbcxGqJuFDcHSn7i2eOEKD_fZSVfRgsFiRZFCrFqSW8z3QyxdcC0sxc8G4EM2st8dmn_Doo3XatBots4iiwR5h1wnB_eDffwavLTns3snTfb0AAmQAOs34PyibD1pcyCl_QKPKORCgj3-WYgG6ml_B6WlnSYeitGplUo45ble5tznAbMU/s3264/4b18-d-dscf0040-Bootle--Alexandra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVp-CXQM8wOgbcxGqJuFDcHSn7i2eOEKD_fZSVfRgsFiRZFCrFqSW8z3QyxdcC0sxc8G4EM2st8dmn_Doo3XatBots4iiwR5h1wnB_eDffwavLTns3snTfb0AAmQAOs34PyibD1pcyCl_QKPKORCgj3-WYgG6ml_B6WlnSYeitGplUo45ble5tznAbMU/w400-h300/4b18-d-dscf0040-Bootle--Alexandra.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Another perfectly fine interior, in fact I think this one is better than the previous two. At least a dozen regulars were creating a background of cheerful chatter.</p><p>My Carling (£3.20 again) came in my preferred glass this time.</p><p>OK, I am probably biased due to being three Carlings to the good, but this is a really great pub, a true classic. Perfectly clean, very tidy, cheerful regulars, warm and comfortable, what else could one ask for?</p><p>Regular readers are probably expecting a rant about Premier League point deductions at some time today but I don't really understand what Everton are accused of so I'll keep my own counsel for now. Except to say ... No No, must resist.</p><p>The jukebox moved on to someone's rendition of that wonderful song From A Distance. Bette Midler's version wasn't as good as Nancy Griffith's original, but it's still a great song.</p><p>Now here's something I've not spotted before: In amongst the greengrocers' apostrophes on the signs on the bar back is a notice stating that all spirits are sold in 50ml measures; so effectively everything is a double.</p><p>Next, through the centre of Bootle passing the post-Wetherspoon's Wild Rose which seemed from the outside to be doing very well, and the overdue for a visit Addison Arms and on to the even more overdue <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1549" target="_blank">Beaky</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4Il76_3NywsmlUiHd0Dpo5hMPArGAX34iqBZ8MRWJu70tmgk4mNKdXqyG4WfWlLXHMYNv1b2-bwabtz3sY7b9ky1zih44tLfN8wddDF-xMfkwTPNftp-G2MI-4FbXL6U-XQ-lrHnpYZTqsc2noZdOU6W6Kqxx_Pxv2D0XR9ky1dHvdLlKjreXUqz_sU/s3264/4b18-d-dscf0046-Bootle--Beaky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4Il76_3NywsmlUiHd0Dpo5hMPArGAX34iqBZ8MRWJu70tmgk4mNKdXqyG4WfWlLXHMYNv1b2-bwabtz3sY7b9ky1zih44tLfN8wddDF-xMfkwTPNftp-G2MI-4FbXL6U-XQ-lrHnpYZTqsc2noZdOU6W6Kqxx_Pxv2D0XR9ky1dHvdLlKjreXUqz_sU/w400-h300/4b18-d-dscf0046-Bootle--Beaky.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This is, or was, a social club of some sort, and still has the format of a small bar and a larger function room. No hint of any membership requirements as I headed into the bar for another Carling. (£2.30, non-preferred branded glass)</p><p>The bigger room was laid out for a do of some sort, but maybe it always is.</p><p>About a dozen regulars were in the bar chatting and one or two were watching the racing on just one telly.</p><p>Lovely and warm in here, so much so that I felt myself in danger of nodding off, which is not good at half three in the afternoon! I think it might be time to head for home.</p><p>I got back to Lime Street to find that the next three trains home have been cancelled. I suppose that's what you get for letting the government run the railways. Surprisingly, the train I eventually caught wasn't as jam-packed as I expected, clearly the majority of customers have already learned that there is no point relying on the train.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pub of the day:</b> Alexandra<br /><b>Beer of the day:</b> Carling<br /><b>Miles walked:</b> 2.2<br /><b>Maybe coming soon:</b> Kirkdale, Fazakerley, Wavertree</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579786883431074587.post-46323586455016927372023-11-17T23:30:00.001+00:002023-11-19T12:08:09.156+00:00Mancunian Miscellany<p>After completing some non-pub-related business in Glossop* I headed for the enormous Holt's house on the corner at the centre of this attractive town. I've never been in the Norfolk Arms before:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCiQfch4IDkSx8QLfEHVDTaeZssaYwCAnlxBgcn8bZwXCzwXgV0h4LMgItrHDxn8pVsoi9JH71GA9vuYETD582PSHJqY6yMT-8kBWGcvEAQX53Rf633z_OD4u8_ShV4dnnQnH91WScM3EUwu-MSNYXwMJIFc8ejbBVeLbjWHd0qlsBTTgQ4s4pVyjMA8/s3264/4b17-d-dscf0035-Glossop--Norfolk-Arms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCiQfch4IDkSx8QLfEHVDTaeZssaYwCAnlxBgcn8bZwXCzwXgV0h4LMgItrHDxn8pVsoi9JH71GA9vuYETD582PSHJqY6yMT-8kBWGcvEAQX53Rf633z_OD4u8_ShV4dnnQnH91WScM3EUwu-MSNYXwMJIFc8ejbBVeLbjWHd0qlsBTTgQ4s4pVyjMA8/w400-h300/4b17-d-dscf0035-Glossop--Norfolk-Arms.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I chose a pint of Two Hoots from the small range of cask ales, and it was excellent as expected. And it came in a Two Hoots glass.</p><p>The beautiful interior of the pub is partly knocked through but still has some separation. Most of the customers were dining groups. I had look at the menu of the usual pub standards plus some less common options, I don't often see Wexford chicken. Fish and chips was fourteen quid, so not at the cheap end of the spectrum.</p><p>The Christmas decorations were tasteful and not over the top, although I still want to say "Bah! Humbug! It's only November". This year's fashion seems to be greenery with gold and silver balls, the versions I've seen so far have all been nicely restrained.</p><p>Posters show they have live music in here this evening. I wonder what kind of songs a "male vocal entertainer" does? I'm going to guess Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra, but the poster doesn't give any clues. It could be Morrissey and Liam Gallagher for all I know.