Entertainment For Lively Minds
Warm Wet Circles (Britain's Finest Taverns)
Ignore the shifty looking bloke with the man bag, pictured at the bar above. This is one of my favourite bars in London, but I can't remember the name of it. It's in central London somewhere, near Charing Cross possibly and they cook sausages behind the bar on little grilling machines.
As it's the holiday season, I think now would be the time for members of the Parish to nominate their favourite taverns. In my hometown of Scarborough, there's a worrying lack of decent boozers I'm afraid. I do frequent The Golden Ball on the seafront; as it's a freehouse, it's very cheap. The Valley and Cellars bars also sell fine real ale and in the winter I head up to the Highlander on the South Cliff for it's real fire, well kept Tetleys, Timothy Taylors and its fine selection of vintage and unopened whiskey bottles, which are part of the fixtures.The Tap N' Spile is also good for live music on weekends. Over to you, where would you like to head for a drink tonight?
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Riding
Can't believe I forgot to mention The Riding on North Marine Road which I frequented last night. Sublime ales and food, Guzzler is a favourite pint and the juke box is well served too.
Fellow Scarborian
I was born in Scarborough (1971) and when I go back I tend to go to The Alma, it is a bit of a dive but has a (usually) free duke box and a nice studenty/local atmosphere. I used to do the Victoria Rd/Castle Rd/St Thomas Street crawl when I was a teenager but it was never about the quality of the beer back then! I'm now in Sheffield and nominate the 'New Barrack Tavern' as the worlds best pub, it has great beer (farmers bitter, barnsley bitter, harvest pale et al) and live music over the weekend. Local legend Frank White plays occassionally and always packs the place out.
Mike Baldwin Visits The Alma
I was in Sheffield yesterday and it seems to have some lovely taverns. I pop into The Alma now and again, it has so much potential, but the bitter is hit and miss (mostly a miss) and the place needs a dam good clean. About the only pub in town with a juke box though, so it's still worth a visit.
Venture slightly out of town
to the Three Jolly Sailors at Burniston or The Moorcock at Langdale End or The Blacksmith's Arms at Cloughton.
It is a little further than
It is a little further than 'slightly out of town though'. Must be 5-6 miles
I suppose it is
I'm looking at it from the persepctive of Scalby where the GLW hails from. Scalby is just a bit out of Scarborough and then Burniston etc is just a bit further.
The Moorcock is a journey from anywher unless you live in Langdale End.
That pub near Charing Cross (er, a bit further I think)
It looks very much like the Dog and Duck in Frith Street (corner Bateman Street) in Soho. A proper pub in the centre of Mediaville - a little gem.
http://www.pubs.com/pub_details.cfm?ID=174
Another great little pub is The Hand and Shears on Cloth Fair near Smithfields/Barbican.
http://www.pubs.com/pub_details.cfm?ID=196
Aha!
I've just come back from having a half in the Hand and Shears. Marvellous little place.
Hand & Shears
Is that the one on a strange little back street by a church? Really nice little square nearby with a few pubs dotted around and a tudor style gateway? If so I thank you for reminding me of the name!
the very same
tucked away in a really interesting part of London
Thanks
.
Timothy Taylor
Very appropriate that you has a TT Landlord mat there as my favourite taverns seem to all sell it. There are some cracking ones in Otley near Leeds. Special mention must go to the Junction which has music some nights and a fine beer cellar. Sadly the esoteric eclecticity that was the Bowling Green has now closed, but is immortalised on You Tube
Ah, sorely missed
One of the most idiosyncratic pubs in the country. Always an essential stop (together with The Junction) when hitting the fleshpots of Wharfedale.
The Palace, Leeds
...except I was there last night, and will most likely be in there tomorrow night too.
Always 6 or 7 guest ales; no problem sampling before you buy; friendly & knowledgeable bar staff; a loyalty card scheme (10th pint is free); nuts & olives sold by the pint; opens early for breakfast the morning after; and you can send a postcard, from anywhere in the world, addressed to 'The Palace, Leeds' & Phil the landlord will pass it on to your mates.
P*ss Palace
I've drunk and been drunk in The Palace.A fine tavern, 6 or 7 guest ales always a delight!
A fine hostelry
...Duck and Drake too.
Now where exactly is it?
I drink in Leeds every once in a while (normally pre gig) and have missed that one.
Normally go to Brewery Tap and Mr Foley's when there. Good range of ales in both.
Hmmm I've found
Mr Foley doesn't look after his beer as well as he should.
You may be right there ....
It seems to smell a little sometimes too!
This could be why I need to know where the Palace is ....
Here you go:
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=53.795056,-1.53497&t=h&sll=53.800651,-4....
Ta!
I know where that is! Why the hell have I never been there before.
