Oxford Meet up with Anna, Kate and Charlie. 7/5/2011

We met in the Kings Arms as it is easy to find and central. It is a large pub and always fairly busy, probably due to it’s location. It is a Youngs pub so you are guaranteed to get a decent ale and it has some quality guest ales. It has wooden features and seating. I enjoyed my pint but it was not the friendliest, or unique pub. Pretty standard I would say, 6/10.

The Head of the River was our next pub as it was a sunny day. This is a Fullers pub so again had some good ales and lagers but it was very expensive. I suppose you are paying for a river view and it is in Oxford! It was very busy though and had a nice summer atmosphere. We had a couple of relaxed pints here and everyone enjoyed it so a surprising 8/10. I am not sure it would score so highly on a return visit!

The Crown Inn was a random, not on the list, freestyle choice.  It is now a Nicholson pub so did have a good range of ales to choose from. I think the pub has quite a lot of history and it looked to be quite an old traditional building. It has been refitted out quite nicely too so I couldn’t complain with this choice. Again it was fairly busy and we sat outside to enjoy some more of the sun. It is not remarkable despite being a traditional pub. 7/10.

Our last stop before getting the train home was the Oxford Retreat. This was very busy and had a nice start of the evening Saturday night fun feel. It did however have no real ale so we had to settle for lager. It was more of a bar really than a proper pub but it did have nice chairs! It was still pretty enjoyable all the same and scores a 6/10, I wouldn’t rush back.

Cambridge Weekend 23-24/4/2011

Cambridge may be the poshest place I have ever been to but it has a lot of pubs and a lot of ales. I even had to move on to halves on occasions to fit more in!

First pint of the weekend was had in The Maypole. It had 6 ales on I think and the main bar area was quite small. I would say it was a traditional pub but for some reason we didn’t overly take to it. It was ok but nothing special. We did sit outside though so maybe that put us off a bit. 6/10.

A little bit off the main drag was our next stop the Portland Arms. It didn’t look much from the outside but we were pleasantly surprised. They had a beer festival on out in the garden, there was a good selection and the bar man was very jolly and helped us in our decision. We enjoyed our pints and the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly.  Another beer was suggested but I rejected as we had too many other pubs to try! A good 8/10.

The St Radegund seemed to be the best pick from the many Kings Street pubs. It is a small, cute and cosy pub selling Milton Ales. It feels traditional with wooden benches and has photos on the walls as well as oars and medals from the rowing club. Again to me it seemed to be a good proper English pub so I really liked it. Another 8/10.

The Elm Tree was the last stop of the day, the last and the best. I really liked this pub. It had a good number of ales on, great atmosphere and a comedy owner. He did very well to be polite to customers who were fools! Again it was another wooden dominated pub and seemed to be bigger than you first thought. Due to ales, relaxed feel and nice barman/owner this gets voted best visited in Cambridge but it still only scores 8/10!

A new day and more Cambridge pubs to explore. The out of town Cambridge Blue was first stop. It is a two roomed pub with lots of ale choice and a large beer garden. The garden wasn’t as well kept as it could have been though and the cliental was very student. However those can’t detract from the fact that it is a quality ale pub with a chilled atmosphere and random pickled eggs behind the bar! 7.5/10.

Not too far away our next pint was in the Devonshire Arms. This was a Milton Brewery pub again, so it had a number from its collection to choose from. The people in the pub when we visited seemed to be regulars and were extremely friendly and welcoming.  It had wooden benches and was very clean and well kept.  We very much enjoyed our beer so this gets another 7.5/10.

Another out of town pub was next on the list, The Empress. This pub was very busy and most people were sitting outside enjoying the sun. There was even a BBQ on. Again it offered a fine selection of ales and had a bustling busy atmosphere. The majority of customers felt like locals. I didn’t find it a cosy traditional pub though but it is still a good quality ale pub. 7/10.

The Castle was our next stop. This was much more of a modern bar-esch pub with gastro type furniture. It was very nice though and we had a bit to eat here in order to keep us going! For a gastro it still had a couple of ales and we enjoyed our pints. On the negative it was expensive and had clueless staff! Despite that it still scores a 7/10.