</p><p>Next, the only Good Beer Guide pub in Glossop I haven't ticked, Bar 2:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XuXB-Fpm11qGRyhInlTZT0QfXdtEqqtOpmc6v2BThOIU_TmkUEETsW8ZTw_rmtRft1-rFaF8uuFTaMzzrztALvCPmZ4JvQTGPZgdGIt7gvxvsJyv5YTU5B7mxNb6k9funOV4oTLmGDG2O55-7bNrECF0XXHCl-1NqjX8y3O9EwBj3mxRYJa7S3L5XIM/s3264/4b17-d-dscf0036-Glossop--Bar-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XuXB-Fpm11qGRyhInlTZT0QfXdtEqqtOpmc6v2BThOIU_TmkUEETsW8ZTw_rmtRft1-rFaF8uuFTaMzzrztALvCPmZ4JvQTGPZgdGIt7gvxvsJyv5YTU5B7mxNb6k9funOV4oTLmGDG2O55-7bNrECF0XXHCl-1NqjX8y3O9EwBj3mxRYJa7S3L5XIM/w400-h300/4b17-d-dscf0036-Glossop--Bar-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>A standard shop conversion micro pub this, but somehow better than most. I selected Ossett Silver King from the range of cask ales, tasty as always but not as good as favourite White Rat, which was on the coming soon list. (By the way, further to my comments in last Thursday's blog, this week the Big House had White Rat back on. Yippee!)</p><p>All the other customers in here were locals and regulars, and chatted with each other and the barmaid while the solitary pub blogger sat on a comfortable bench seat and wrote his notes.</p><p>It wasn't very warm in here; everyone kept their coats on. I realise times are hard in the hospitality business and fuel prices are high, but people will stop coming if it's not comfortable. There's something very special about a warm pub on a cold day.</p><p>Next door is Bar 1, a wine and cocktail bar, not open when I arrived. There's an interior doorway connecting the two.</p><p>Now, off to Stalyvegas. This part of the day didn't go exactly to plan. Stepping out of the pub I spotted the bus just approaching the stop. Drat, missed it, or have I? The traffic lights were in my favour and I made it to the stop before the queue had all got on. A good start to the journey. Last time I did this move I seem to recall a pleasant bus ride of thirty odd minutes. That must have been a quiet time because today it took more than thirty minutes in heavy traffic just to get out of Glossop. My upstairs at the front seat offered a fine view of the cars queuing into the distance! Eventually the traffic eased and we reached Stalyvegas at last, over an hour later.</p><p>I initially resisted the obvious choice here and instead tried a place not ticked before, the Old Thirteenth Cheshire Astley Volunteer Rifleman Corps Inn:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzwzti-vLj-YGXtN0Y6T5cKRFz7a4t0PpnNxMPxe9d8LkhbJauCdxfztgt8PPnMBXbR2Ujldls7X0ugRmv7ZEZ_77r88Sak-1QpL5R1b88eJx9PtOBK_cL_iHGBq1Xn95UG5Lvia-IA79wU9dckg3NKM0A1oxFVP3P6jCMIhHO0fl7HZ3j_JRg3JFMYs/s3264/4b17-d-dscf0037-Stalybridge--Volunteer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzwzti-vLj-YGXtN0Y6T5cKRFz7a4t0PpnNxMPxe9d8LkhbJauCdxfztgt8PPnMBXbR2Ujldls7X0ugRmv7ZEZ_77r88Sak-1QpL5R1b88eJx9PtOBK_cL_iHGBq1Xn95UG5Lvia-IA79wU9dckg3NKM0A1oxFVP3P6jCMIhHO0fl7HZ3j_JRg3JFMYs/w400-h300/4b17-d-dscf0037-Stalybridge--Volunteer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I think they chose the ridiculously long name specially because they are next door to Q which has the shortest pub name in the country.</p><p>Anyway, a pleasant enough one roomed boozer, maybe a bit down market but, having said that, actually rather nicely done. And it was warm!</p><p>Two handpumps and I selected Tiger Rut from Millstone, which wasn't too bad but perhaps slightly past its best? Actually, a tired ale always gets worse as you drink it, this one got better in the second half. I think that means my initial assessment was just plain wrong, and the ale was good.</p><p>Next, I can't come to Staly without visiting one of my favourite pubs in the world, so in to the Buffet Bar:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Blxpr4dwgs2Qh4ruThL3vi4qUyAkp89zklZZK-LdK5XgOV4zA33j4IlDTTf-DEIOr0oRD-5kWQ0STw2qOCnIgTIbK_hKDcWrgjtMkJozBrUgKeCE1pkbnoEnjhxlFa_xIL-hCnms9AX2zKPQQl40jVkPELhyphenhyphenmmAary27fJNrYzIHqqJIOylRxsGhHjQ/s3264/4b17-d-dscf0038-Stalybridge--Buffet-Bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Blxpr4dwgs2Qh4ruThL3vi4qUyAkp89zklZZK-LdK5XgOV4zA33j4IlDTTf-DEIOr0oRD-5kWQ0STw2qOCnIgTIbK_hKDcWrgjtMkJozBrUgKeCE1pkbnoEnjhxlFa_xIL-hCnms9AX2zKPQQl40jVkPELhyphenhyphenmmAary27fJNrYzIHqqJIOylRxsGhHjQ/w400-h300/4b17-d-dscf0038-Stalybridge--Buffet-Bar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Wonderful as always, this place, and doing a good trade, although I think when I started coming here many years ago it would have been necessary to push just to get in the door at five on a Friday. No need for pushing today, and I even got a table to sit at.</p><p>Continuing today's theme I can report that the place was comfortably warm, with a real fire in the main room.</p><p>I had somebody's Cherry Vanilla Porter, pretty good but could do with a bit more cherry I think. I've said it before and I'll say it again; if you're going to put a strange flavour in a beer, it should smack the drinker in the face. "A hint of ..." is no good at all; I want lots of flavour! Titanic Plum Porter is a fine exemplar. Today's ale was close, but need a little more cherry to be truly great.</p><p>The soundscape here was some background music completely drowned out by cheerful conversations.</p><p>What a wonderful pub. I would have stayed here longer and perhaps enjoyed some of their famous black peas, but Northern's cancellations would have left me stranded, so I enjoyed my pint and then headed off by train. I'll be back in a couple of weeks for an annual reunion to which I've been going since 1980. Gosh, forty-three years!</p><p>Next, a short train ride for a new tick, the Victoria Tap. (Sorry, no photo.) Run, I believe, by the same people as the Piccadilly Tap, this one is actually in the station building, occupying a space which has been offices for a long time, I think. A great addition to Victoria station, offering six handpumps and about twenty keg taps. On a Friday night they could do with three times as much space! I had J W Lee's Plum Pudding, a long standing Christmas brew always tasty.</p><p>One tiny room plus quite a lot of space outside in the cold, I managed to stand in the corner, it's certainly too chilly outside. There was a waft of cold air every time the door was opened, but for the rest of the time it was comfortably warm in here.