Here you are
..take your own spit and sawdust. Better selection of beers than the Tap and Mr Foley's IMHO, not as handy for the Academy but ok for the Cockpit
http://www.duckanddrake.com/
Then there's the Adephi too - great selection of continental beers too
Cheers
Cockpit is more my type of venue anyway.
I am very happy with this thread.
My liver less so.
Last Orders
The Cardigan Arms is good in Leeds too; classic old Tetley house with several different lounges. Also, the pub opposite the back of the Town Hall, next to the Irish Themed Pub,its name escapes me at this late hour and I've not even had a drink!
The Victoria
Also a good call - and it's popular with the FPO as they do decent wine.
Victoria
Cheers, just couldn't remember the name of the place.Used to pop in in their during intervals at concerts at the town hall across the road.
Nice Dress Code
Interesting clip that!! The Cask in Scarborough used to have a wide variety of odd objects hanging from its ceilings too. Sadly it is now a former shadow of its glory days. Agreed, Timothy Taylors is one of my favourites. Wold Top is another glorious pint too.
I used to drink in the Cask
I used to drink in the Cask as a student (a well known underage venue). There was a truly dreadful after hours place up the road (bachus?) which I think is still there?
Baccus
Yep, it's still there, I sometimes pop in for a late one. Once went in totally sober, not recommended, although generally, its okay.
Some pubs from places I've travelled to
John O' Gaunt, Lancaster - splendid real ales, good wine, good live music some nights (jazz, blues, a local band who cover Joni Mitchell, all sorts).
The Wellington, Birmingham - real ale (O, hold on, I see a theme), lots of good malts too.
The Horseshoe, Glasgow - traditional Glasgow pub, good service, friendly. (Many others in Glasgow too but this was first off the top of my head and is handy for Central if anyone is in town)
The Horseshoe
Was just about to post that. Legendary pub.
Ye Olde John O'Gaunt
Was in there Saturday night. It was a bit quiet but it stil feels like a "proper" pub and that's a good thing (the walls are still yellowed).
Believe Jim Bowen used to play on those jazz nights.
By the way the "Ye Olde" in the name is important. Don't go to the plain John O'Gaunt in Lancaster ..... the horror the horror
I sit corrected
I spent about a year and a half in that neck of the woods, and that pub was a shining beacon !
The John O'Gaunt
It was my local in the early and mid 90s when I worked in the Waterstone's on King Street and lived round the corner on Dallas Road. Jim Bowen did indeed play trumpet with the jazz band. (He was also the teacher of the father of a colleague of mine before he was a pro comic - terrible slapper of the backs of legs, alledgedly.)
Much as I like Crouch End
There isn't a decent pub. People mention The Harringay Arms, mainly because it remains an unrenovated throwback to another time, but I don't think it's great.
The Faltering Fullback, Perth Road in Finsbury Park isn't bad.
I used to like The Beaconsfield on Green Lanes when I lived in Finsbury Park and Tha Salisbury, also on Green Lanes has a good reputation these days, but I haven't been there for years.
Agree - no great pubs in Crouch End
The Haringey Arms is OK, but not great.
I used to like the Alexandra before it gastro-ed out and when I was younger, mainly because it stayed open for hours when time was still 11pm. The latest I limped out of there one night was 4.30am.
I've been meaning to go to the Salisbury too, as I keep being invited to a quiz there, but haven't managed.
Thumbs up for the Salisbury
It's my nearest boozer, unless I take a walk down to Stoke Newington. Great food, a good jukebox, good DJs at a weekend, and some good live music. The only problem is the service which can stink depending on who's on. You can wait ten minutes to be served even when the bar staff are busy doing nothing.
It's tad chilly in the winter
so get a spot near a fire! with you on the service can be a bit "blind" at times
I thought they might have improved that.
It has always been thus. It's that high ceiling. I'm surprised there's not an aircraft warning beacon at the top of the dome.
The Old Dairy at the foot of Crouch Hill?
Haven't been for ages but they used to do a decent pop quiz there.
Tuesdays & Thursdays
We used to go to the Tuesday night general knowledge quiz. I've never done the music quiz.
The main peoblem is when football's on and everything has to stop for that.
Jesus....
,,, you're hard to please, try finding a decent pub in Muswell Hill. The Harringay Arms is a great pub.
Muswell Hill
I've never heard any reason why there are so few pubs in Muswell Hill, never mind good ones. Was there some Quaker influence, or some such abstemious cause, as the Cadbury family had in Bourneville in Birmingham?
The Harringay Arms is OK, but it's nothing special. I think it just stands out because the quality of the competition is so low. The Green Gate at the top of Phillip Lane in Tottenham used to an example of a great local. I don't know if its still open as I haven't lived in that area for about 20 years.
Holloway
The Swimmer which is tucked away in Holloway is a cracking little juicer. Don't ask me where exactly; I was visiting a mate in Crouch End and he took me there.
