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!