</p><p>This is one of those rare pubs which doesn't have any toilets, you have to go out and use the station's facilities. After which I headed for home.</p><p>* Yes yes, thank you pedants, I know Glossop isn't in Manchester.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pub of the day:</b> Stalybridge Buffet Bar<br /><b>Beer of the day:</b> J W Lee's Plum Pudding<br /><b>Miles walked:</b> 1.3, and most of that wasn't for the pubs.<br /><b>Maybe coming soon:</b> Bootle, Kirkdale, Fazakerley</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579786883431074587.post-43329533579674166872023-11-11T23:21:00.001+00:002023-11-12T09:43:26.175+00:00Kirkdale and Walton<p>On a sunny autumn afternoon I set off towards County Road without making much of a detailed plan. There are so many "required" pubs around here (About twenty) that finding some not open will not be a problem. From Kirkdale station I skipped the Peacock because it has already been ticked this year and carried on to the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=358" target="_blank">Hawthorne</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4h0cCyzwwNY4ET1KS-oYTfw6UL4yBgPh68Thr2LPSbFsLMT1X7IogIrLX08HLVggCNYzFYyLfnBuCji9KGfwK1N70f81cfWcneSqwuS4OJphytTECzryh3ADaJ5EJJxA5nv7EaV_6d6zJiU8_IIJYssvy-NU3wplEdMYU66ebixKU8Gpy_SK9LdJfeY/s3264/4b11-d-dscf0029-Kirkdale--Hawthorne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4h0cCyzwwNY4ET1KS-oYTfw6UL4yBgPh68Thr2LPSbFsLMT1X7IogIrLX08HLVggCNYzFYyLfnBuCji9KGfwK1N70f81cfWcneSqwuS4OJphytTECzryh3ADaJ5EJJxA5nv7EaV_6d6zJiU8_IIJYssvy-NU3wplEdMYU66ebixKU8Gpy_SK9LdJfeY/w400-h300/4b11-d-dscf0029-Kirkdale--Hawthorne.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>A large well appointed boozer this, two sides plus another area which today was set out for some kind of function. (Baby shower I later learned by listening in to the chat at the bar.) Everywhere is nicely decorated, wood panelling and stained glass, and is that counter front genuine 1930s/50s or is it a 1980s re-creation? Either way, the whole place is attractive and pleasant.</p><p>Only a handful of customers, watching the early match on the telly or chatting to the bar staff.</p><p>I avoided messing up the party area and sat in a corner with the footie fan, to enjoy a fine pint of Guinness, which only cost £3.35.</p><p>Next, towards County Road, with the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1457" target="_blank">Stuart</a> on the way. Sadly estate agents' signs warned me that I was probably too late for a revisit and sure enough the doors were all closed. A sad loss, this one, I remember an interior retaining the classic layout with lounges served from a hatch in the bar back across a drinking corridor.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQm-m7cK_KYYNTLfFQ_NBnto3PmQX0srCuiveVUr3iby2zp8Xmuv0uhWKNdFZ8mB_Lkh0ZCiJx1JWxp0KwXz-7IUYnbumGFtQXPDVj5r5PIOs6QeUViGEg80GOUNjP-ylS0KKrK4FDof0_hyphenhyphenBIV7JILKujNAnDQ-MvDN9UmMkhC_r5wXL4uMrNqto1xtQ/s3264/4b11-d-dscf0030-Walton--Stuart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQm-m7cK_KYYNTLfFQ_NBnto3PmQX0srCuiveVUr3iby2zp8Xmuv0uhWKNdFZ8mB_Lkh0ZCiJx1JWxp0KwXz-7IUYnbumGFtQXPDVj5r5PIOs6QeUViGEg80GOUNjP-ylS0KKrK4FDof0_hyphenhyphenBIV7JILKujNAnDQ-MvDN9UmMkhC_r5wXL4uMrNqto1xtQ/w400-h300/4b11-d-dscf0030-Walton--Stuart.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I carried on to County Road and the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=893" target="_blank">Black Horse</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEO7FnXU1G4uiuiAcv3cCySFsz1qPaGDNk-1YwBHhM6vxqW9dkRMSXrtOsmZsMcurZaaOKqkwCKd-8Hh8YkYwq8fkC1_5LNjNqUYKqCL0GSLPcPEsUEnmcDZhHb9x3nQFF57BHL6CnpeGQlHdp7F2oDaAhwJxx6w14SZvExXSIloA1EnFrussUU8AyjU/s3264/4b11-d-dscf0031-Walton--Black-Horse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1692" data-original-width="3264" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEO7FnXU1G4uiuiAcv3cCySFsz1qPaGDNk-1YwBHhM6vxqW9dkRMSXrtOsmZsMcurZaaOKqkwCKd-8Hh8YkYwq8fkC1_5LNjNqUYKqCL0GSLPcPEsUEnmcDZhHb9x3nQFF57BHL6CnpeGQlHdp7F2oDaAhwJxx6w14SZvExXSIloA1EnFrussUU8AyjU/w400-h208/4b11-d-dscf0031-Walton--Black-Horse.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>A Greene King outlet with no real ale so it was another Guinness for me. (Over four quid this time) This large pub has a very well maintained interior in traditional style and I sat in the impressive "concert hall" area which has a high arched roof with a square stained glass lantern. The modernisation has not been kind to this feature, with a servery extension and the kitchen occupying part of the space, but at least they didn't demolish it.</p><p>I looked at my marked up map with orange highlighter indicating all the required ticks. Today really would have been a good time to revert to a half in each pub, but frankly I can't be bothered, and anyway it takes me a whole pint to write this drivel. So you can expect further visits to this area in the near future. Thinking about it, I need to come on an Everton home match day, as some have limited opening hours. Why didn't I do that last Saturday? Who knows!</p><p>A family group with a number of very young kids arrived and occupied part of the room. It's good to see people still come to the pub for a family outing. The little ones were well behaved, I'm pleased to report. These are the people who will be keeping the pubs going twenty years from now!</p><p>Next, on to the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=903" target="_blank">Top House</a>. Another estate agent's sign caused a moment of concern, but it was on the next door building, and the pub was open:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQJJdmNGdrAzgxZFaPbblot1k9jv2_1GPzWDbCukv2wV4oy3Q0FP-vCo2GG-04whBZkTBL8T6Ihg4k8JdHSb6ijjf8HqrRvUonENfYY50-Kqxr8fDvZIW-W5kiTFLiMRqzlZkX0s2PE-p517VVa4onwV4q4x3vTn_HZ3nYWOSNhbO7fo8j_kNj5nkvBY/s3264/4b11-d-dscf0032-Walton--Top-House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQJJdmNGdrAzgxZFaPbblot1k9jv2_1GPzWDbCukv2wV4oy3Q0FP-vCo2GG-04whBZkTBL8T6Ihg4k8JdHSb6ijjf8HqrRvUonENfYY50-Kqxr8fDvZIW-W5kiTFLiMRqzlZkX0s2PE-p517VVa4onwV4q4x3vTn_HZ3nYWOSNhbO7fo8j_kNj5nkvBY/w400-h300/4b11-d-dscf0032-Walton--Top-House.