Our last and final pub of the weekend was the Free Press. It is just down the road from our favourite the Elm Tree. It was another pub with wooden benches and had lots of games around – not sure if that’s for the students benefit. The selection of ales was not as good as other. A lot of Green King I think which I am not keen on. It didn’t have the best atmosphere either considering the time of night. Still a better than average pub – 6.5/10.

Cambridge is a great ale place and I look forward to returning one day for some more!

Derby Ale Trail with friends Lisa and Andy. 16/4/2011

We met up in the Old Silk Mill which is Derby’s current CAMRA pub of the year. It had an impressive amount of ales on, including a separate area in the back bar which had 12 barrels of ales! The selection was immense. I had an Ay Up from local brewery Dancing Duck. The pub was very pleasant but quiet so it didn’t have the best atmosphere. I think it is worth a return visit, possibly at a busier time of day. 6/10

We didn’t have to venture far for our next pub, The Olde Dolphin Inn. This pub dates back from 1530 with low ceilings and wood beams. It is the oldest pub in Derby apparently. Again it had a good selection of handpumps but most were pretty dull such as Bass, Pedigree. It did though have some local ones which we enjoyed and one gave a donation to charity which is a nice touch. It was pretty busy and I liked the place. A good 7/10. 

The Flower Pot was our next pint. This was a large pub with many rooms and a little outside bit. It had a good selection of beers but not all were on at the time we went. Still there was enough choice to keep us all happy. It seemed to be very cheap for food and had bands on in the evenings. It was a nice friendly pub and we all really took to it. I think I especially liked the painted walls! An 8/10.

Andy decided to take us on a lengthy walk through a park and housing area (think he got lost) to The Abbey. By the time we got there we all deserved a drink not to mention loo stop! This was a Sam Smith pub so unfortunately I had to avoid the ales. It was a great pub though, built from stone and as the name suggests like an Abbey! Very busy as I think everyone was after their cheap beer! A good call Andy and it scores 8/10.

The final stop was the Royal Standard/ Brewery Tap. It has a large horseshoe bar with a high ceiling and an upstairs if I remember correctly. It had wooden floors and due to the openness didn’t seem very pubby but it had a nice feel to it and was very popular. It has quite a few ales, most from the Derby Brewery. I was recommended the Business as Usual which was a pleasant pint. Again another good ale pub and another 8/10.

I was very impressed with Derby and the high standard of good ale pubs. A return visit will definitely be required!

Birthday Trip to Liverpool 2/4/2011

My requested birthday activity was a pub crawl around Liverpool visiting pubs which I had never been to before. My first choice was the ‘Big House’ or the Vines. I wanted to go here because it is an historic pub with an ornate interior. It certainly is an impressive building but that is as far it goes. It could be so much more but at the moment it is pretty scruffy and has no ales on tap. In fact I had an orange juice which is a rarity! I liked the building but that is it so 6/10.

Next stop the Everyman Bistro. I have read and heard great things about this place so I was keen to check it out myself. It had a good selection of ales, Belgium beers, speciality lagers, enough to keep everyone happy. The food looked very tasty and appealing and the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. Some local celebs even came in from the theatre and were kept entertained by my fantastic little niece! The rest of the group really enjoyed the Everyman and probably would have scored it higher but to me it is more of a food place and I felt like I was having a pint in a canteen! Harsh some might say! The usual 6/10 mark.

The Grapes (Roscoe Street) was the next pint. It wasn’t originally on the plan but it wasn’t too far away and my niece was allowed in (we start them early in our family!). It had a brilliant selection of local ales (including Liverpool IPA) and again some continental lagers. It was friendly but not very busy so I think they made it get a lower mark due to the lack of atmosphere. 5.5/10 but has potential on a busier day to score higher.

My niece left us to get fed while the hard core drinkers moved on to the Lion Tavern. I loved this pub and thought it was everything a pub should be. Lots of ales, beautiful building, good number of customers and friendly atmosphere. I liked the long wooden sweeping bar and the ornate tiling and fireplaces. A lovely pub and I recommend anyone visiting Liverpool to pop in for a pleasant ale. A solid 8/10.

Last stop before getting the train home was Rigby’s. I had been to Rigby’s once before around Christmas and it had such a good feel to it that I wanted to try it out again. It was very busy and had a bustling atmosphere. Rigby’s always has a good selection of ales, beers and lagers but half the group wasn’t drinking by now!  I enjoyed the pint and the pub but it is not as special as the Lion. 7/10.