York
There's seemingly no end of great pubs serving great beer in York.
Current favourites are The Swan, Minster Inn, The Ack Horne, Brigantes, Yorkshire Terrier........................
I could go on.
The one thing in common is good beer which is often locally brewed. The York Brewery is in the city walls and the champion beer of Britain is brewed up the road in Tockwith by teh excellent Rudgate brewery.
Life is good.
You've returned the favour
Often looking for a good pub in York
Walls
Excellent. Couple of those (Swan & Minster) are just outside city walls though well worth the a little walk.
London calling
well let's see there's the White Hart (pictured) in Stokey also the Shakey, The sainbury in greenlanes is good.
elsewhere in Holborn/Shoreditch
there's the Mitre and the Coach & Horses, Lamb,
then there's places like the brick layers arms and champion in NOHO.
Then the Lamb & Flag in covent garden, heading south there's the Rake and market porter at Borough market.
Then hopping a train there's the trafalgar in greenwich and the Richard 1 and Greenwich Union.
and then.......
Good call that man
The White Hart's where I go to watch football, and on the increasingly rare occasions when I go drinking, the Shakespeare will always feature.
The White Hart
Scene of many a night of debauchery on my part. Lovely sized beer garden too for those more gentile Sunday afternoons. Before the Sunday night sessions start again.
Masham
the White Bear is a wonder and does the world's greatest pint of Old Peculier, with no exceptions. Food's not bad either.
And then, if you don't want to drink Theakston's any longer you can walk (or stagger) next door and drink the Riggwelter in the Black Sheep Brewery next door. what a privation.
A little further afield, The Lion at Blakey Ridge alawys used to be a decent beer pub (especially if you could get snowed in). Food did get a bit off-on for a while. Not sure what it's like now.
The White Bear
It's been a good few years since I was at "Mazzum" - is the landlord's collection of Jethro Tull memorabilia still on display?
Neil Cutts
Sadly Neil died a few years ago. He had left Masham some years before after splitting with his wife. Those at Cropredy this weekend, where Neil used to run the bar, will raise a pint of 6x to him.
Also in Masham, I understand that the Theakstons tap-house, the Black Bull in Paradise, was sold off for housing some years ago. I've also heard that the Druid circle in Fearby (a Victorian folly) has disappeared too. How was that allowed to happen?
Looks like the Harp to me
As you say - near Charing Cross.
Very crowded straight from work but still worth it.
http://www.fancyapint.com/pubs/pub606.html
PS Fancyapint is one essential website for London living
http://www.walkit.com/cities/london/ is another
Cheers
Thanks for the info, will investigate further.
Is indeed
The Harp. Nice little place, don't tell everyone. I meet an old friend there once a month and we wouldn't go anywhere else.
Must go. I've read some Kerouac and it's put me on the track to burn a little brighter now...
You used to be able to take your own sarnies in
not sure if you still can. I used to work over the road from there. The Lemon Tree round the corner is quite good too. Nice formica tables upstairs.
never been in the lemon tree
but might check out the formica!
That Time Of The Night
Nice Fish quote, takes me back!
A Few Of My Favourite Things
Regular haunts which I would recommend..
The Crown Posada in Newcastle (The most 'authentic' pub in the toon!).
Free Trade Inn in Newcastle (great beer, great views)
The Dog And Gun in Keswick......mmm Goulash!
Dipton Mill Inn near Hexham (of "Likely Lads" fame)
Magnesia Bank in North Shields (might bump into a former member of Lindisfarne or two).
When I was a student
back in the late 80's/early 90's me and a mate used to hang around a fair few Newcastle pubs. Was never a big fan of the Crown Poasda (my mate was), but used to love The Percy and The Bacchus before it was gentrified. I went in the Bacchus for the first time in years after going to watch the ISIHAC recording at the Theatre Royal and it was...odd. Not bad, just felt different.
The Bacchus
Used to love it. Drank there a lot before I left home.
The Crown Posada aswell. Just a roll (literally) down Grey Street from said Bacchus.
Was in the Free Trade Inn on
Was in the Free Trade Inn on Saturday, actually. Lovely views. Makes for a nice triumvirate with The Tyne and the Cluny just along the river.
I like sad, "old man" pubs
The beer is generally not that much to write home about but at least you can get a seat and hear what other people are saying and/or watch the football in peace. Why do people go to packed, loud and overpriced pubs? Just to look at each other? I suppose I have answered my own question there.
BTW - nice Marillion reference.
Clutching At Straws
Totally agree with you re sad old man pubs, I'm a sucker for a place with a bit of character and some peace. Even when I was young, I hated the noisy places.
I'm half with you on
this but starting to loathe places with crap beer.I'm not beer monster of camra ticker but If I go to the pub alongside meeting friends etc I want a decent pint.