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>A beautifully cared for traditional boozer ticking over with a number of regulars chatting with the friendly barmaid who soon poured me another Guinness. (£3.70 I think) I sat in a quiet side room, the two bar layout of this pub has obviously been modified over the years, so historic features are thin on the ground, but it is very pleasant. My guide entry from 2018 called this a "backstreet gem", you can't say fairer than that.</p><p>The early match continued, but hardly anyone was paying attention, sometimes I wonder whether the pub gets any value from their (presumably expensive) subscription. Do they get the occasional more "interesting" match - Top of the league and/or a local team - in their package? Wolves, who I'm guessing were the underdogs, equalised near the end and then scored a winner in injury time, to the general approval of the clientele here.</p><p>After the Top House one can only really go on to the Bottom House, more correctly known as the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=892" target="_blank">Anfield Hotel</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOABHCur9lo5y_VuoLxT7K1hr_5-D6WXgxjO8oAg4UcHYTYP-arprDfrZDciRnDf5ZpDtsTNnutsu8bA4YPiNHBhNO05nHlHsKPcJxkcm4MrO-eTIi2l6AU96VBHrH-R2whcJ1luEeibiNTAEgeaaBM727D7FvX0_DDg5MFgZRnoYjd-4tOVQGmhuXYE/s3264/4b11-d-dscf0033-Walton--Anfield-Hotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOABHCur9lo5y_VuoLxT7K1hr_5-D6WXgxjO8oAg4UcHYTYP-arprDfrZDciRnDf5ZpDtsTNnutsu8bA4YPiNHBhNO05nHlHsKPcJxkcm4MrO-eTIi2l6AU96VBHrH-R2whcJ1luEeibiNTAEgeaaBM727D7FvX0_DDg5MFgZRnoYjd-4tOVQGmhuXYE/w400-h300/4b11-d-dscf0033-Walton--Anfield-Hotel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Curses! It's shut. Handwritten signs in the window say Open 12 November, so it should be back in action tomorrow.</p><p>Back to County Road and in to what used to be the Glebe, now <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=355" target="_blank">Bernie May's</a>. My picture was very blurry so here's one from 2018, it hasn't changed much:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEqPRXRFNBEjs4_Xy70uc21zOF4GbuQiRkoMaF1WShmnlBTnlN8P11ubautebSCAKHYX3NpXDxYfN-Swfi6v_SqzGEqkT_Gc_Q-AdulTqKK7MlRp6lJh28BPXD_Kxvd4jVhrwjgOuaiIGQ4cqJJdSuEDcuHMiwgZ9SEM5Yhc-VXpw1DbUvPU6iz7ENDk/s2048/z116-d-dscn9801r-Walton-Glebe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEqPRXRFNBEjs4_Xy70uc21zOF4GbuQiRkoMaF1WShmnlBTnlN8P11ubautebSCAKHYX3NpXDxYfN-Swfi6v_SqzGEqkT_Gc_Q-AdulTqKK7MlRp6lJh28BPXD_Kxvd4jVhrwjgOuaiIGQ4cqJJdSuEDcuHMiwgZ9SEM5Yhc-VXpw1DbUvPU6iz7ENDk/w300-h400/z116-d-dscn9801r-Walton-Glebe.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>This knocked through pub with very good contemporary decor was remarkably busy, probably because they've got the Everton match on. So my comments last week were well wide of the mark! Just a moment! Five minutes in to the match and it's already one each?</p><p>The majority of the customers in here were watching the football, but by no means all of them. Racing fans were watching the horses on other screens, and others were just chatting with each other.</p><p>There's something special about a boozer on a Saturday afternoon, with blokes (they're all blokes) enjoying lots of beer, and the sports on the tellies.</p><p>Is it time for home?</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pub of the day:</b> Bernie May's, for the atmosphere<br /><b>Beer of the day:</b> Guinness<br /><b>Miles walked:</b> 1.9<br /><b>Maybe coming soon:</b> More Kirkdale, Wavertree</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579786883431074587.post-1182063691300841022023-11-09T23:07:00.001+00:002023-11-10T11:25:30.658+00:00New Brighton<p>I commenced a tour of pubs near but not in New Brighton at <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=644" target="_blank">Stanley's Cask</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixU-iE-FkccvM2voStI027IfNL8DWGKJ3MYIdgioLl1V2KUVWMVo8KvmJXOMLe4s9KSuZlc9RwOZzDKGF1K8S4O6pfPFuHMSRnOFg7pc1FQnlfl1PHXrN8Ss4blA4ikmjPbRxmrQCAdT208cHw3UnmWGnHvQe-wGHB8aIoU8tFcUwBxoityacA42E3Wu0/s3264/4b09-d-dscf0022-New-Brighton--Stanleys-Cask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixU-iE-FkccvM2voStI027IfNL8DWGKJ3MYIdgioLl1V2KUVWMVo8KvmJXOMLe4s9KSuZlc9RwOZzDKGF1K8S4O6pfPFuHMSRnOFg7pc1FQnlfl1PHXrN8Ss4blA4ikmjPbRxmrQCAdT208cHw3UnmWGnHvQe-wGHB8aIoU8tFcUwBxoityacA42E3Wu0/w400-h300/4b09-d-dscf0022-New-Brighton--Stanleys-Cask.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>What a beautiful pub this is. Mostly knocked through and nicely done throughout. And, even better, White Rat on one of the four hand pulls, and it was delicious. (I was disappointed to find the Big House had run out of White Rat yesterday evening.)</p><p>I tried to remember what this place looked like last time I was here, in 2017, it doesn't look familiar. Has it been further improved since then? Very good, anyway.</p><p>Very gentle background music mixed with conversation as I enjoyed my pint.</p><p>A thought wandered into my brain: I haven't seen any Christmas decorations yet. Excellent! How many more pubs before I see some holly?</p><p>Next, a short stroll to ... what's this? I've never heard of the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=2090" target="_blank">Phoenix</a>, is it new?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Yosm2kC7Ki1lR-zoJSrgwEj_A9BvvxKd4m9a4I6QgTE4irgbpa7Sf08k2hi0Yd6JR_Wv_-vTKPqWoNIO5Dl0SA7zJhEqamTu6o768wAWrL9PaiJov8ypMq40_UVcxPcPzwyd-6ncD1fvCUQ0HsbDUQlsmJCN6YAgBULTZ2fZ59Mgw_Axt8hbibinl0o/s3264/4b09-d-dscf0023-New-Brighton--Phoenix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1984" data-original-width="3264" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Yosm2kC7Ki1lR-zoJSrgwEj_A9BvvxKd4m9a4I6QgTE4irgbpa7Sf08k2hi0Yd6JR_Wv_-vTKPqWoNIO5Dl0SA7zJhEqamTu6o768wAWrL9PaiJov8ypMq40_UVcxPcPzwyd-6ncD1fvCUQ0HsbDUQlsmJCN6YAgBULTZ2fZ59Mgw_Axt8hbibinl0o/w400-h244/4b09-d-dscf0023-New-Brighton--Phoenix.