Thanks for a great birthday crawl family!

Brighton 23/03/2011

My first trip to Brighton. After a good look around the lanes and the town we started our pub crawl. First stop was the Wetherspoons pub, The Pole of Telegraph – I believe it had been renovated recently. It was a large pub with one main room and plenty of tables. It had the usual decor and drunks! It didn’t seem to resemble much of a telegraph exchange anymore but was a reasonable pint and as always a cheap round! 6/10.

On the other side of the coin we decided to try out the Pub du Vin. It was empty so we sat in the room with the bar. The best thing about it was the metal tankards they served the beer in, although we are convinced that they were not a full pint! Maybe this is more of an evening venue as the atmosphere was pretty stale in the afternoon but the bar was done out nicely and so scores a 6/10 too.

The Bath Arms was out next stop. After a slight photography incident we made our way in. It had a good number of ales on tap and the bar staff were very friendly. There was a number of people in but it lacked something about it. I am not sure why we didn’t overly warm to it but it scored the same as the others at 6/10.

Before heading home we decided to sneak in another beer and go to the Cricketers nearby. Again a couple of ales and friendly enough staff. The place was very busy with people eating which put us off a bit but other than that it was nice enough with an oldie feel. Again it scores the number of the day 6/10!  I will hopefully be back to Brighton shortly it give it some more varied scores.

Eastbourne 21-22/03/2011

Eastbourne 21/3/2011 my first holiday of the year with my Mum and Dad. Dad who by the way is my favourite drinking partner! We started in the Lamb Inn, an 11^th Century building which is one of the oldest pubs in England. It is a Harvey’s pub, like most in Sussex. The building was very impressive and did feel historic and old however the pub did not have a good atmosphere. There was something unwelcoming that didn’t make you feel very cosy. It is a shame as it could be an amazing pub. It scores 7/10 for the building alone.

Next was the theatre pub the Buccaneer.  I liked this place, it had a good atmosphere and a friendly vibe. It had a few ales to choose from and friendly staff. There were quite a few people in and I had a very pleasant Doom Bar. I would definitely return. A solid 7/10.

Our next choice was the Eagle. It had several beers on tap and a few groups of people in. It had wooden interior which was nice but to me felt a bit studenty. There were nice candles on the tables though and cards and games available to play with. We had a quick game of Chase the Ace! I think Mum and Dad preferred this pub to me. 7/10.

Our last stop before walking home was another Harvey’s pub, the Victoria. This is a large roomy pub with friendly staff and a hotel upstairs. I think it might even be Victorian going by the name! I suspect that dad likes it here as it took me here last year but me and mum preferred the others so it gets a 6/10.  It is a proper pub though.

22/3/2011 Still in the Eastbourne area we took a drive to the famous Star Inn in Alfriston which is a lovely old pub with oak beams and real fires. No need for the fire on this evening but the bar and pub was nice. In fact all the pubs in the village of Alfriston looked lovely and well worth a trip back. Only one ale on tap so I had a wine! It wasn't fine wine at that either Dad! A good solid historic pub it scores a 7/10.

We went on into Eastbourne for our last drink to the Hydro Hotel. This place was like going back in time. There was a special hotel rate on so the place was packed with OAP's having their post dinner coffee's. It was a funny place and felt very Agatha Christie. I was waiting for someone to shout 'There's been a murder'! No real ale here again but for shear comedy and Agatha feel it gets a good 8/10.

London Fleet Street 5/3/2001

London 5/3/2011. I met up with the lovely Sarah and Louise (former Derby girls) in the Princess Louise a Sam Smiths pub dating back from 1872. This pub was amazing and one of the most ornate and spectacular pubs I have been to. I recommend anyone in this area of London to pop in and admire the decor. We found a nice booth to sit and chat in and lager (yep still can’t handle Sam Smith bitter!) went down well.  A solid 9/10.

Next we headed to another historic and Sam Smith pub Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese in Fleet street, dating back to the 16^th Century. I liked this pub for its various rooms and distinctive character. It seemed fairly touristy but then it deserved to be as it is an historic pub. I had a bottle of IPA I believe it was, which was pretty good and the ladies seemed to enjoy their wine and soup! Jenny joined us here too. I liked the Cheese as it felt as you were in a jail! I would definitely return. 9/10.

