Liverpool 2009

Magical Mystery Tour.

Sat 17^th Jan 2009 – 9:00 a.m. Once more did the intrepid Mr. S bid us to ‘roll up, roll up!’ and, duly obliging, a group of 60 plus made a timely departure for the very recently succeeded European Capital of Culture – Liverpool. An unexpected and chilled silence overcame all onboard, as we slowed to a stop on the hard shoulder of the M1, still yet to exit the southerly quarters of our journey. Mass relief ensued as we rejoined the northbound traffic and discovered that the interjection was courtesy of an impromptu display of ‘Open - door coach-surfing’ by our aforementioned Master of Ceremony. After the more accustomed preliminaries, we reached our destination and were set down outside Paddy’s Wigwam. At this juncture, several posses evolved, all with the intent to reconnoitre the city in their own particular style. Some even stayed with the bus and went off to the Baltic (there’s ambitious for you!).

Our group (which variously comprised between 8 and 12 protagonists) chose the Everyman Refectory as its first port of call, where we enjoyed a crisp, refreshing York First Gold – just the ticket! From here to the palatial, majestic surroundings of the Philharmonic and a drop of Springhead Polar Beer – this place always leaves me saying “Oh, if only….”

L-R Everyman, Philharmonic, Ye Old Cracke, Pilgrim.

Then to Ye Crack – a traditional, bare-boarded, alcoved gem of a ‘back-street’Boozer - Phoenix Hop Sack sampled with a backcloth of good, solid rock music. 

Next we progressed to the Pilgrim, apparently a former church now converted (sorry) to a lively basement bar – All Gates Hasty Knoll and Rev Ray were the main offerings, but not really on that good form. There were some evocative Beatles wall murals to be found here, though.

Just up the road to the O’kells owned Fly in the Loaf, one of two such pubs in the city. This produced the best beer choice from Andy’s POV, but having no food available was a disaster, as we were planning to eat here.  Rudgate Alf’s Ale, Teignworthy Harbour Lights, Six Bells Oh Nein were sampled – superb – but, unfortunately, a pub with little atmosphere.

A short walk to the Roscoe Head was next – sad about the disappearance of the sporting ties/caps etc – but the Jennings Bitter was on top form as well as Old Bear Honey Pot. This is one of only 10 pubs that has been in every edition of the GBG.

The Cain’s owned Dispensary was next. A vibrant ‘street corner’ with its own beer festival in full flow, though seemingly no Cains beers. The Roosters Outlaw Dry Irish Stout and Roosters Farmhouse Ale were imbibed here (and not just the one, we noticed) and were found to be the best beers sampled all day without any doubt – absolutely cracking condition.

L-R Fly in the Loaf, Roscoe, Swan, White Star

Moving on - a short hop round the corner and into The Swan - by comparison, a dark, disappointing pub with an average selection of beers. We tried Moles - Moel Moel and made our exit.

Now, a mini trek (as the rain came) through the main shopping area to the fascinating White Star, where we joined the lively throng (it was packed solid). We managed to slip through and sat in the characterful back room. This place sells mainly Bowland beers, from whose range we chose the Dark Stranger – all agreed our choice had been made wisely. Also available was the Chipping Steamer.

Next, out into the now pouring rain (very strange) and off to the Lion, where sadly we found a very disappointing choice of beers – so, a quick half and away we went.

Just a short splash down Dale Street, paying our respects to the now closed and very forlorn looking Vernon Arms, as we sailed on to the Ship & Mitre. This welcoming and very lively hostelry had a good range of ales, as usual. Someone borrowed the authors’ notes - I know it happened here? I think?

By now the time was getting on, so it was out into deluge once more and (yes, you’ve guessed it) ‘hail’ a taxi - across to the Baltic Fleet, in search of some Wapping beers, before catching the coach back to Leicester. Here, we got to grips with the Wapping Spanker and Blonde – taking great care to avoid Spoonerisms.

Then home, well nearly …… for those rendered yet thirsty by the snorts and grunts of the southward leg … a quick livener in the wine bar ?, VIN summat ?  … oh, sod it …OOTV – had the Salopian Resistance, which was just what the doctor ordered.

As they famously claimed in the words of MMT “We’ve got everything you need …… Satisfaction guaranteed.”   Oh so true … a cracking day out and thanks to John our driver from Ausden Clark coaches for a safe and comfortable day and not dropping Mr Satterly off on the M1!

Kelvyn ‘WithaY’ Martin and Andy Sales

Pictures from Archive and K. Williams

This page last updated: January 21, 2009

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