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Subsequent research on the internet seems to show that I've missed this one; it has opened and closed since I was last here. Oh well, on to the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=887" target="_blank">Sandridge</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqGfjU5hoQ_CQFVPQWCZkTl1iAyZ34mCkq99gdahv9UFoyE5BbhditZHrFDvFb0s2iJOyBH-mPx-6dMBK6CTra6jvf1-ThjKYbBj1UFccUncWealwhFOrBQNvRduj8g_72OwrUaGnbZh6Bn2Qgcw0_MVtgXMx3NLYXpMZTmyRtvKEOxvuNKNkQ15Y4mM/s3264/4b09-d-dscf0024-New-Brighton--Sandridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqGfjU5hoQ_CQFVPQWCZkTl1iAyZ34mCkq99gdahv9UFoyE5BbhditZHrFDvFb0s2iJOyBH-mPx-6dMBK6CTra6jvf1-ThjKYbBj1UFccUncWealwhFOrBQNvRduj8g_72OwrUaGnbZh6Bn2Qgcw0_MVtgXMx3NLYXpMZTmyRtvKEOxvuNKNkQ15Y4mM/w400-h300/4b09-d-dscf0024-New-Brighton--Sandridge.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>A very pleasant two sided interior in this boozer, no cask on offer so I had a Carling. Just a handful of customers, the one sitting near me was watching the racing closely.</p><p>Did I comment in a recent blog about the increased appearance nowadays of beer specific glasses? I've noticed that a pint of Carling now usually comes in a Carling glass, as it did here. Twenty years ago it would have been an unbranded sleeve or nonic. I saw in Wetherspoon's trading update yesterday that some of the spending on existing pubs is for "glass racks above bars (To cater for increased usage of brewers branded glasses)".</p><p>Now, another short walk to the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=645" target="_blank">Telegraph</a>. The internet says it opens at two; does it?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DbPpVBqlgFxhcAkAQFpK_5N_6-1THH3y97fAxw07i_7OSpUbmJ40ojygxjkM8h7gxtx-IMvCD50yF1lDAfV2uSjIyv5VxhiBh9A3BNgn5Z6dPwfjuX9vN5N4f8g0TRzs_JmbNaxepyO1CCA4qrytqNQXQs-CsgCkYmiNrTILYAemHoNwoValSy7Ih7c/s3264/4b09-d-dscf0025-New-Brighton--Telegraph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DbPpVBqlgFxhcAkAQFpK_5N_6-1THH3y97fAxw07i_7OSpUbmJ40ojygxjkM8h7gxtx-IMvCD50yF1lDAfV2uSjIyv5VxhiBh9A3BNgn5Z6dPwfjuX9vN5N4f8g0TRzs_JmbNaxepyO1CCA4qrytqNQXQs-CsgCkYmiNrTILYAemHoNwoValSy7Ih7c/w400-h300/4b09-d-dscf0025-New-Brighton--Telegraph.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Yes. "Only" two cask ales on offer, but one was my second White Rat of the day. Yippee! In a branded glass again.</p><p>Only two other customers, I think, in this large two sided pub. It's done out in a sort of food place style, I think, but there was no sign of any menus. The beer garden looks very pleasant but today is not the weather for that!</p><p>There are two more "near New Brighton" pubs on my target list, so a slightly longer walk down to the waterfront took me to the famous <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1214" target="_blank">Magazine</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_vemCgfJebaIxQqdM6Z2gNTPGTZpqFIGM2ntDhGLDqLmtWuIhtTGDOPIl7o-gXoZMUbWbCySZvuclbyNOwWsg9HKgqmEgvE7RCJQ5fyPxRBuoqrlKFlRTlG7m-TO7DVyxEawjUCLgl5-vben7oWMxv19oI5gZZS5OS5jQ8ihlwSBiWKcTKfBRWI63Ec/s3264/4b09-d-dscf0027-New-Brighton--Magazine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_vemCgfJebaIxQqdM6Z2gNTPGTZpqFIGM2ntDhGLDqLmtWuIhtTGDOPIl7o-gXoZMUbWbCySZvuclbyNOwWsg9HKgqmEgvE7RCJQ5fyPxRBuoqrlKFlRTlG7m-TO7DVyxEawjUCLgl5-vben7oWMxv19oI5gZZS5OS5jQ8ihlwSBiWKcTKfBRWI63Ec/w400-h300/4b09-d-dscf0027-New-Brighton--Magazine.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This wonderful pub is well known as a provider of real ale, and it is also famous for always having Bass on, so that was my choice, a pint of this brew which is fairly rare in Merseyside. And it was gorgeous.</p><p>I retreated to a quiet back room, but I could still hear chatter in various other areas of the pub. This one is busier than the previous three, chit chat and the occasional bark mixing with quiet muzac.</p><p>Just next door is the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1213" target="_blank">Pilot Boat</a> but despite the sign saying it opened at twelve and the lights being on, the doors were shut, so it was time to head towards home.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYZzqx0pzmoOoi4zxjLJiWdZ13WpMDoO_N4ZZrGyLF-qn-2qTo3iH1k_XB3-KNLZwwoYLiVflq7O_AQ7n79phoeePGfXQq3Yi9SkBu9Lg1LedIVR6lXEGQz_0XN_JWdJul3kXP0EvOzbiKIihwM9VqCXzEY46aZVjWgg7KsG5NEymjeu4nh0LEImt_gA/s2820/4b09-d-dscf0026-New-Brighton--Pilot-Boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2120" data-original-width="2820" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYZzqx0pzmoOoi4zxjLJiWdZ13WpMDoO_N4ZZrGyLF-qn-2qTo3iH1k_XB3-KNLZwwoYLiVflq7O_AQ7n79phoeePGfXQq3Yi9SkBu9Lg1LedIVR6lXEGQz_0XN_JWdJul3kXP0EvOzbiKIihwM9VqCXzEY46aZVjWgg7KsG5NEymjeu4nh0LEImt_gA/w400-h301/4b09-d-dscf0026-New-Brighton--Pilot-Boat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Rather than returning the way I had come I decided on a pleasant stroll along the shoreline and then up through New Brighton's town centre. Here I found a slightly unexpected bonus: <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1801" target="_blank">Tallulahs Emporium</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIr1e7lfpcHGt23QSkQjbxKwwcOKEmgyogN4yU4V5r8IR9dpFgP4g_F279ukjQljwe9EEJwLHTIiJfbP93Q1nFA6ZMZwAsEr5LpPoiC4ELDTx-cMowVD5CcV4xHVg7NQzmfl-6kZT-asI4HT8U4osXvKCY8KUNPkqKsY-MfscBALJQNIfgk4OTGZHJX20/s3264/4b09-d-dscf0028-New-Brighton--Talulahs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIr1e7lfpcHGt23QSkQjbxKwwcOKEmgyogN4yU4V5r8IR9dpFgP4g_F279ukjQljwe9EEJwLHTIiJfbP93Q1nFA6ZMZwAsEr5LpPoiC4ELDTx-cMowVD5CcV4xHVg7NQzmfl-6kZT-asI4HT8U4osXvKCY8KUNPkqKsY-MfscBALJQNIfgk4OTGZHJX20/w400-h300/4b09-d-dscf0028-New-Brighton--Talulahs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>According to my database, this never visited pub was formerly the Corner House, then Tallulah's, then closed, and finally re-opened. I'm not sure how accurate that history is, but it is always good to get a new tick!