The Seven Stars was our next call. It was a relief not to have any more Sam smith beer and the pub was very pleasant with a European feel. It even had the obligatory pub cat! I stuck to lager and had a Litovel Czech. The place from fine but it seemed nothing special after the other two! 7/10 nice but not special.

Last of the afternoon was the Cittie of Yorke. Yes another Sam Smith pub with history! This was a large pub with nice booths and high ceilings. I didn’t like it as much as the others though as it seemed a bit too large and not as attractive. The carpet was a bit scruffy etc. It was certainly better than your average pub though! I opted back for the Pure Lager which was fine. 8/10.

This was a brilliant pub crawl, not often will go to so many pubs with so much history, nor with such good company! I think I will need to return to this area again to visit some of the pubs only open in the week.

Oxford Winter 2011

Oxford with Anna was next on the real ale trail with Cousin Phil joining us for parts too. We met in the Bear a famous Fuller pub with its walls covered in ties. Here I opted for a refreshing Honey Dew on draught. I was a little disappointed with it however as it tasted quite flat. Still the pub was cosy and had a roaring fire but it is a bit touristy. A solid 7/10.

It was a walk over the river to the Folly Bridge for our next pint. This was quite a locals cheap and cheerful pub but quite scruffy. It had a Henrys IPA and Bishops Temple on draft neither that brilliant and drinks were consumed quickly to move on! You get what you pay for a suppose. 5/10.

A proper ale pub the Royal Blenheim was next port of call. It had a whole host of ales, many of which i had not heard of. The decision was too much and the friendly barman assisted in making our choice. I had a Norwegian Blue which was fine. I quite liked the pub it was large with quite a lot of sitting areas. I would go there again. 7/10.

The famous Turf Tavern was next on the agenda. Another fairly touristy pub with its Morse connections but always has an excellent selection of ales and I like the quirkiness of the building. Strangely I went for a Blue Moon here to remind me of happy times in New York. The pint was not as good as I remembered! Still an excellent pub scoring a high 8/10. Favourite of the day – especially for cousin Phil!

Last one of our trip was the Wetherspoons pub Four Candles. A new pub which for a Wethers was quite nice. Obviously hasn’t been open long enough to be ruined! I do though respect Wetherspoon pubs for its good value and excellent selection of ever changing ales. Hobgoblin was the drink of choice here and went down a treat. 6/10 for the Four Candles.

Another success ale crawl!

Birmingham Early 2011

So I back date my crawls to the start of the year with a trip to Birmingham to see my good friend Vicki who looked after me when I was alone for the weekend. After meeting at Snow Hill Station we decided to venture to the Jewellery Quarter. First stop was the Lord Clifton. It is a modern gastro pub but friendly and had lots of Ale choices (and premium lager). Both Vicki and I opted for their own brew UAB King of Bling. A lovely pint and Lord Clifton scored a solid 8/10.

It was then on to the Red Lion, a sister pub to the Clifton. This wasn’t as nice as the Clifton and did not have the same ales or friendly atmosphere. It did have a few ales on and was fairly pleasant however.  A Wye Valley Butty Bach slipped down nicely and the Red Lion scored a 7/10.

Next stop the Prince of Wales near the canal. Always a favourite for a good old fashioned pub with well kept ales. A St Austells Tribute was thoroughly enjoyed and scores a 7/10.

For a random choice because we have never been there before we thought we would try the Shakespeare. This was a poor choice and only had one ale on which was left over from Christmas. We had to resort to having a lager! I believe that this place has been refitted since our visit though so would be interesting to go back one day. We marked the Shakespeare 5/10.

Our final stop before getting the train home was Bennetts. A rather large but impressive building, the pub/bar is pretty average although does serve a Hobgoblin ale. I don’t mind Bennetts despite it not being a proper pub and give it a 7/10.  

So that was Birmingham Part 1. Thanks for a great afternoon Vicki!

In Search of Pubfection

This will be a guide around the UK and further a field of real ale pubs. I will rate every pub I go to with a simple score system out of ten. The scoring is how I find the pub, atmosphere, setting, ales and building on the day at that time. It can change!