</p><p>What I found was a pleasant high ceilinged room, or rather rooms, and a good looking counter with about eight keg beers on, I selected the tasty Pilsner Urquell. I noticed the sign on the wall, which the friendly barman had pointed me to when I couldn't read the pump clips, spelled it Urqell but the branded glass (See what I was saying before) confirmed the correct spelling with a U.</p><p>A good handful of customers were keeping the place ticking over, conversation mixing with pleasant music. I noticed some signs promoting live music here, obviously not on a Thursday afternoon. I've often thought that if one of my local pubs did live music I would be in there every week, but sadly Huyton isn't that sort of place. Yet.</p><p>Time for home. Some superb ale, and a brand new tick (Number 1,456), what a great day.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pub of the day:</b> Stanley's Cask<br /><b>Beer of the day:</b> Ossett White Rat<br /><b>Miles walked:</b> 2.2<br /><b>Maybe coming soon:</b> Kirkdale/Walton</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579786883431074587.post-40305620861007723622023-11-04T23:35:00.001+00:002023-11-05T12:54:35.605+00:00Near Old Swan<p>On a day of rubbish autumn weather I headed for some overdue ticks in the vicinity of Old Swan. I was expecting just "routine" pub visits, but I was in for a surprise.</p><p>I've done all the pubs in the middle of Old Swan recently so I headed along Prescot Road aiming for the Derby Lodge. First, I wanted to confirm that the former <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1074" target="_blank">Corner Tavern</a> is closed, and it is:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSN7Aix161pxtPRfZkt7fEcY0N1um0JvNIo5DoId1zP5ZSVy6h-p3b48tg_lLInizI943olZ0-F4392Km0TKshnAONlOE90aVAWDctNHqLe34n6LNACAFrFo38y2mumkhv8nJRkUkyyoN-uC9N2LCVvS1ZTPk7UUx3EhOWwtoyKYJBaFKfBxEwi7iPdY/s3264/4b04-d-dscf0017-Old-Swan--Corner-Tavern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSN7Aix161pxtPRfZkt7fEcY0N1um0JvNIo5DoId1zP5ZSVy6h-p3b48tg_lLInizI943olZ0-F4392Km0TKshnAONlOE90aVAWDctNHqLe34n6LNACAFrFo38y2mumkhv8nJRkUkyyoN-uC9N2LCVvS1ZTPk7UUx3EhOWwtoyKYJBaFKfBxEwi7iPdY/w400-h300/4b04-d-dscf0017-Old-Swan--Corner-Tavern.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Having photographed the Corner and the Derby I carried on to the next pedestrian crossing to get over the busy road. While I'm here I might as well go a few yards further to see what the state of the Old Stanley Arms is. My last visit was back in 2002 and it closed not long after. Much to my surprise I found it open, now called <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=683" target="_blank">Mr Smiths</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu72HRcE5q-pRFPkppeu6VV9r2Em0SbbQ2GfaqpvMwxPYlWgnivoXPNpTgR-72mfxQeLvwGGZd3N26DJrKPrsMEIVP70SbJ2GfIqdl2IjvA-XuHH81wWy7BF2fIL9_vVTmMW8c5rbR7w1wapKSyZLlUe1KzMX7cmqk_w22uHl8M0_EmgXdXKVMHtoXuRk/s3264/4b04-d-dscf0019-Prescot-Road--Mr-Smiths.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu72HRcE5q-pRFPkppeu6VV9r2Em0SbbQ2GfaqpvMwxPYlWgnivoXPNpTgR-72mfxQeLvwGGZd3N26DJrKPrsMEIVP70SbJ2GfIqdl2IjvA-XuHH81wWy7BF2fIL9_vVTmMW8c5rbR7w1wapKSyZLlUe1KzMX7cmqk_w22uHl8M0_EmgXdXKVMHtoXuRk/w400-h300/4b04-d-dscf0019-Prescot-Road--Mr-Smiths.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Well I never! What a great bonus tick this one is; I never thought I'd see it open again. Mind you, the area has got form in this regard; I remember walking up Green Lane a few years ago to photograph the closed Melbourne only to find it open.</p><p>Plain well decorated and maintained rooms in this classic ordinary boozer. I tried to recall what it looked like 21 years ago, but failed.</p><p>Just four regulars were chatting with the friendly barmaid who soon provided me with a pint of Carling.</p><p>Across the road was the Stanley, this has been derelict for many years and is now covered in scaffolding.</p><p>Back up the road to the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1072" target="_blank">Derby Lodge</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCslK6enVDYRy_TG0A31vB8-Hm0tV5DlBN7dDMWpkVp9yBYBq24wWrcDLp43oywuLzF3vH3VJU5s-WgIg4EK1tjS4ue7-1Dx_h9ALCxEIhCI6z-GyICMihpMZzoDfObonpQb6hM0vayq6JMK_j89EuVVDv8yNISidoWdqh8yfVLyr3LxKsQV-NZARA0pw/s3264/4b04-d-dscf0018-Prescot-Road--Derby-Lodge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCslK6enVDYRy_TG0A31vB8-Hm0tV5DlBN7dDMWpkVp9yBYBq24wWrcDLp43oywuLzF3vH3VJU5s-WgIg4EK1tjS4ue7-1Dx_h9ALCxEIhCI6z-GyICMihpMZzoDfObonpQb6hM0vayq6JMK_j89EuVVDv8yNISidoWdqh8yfVLyr3LxKsQV-NZARA0pw/w400-h300/4b04-d-dscf0018-Prescot-Road--Derby-Lodge.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>A plain comfortable boozer this, ticking over at two with a handful of blokes aged between ten and seventy watching the early match.</p><p>Again, the place is clean and well cared for although the carpet is getting a touch tired in places. Unchanged since my last visit, in 2018, two rooms with counters, plus a back room.</p><p>Above the counter was an Everton flag. Are LFC fans welcome as well, I wonder? Luckily today my teeshirt is blue!</p><p>My next move was up Green Lane where there were two pubs about fifty yards apart. Surely they can't both have survived COVID? Yes they have; I started in the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=938" target="_blank">Melbourne</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHG22gQoP5tKPC06jy2nm3dazOSEijNYdUKqdtZ3jjxNfQBGUqek8E67QBfF-Y3KqxilQ-3BXOl9_rEE3WRZ43gnGX0iQhWgFfIJpwwJ3GOtDbsd2qZ6l_BkkBl5d5ryxH-7HJ9QFZgQSwxB3vxoTT0LD4Fql3Zj0ueXfAHCahVNg09zc9DlATvnerB6o/s2712/4b04-d-dscf0021-Old-Swan--Melbourne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2064" data-original-width="2712" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHG22gQoP5tKPC06jy2nm3dazOSEijNYdUKqdtZ3jjxNfQBGUqek8E67QBfF-Y3KqxilQ-3BXOl9_rEE3WRZ43gnGX0iQhWgFfIJpwwJ3GOtDbsd2qZ6l_BkkBl5d5ryxH-7HJ9QFZgQSwxB3vxoTT0LD4Fql3Zj0ueXfAHCahVNg09zc9DlATvnerB6o/w400-h305/4b04-d-dscf0021-Old-Swan--Melbourne.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Another classic boozer this, with plain but well maintained decor in two rooms. And it's had an external repaint since the last time I was here.</p><p>Man United had managed to win the early match in injury time, again footie was on the tellies here.</p><p>The dominant soundtrack was animated chatter, plus the weirdo in the corner talking to himself. I was sitting in the quieter side room with just two others, there were a lot more in the other side.</p><p>One bloke departed, leaving me with just the wierdo. Should I join his chatter? I didn't.</p><p>The tellies switched to rugger, of course the three o'clock soccer matches are not legally available. Years ago pubs could buy dodgy decoders or cards and show all matches but maybe that doesn't happen any more. I remember being in a pub in Tuebrook and fifteen minutes into the match the illegal feed went off. There were a lot of disgruntled fans! I'm guessing it was a deliberate tactic to change the encoding so that pirate decoders would stop working right in the middle of the match.</p><p>Just a short walk now, to the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=944" target="_blank">Wellington</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLriGekUkXr58_jSIIUB67Jo2M6LCnUV9a6mkDpMr1Vb9Dj__06haw-s-LXqAQ4rl53wNQGGeJ-NN_RZNuDq4OiIvIGYkr1yF1WB-kQDa5Tn1lNtACArdsTULUak-nkFjE4EeFcx3C8DRtRPqOkyWfH7Hnaq4ouvmYpWQWEUp4Htao-Rzq1rDrpbMa4Go/s2340/4b04-d-dscf0020-Old-Swan--Wellington.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2296" data-original-width="2340" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLriGekUkXr58_jSIIUB67Jo2M6LCnUV9a6mkDpMr1Vb9Dj__06haw-s-LXqAQ4rl53wNQGGeJ-NN_RZNuDq4OiIvIGYkr1yF1WB-kQDa5Tn1lNtACArdsTULUak-nkFjE4EeFcx3C8DRtRPqOkyWfH7Hnaq4ouvmYpWQWEUp4Htao-Rzq1rDrpbMa4Go/w400-h393/4b04-d-dscf0020-Old-Swan--Wellington.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Having purchased yet another Carling I had to retreat to the back room because there were no seats available in the front bar, where everyone seemed to be watching the racing on the telly.</p><p>Another classic boozer this, with more traditional styling I think. The back room was fairly empty, just three other drinkers and I shared plenty of space.</p><p>I seem to remember coming in here on a very chilly day and enjoying a fan heater in the front room, no need for that today as the whole pub was at a comfortable temperature, if not exactly warm.</p><p>Definitely a horses pub this, Everton went 1-0 up then 1-1, then back to 1-0 thanks to VAR and no one noticed, while they all watched the horses at Wetherby. I apologise for the excess of footie coverage, especially as I know absolutely nothing about the subject, but a friend who lives in West Wales and is an Everton fan is here for a visit and we enjoyed a few pints together last night. He'll be at today's match so I have a special interest in how the blues are getting on.</p><p>What a pleasant pub this is, regulars chatting to the barmaid/landlady, lots of customers watching the racing, what more could one ask for on a Saturday afternoon?</p><p>Having found more pubs open than expected, I didn't need my fallback options, Cask and the Stag and Rainbow, so I might as well head home now.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pub of the day:</b> Mr Smiths<br /><b>Beer of the day:</b> Carling<br /><b>Miles walked:</b> 1<br /><b>Maybe coming soon:</b> New Brighton</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3579786883431074587.post-34119175382795257892023-10-26T23:02:00.001+01:002023-10-27T08:22:40.535+01:00St Helens<p>This time, a wander around St. Helens. I started in <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1358" target="_blank">Wetherspoon's Glass House</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_GUtjgUu3WljrQLnJdrzCRYiV3R8wXWkOwTfq4JHg91apntAGfsSkFGDjp7gpo08Sb4YWzubzlr8HLoc90A2BjCSxTskRwtqD0_KDdWNJsIgeO07ZZoIQe9A0a-rW2JVc4AB588fLO80cXcVF5Vh5ZLhc-p8AnKJpUwKIiS10241HbOMvMgDqChnRW4/s3040/4a26-d-dscf0004-St-Helens--Glass-House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2444" data-original-width="3040" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_GUtjgUu3WljrQLnJdrzCRYiV3R8wXWkOwTfq4JHg91apntAGfsSkFGDjp7gpo08Sb4YWzubzlr8HLoc90A2BjCSxTskRwtqD0_KDdWNJsIgeO07ZZoIQe9A0a-rW2JVc4AB588fLO80cXcVF5Vh5ZLhc-p8AnKJpUwKIiS10241HbOMvMgDqChnRW4/w400-h321/4a26-d-dscf0004-St-Helens--Glass-House.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>It's not often a Wetherspoon appears in my list of pubs overdue for a revisit, but I was last here in September 2018, so here we are.</p><p>Quite a good choice of ales on and I couldn't resist favourite Wobbly Bob, which was sweet and lovely, as usual. Actually, it looked a little cloudy, but tasted fine.</p><p>This nicely done and always popular 'spoons was doing well at one on a Thursday, mostly drinkers but also some food coming out.</p><p>In Liverpool I was in Blacklers and the Northwestern yesterday evening and we couldn't get a table in either, Wetherspoon's seem to be doing very well at the moment, although that isn't reflected in the value of my shares!</p><p>Next, a call at what was formerly another Wetherspoon's until they closed it in 2021. The new operators have kept the same name at the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1361" target="_blank">Running Horses</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUp26q3GRrMxZQEIXJkbkzDM9PV_2A-gZPc2QOBXDgYbUn9_BnivQdcpNdPRvM2CtzH-gEaMcQSOiEe8tuEWdvL9jilwHjk1NOOREBgAkdTuS60oI3ERdQsM1iGeTgBsw1_lSxwvJVwr4R70PmdALiVBXcYvKeunTlATxR94-mA9p7khLZq_XKcH7oQE/s2812/4a26-d-dscf0005-St-Helens--Running-Horses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1576" data-original-width="2812" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUp26q3GRrMxZQEIXJkbkzDM9PV_2A-gZPc2QOBXDgYbUn9_BnivQdcpNdPRvM2CtzH-gEaMcQSOiEe8tuEWdvL9jilwHjk1NOOREBgAkdTuS60oI3ERdQsM1iGeTgBsw1_lSxwvJVwr4R70PmdALiVBXcYvKeunTlATxR94-mA9p7khLZq_XKcH7oQE/w400-h224/4a26-d-dscf0005-St-Helens--Running-Horses.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Not much change since the takeover, they've even kept the "Local historical figures" panels. A number of pool and snooker tables have been added, I'm guessing they weren't here before. I also noticed a DJ booth and a small dance floor with a glitter ball. This was previously a Lloyds No.1 so they probably aren't new.</p><p>The whole place was covered in a surfeit of Halloween decorations. As it's only a few days away I suppose I'll have to allow it.</p><p>Wetherspoon's handpumps stand forlornly on the counters but I don't think we'll get any cask in here any time soon. I had Carling which was a mistake as I could have had a Carlsberg for only two quid, saving a pound.</p><p>Custom was sparse but not nonexistent, just a handful of drinkers in the place plus some pool players in the far corner. The lone barmaid spent more time working on decorations than serving drinks. (Not a complaint, she had dropped what she was doing to serve me the moment I entered the door.)</p><p>I wanted to check out the Sefton, where I'm told my favourite beer, Oakham Citra, is always on, but it wasn't so I skipped that one and headed on to an overdue visit to the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1366" target="_blank">Lamb</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVz7Owor_2J9JOM2Cfqx3dRo45lngibI-pEYApaZb77jwaUwK4wqZkWc_cJRcyJpO5AI_tlcdu-UUnrh5YqiAyVJ-2D64KPfII3BjKVY5aeVIc47Pwwl0s_OUVeClzzF0nBlrNbIX96Igica8DAsKIZDLcAgYTFqRDM_Y_GmHYywVFOIQbgfrD5dGHS60/s3264/4a26-d-dscf0008-St-Helens--Lamb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVz7Owor_2J9JOM2Cfqx3dRo45lngibI-pEYApaZb77jwaUwK4wqZkWc_cJRcyJpO5AI_tlcdu-UUnrh5YqiAyVJ-2D64KPfII3BjKVY5aeVIc47Pwwl0s_OUVeClzzF0nBlrNbIX96Igica8DAsKIZDLcAgYTFqRDM_Y_GmHYywVFOIQbgfrD5dGHS60/w400-h300/4a26-d-dscf0008-St-Helens--Lamb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>A great pub this, last visited in July 2018, with a rather wonderful interior with a few bits of historic wood panelling and leaded glasswork.</p><p>A good selection of cask on the counter but I didn't look further than the wonderful White Rat. Are you a CAMRA member, she asked. Yes, I replied and that was enough for a discount.</p><p>Gentle conversation mixed with a rather eclectic music video channel on the TV - I've Seen All Good People by Yes is not the normal currency of "Now 70s" or whatever the usual rubbish channel is called.</p><p>A steady stream of customers were greeted by the friendly barmaid as the place ticked over.</p><p>I looked around. This really is an immaculately cared for pub, someone has put a lot of effort into creating a very pleasant space.</p><p>Next, back towards the station and can we get a new one? The <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=2079" target="_blank">Little George Quarter</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1mLlqrAmF4OC7JwtEFoM5ZX_aDaxDHwlFh_eY7iSDo83YzIPOGkX-xsIfi_KLIAsD34AiQTNLVQI3hz-ODGu8DX6IzEplFWDL_xITJ_rx9eK4VSgfLoETBc3tuV96MauhybjM7zeqUMRnzHxIsaB6YuEyOHhmJQwgdlAyJe6dcU4sRftwDm1-55yxVI/s3264/4a26-d-dscf0002-St-Helens--Little-George.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1mLlqrAmF4OC7JwtEFoM5ZX_aDaxDHwlFh_eY7iSDo83YzIPOGkX-xsIfi_KLIAsD34AiQTNLVQI3hz-ODGu8DX6IzEplFWDL_xITJ_rx9eK4VSgfLoETBc3tuV96MauhybjM7zeqUMRnzHxIsaB6YuEyOHhmJQwgdlAyJe6dcU4sRftwDm1-55yxVI/w400-h300/4a26-d-dscf0002-St-Helens--Little-George.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Yes we can. The ground floor of this new place, opened in February I think, is a tiny nicely decorated room with a counter at one end. There's one handpump but the clip was turned round so I had another Carling.</p><p>No one else was in and I watched Sky News in splendid solitude.</p><p>There's another room upstairs but I suspect that's empty as well.</p><p>The modern decor in here is very pleasant, the whole operation seems well done. I hope this bar does well long term. One of the TVs was advertising live music, I'm guessing that would be upstairs.</p><p>Now I'm on this street it would be daft to miss a visit to the <a href="http://merseypub.com/script/report.php?id=1357" target="_blank">George</a> next door:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1Hz_0zyd0120KBwwISBcz6zOLEEZhgVtT4iUTOsaaRha1ace91C9uuH2SQ9yDAFKtSa79Q3gxW3nZXl2Ur_OxYtXs1xG5gCH1ugeOAUvbim6eSpAUwyTTQ3YPuk0bi9vIQvNvk4HHehABkI8AX80zrgjYUGIHV9TSpfW5RAe0siLcA0VARDoErKsTIE/s3264/4a26-d-dscf0003-St-Helens--George.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1Hz_0zyd0120KBwwISBcz6zOLEEZhgVtT4iUTOsaaRha1ace91C9uuH2SQ9yDAFKtSa79Q3gxW3nZXl2Ur_OxYtXs1xG5gCH1ugeOAUvbim6eSpAUwyTTQ3YPuk0bi9vIQvNvk4HHehABkI8AX80zrgjYUGIHV9TSpfW5RAe0siLcA0VARDoErKsTIE/w400-h300/4a26-d-dscf0003-St-Helens--George.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>More of a traditional boozer this one. If you want cask you need the bar side, and I chose Hop Dancer from the two Wigan Brewhouse beers on offer, a rather fine hoppy pale one.</p><p>CAMRA discount again, and I had to show my card this time. I forget what the price was but it was very cheap, under three quid I think.</p><p>Ticking over nicely at half three on a Thursday, the soundtrack in here was a mixture of rubbish piped music and cheerful chatter with the clack of pool balls in the background. The lounge side where I sat was very quiet.</p><p>The inevitable Halloween decorations in here were not over the top: Well done!</p><p>So, a rather good pub survey reaches its end, I certainly did some good places today and now it's time for the train home. St Helens is struggling judging by the number of boarded up shops, but the pubs are really good. No Oakham Citra, but you can't have everything!</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pub of the day:</b> Lamb<br /><b>Beer of the day:</b> Wobbly Bob<br /><b>Miles walked:</b> 1.5<br /><b>Maybe coming soon:</b> Undecided</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3