I understand that
You've got to be in the right mood for a noisy pub. Bck in my tender youth I used to enjoy going into (the very loud) Trillians for the buzz and meeting up before heading off to the Saturday Rock Night at the dearly departed Mayfair.
But mostly you do just want somewhere where you can drink decent beer, watch the people go by, have a conversation with your mates and maybe even eat something if you're feeling that way out. Its not too much to ask, is it?
Unless you're a major leisure/brewery chain, in which case it clearly is.
Kings Cross
I occasionaly find myself at Kings Cross with a bit of time to kill, any decent taverns round there as I usually end up in the Euston Flyer which is awful?
do meean close to Euston or
Close to Kings Cross station, they've been doing up round the back KX and there's some newer places on the road up the side. Otherwise up the hill in angel may be the place to go ( I'm not sure but may be the Word team might pop out for the odd cherry B in that neck of the woods)
I'm there on the 20th at the Scala
Soundtrack of Our Lives gig - need a good boozer in the area so will be interested in any replies too!
Our local
Is generally Filthy McNasties, a true rock 'n roll pub - posters of Athletico Spizz 80 on the walls, sticky floors, Pete Doherty's name carved into the tables, that kind of thing. It may not be to everyone's taste.
Seconded
Filthy McNasties also has lots of decent events that are worth looking out for
Perfect!
For a band as "RocknRoll" as Soundtrack that seems like the perfect fit, thanks!
Jerusalem Tavern - Farringdon
Is good as they serve St.Peter's Ale, problem is it is such a tiny pub and they have now issued orders that anyone going outside has to drink in plastic glasses, sacrilege!
http://www.stpetersbrewery.co.uk/london/default.htm
The Market Porter in Borough Market is excellent - has the great atmosphere from the market and good beer too.
http://www.markettaverns.co.uk/The-Market-Porter/
Seven Stars in Holborn, another small place and gets quite busy with yuppie types but does have a landlady called Roxy Beaujolais.
http://www.pubs.com/pub_details.cfm?ID=237
Duke of Hamilton in Hampstead is more down to earth than you would expect in such an area.
http://www.pubs.com/pub_details.cfm?ID=319
Compton Arms in Islington a real find hidden away by the Union Chapel.
http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/34/3428/Compton_Arms/Islington
never got into
7 stars went a couple of times was so packed ended up in fuller's pub round the corner!
Compton Arms is good. on the day of an Arsenal double celebration my friend famously called Alan Davis "Jacobs Creek" (by accident) several times to his face she's the queen of malapropisms.
I can vouch for
The Jerusalem Arms, The Market Porter and The Compton.
OK, it's your round
next time I'm in then!
Roxy Beujolais
Is the head chef at The Bountiful Cow, a decent little boozer tucked away on Eagle Street in Holborn. Good food!
Oh, she's not at the Seven Stars anymore?
We always used to try and spot who we thought the semi-legendary Roxy Beaujolais was at that place.
She runs 'em both...
Bountiful Cow is more of a steakhouse...if you want a quiet pint at the Seven Stars it is open on a Sunday sometimes.
A few Liverpool ones
Dr Duncans on St John's Lane and The Dispensary on Renshaw Street are two great Cains pubs (our local real ale brewery)
For those who like "old men's pubs" I'd recommend the Globe which is right by the entrance to Clayton Square shopping centre.
The White Star at the top end of Mathew Street is also recommended and infinitely better than The Grapes (nearby) which trades excessively on its Beatles connections.
I'm sure there are loads of others...
Liverpool
What's the pub that's got fantastic tiles, especially in the Gents ? Near the Everyman Theatre.
Philharmonic ?
Correct
The Phil is a great pub, and even the Ladies go in the gents to have a look (at the tiles)
The first time I was shown The Philharmonic,
I didn't even taste the first pint, I was too busy taking in the decor. It's fabulous. I'm glad to hear it's still the same, as my old friend from Liverpool is sadly no longer with us, and I'm unlikely to pass that way again. Raise a glass 'to Dave' from me the next time you're in there.
The Pacific
For an old mans pub in Liverpool (sort of) it has to be The Pacific in Bootle. Loads of 'characters'.
I also like the one by the train station with the small statue of liberty above the entrance, some mad dancing goes on in there.
The Grove, Leeds or The Sair, near Huddersfield
Both are wonderful, unspoilt, multi-room pubs with excellent ales.
The Grove has a concert room at the back, noted for its folk and blues bands, and another room that looks a 1940s living room.
There's a real mix of people, especially on a Friday night when the suited and booted from the offices are gradually replaced by the bearded and cardiganed from the folk club.
The Sair, in Linthwaite, brews its own ales and has one of the few jukeboxes with Elmore James songs.
Quality drinking establishments
The Harringay Arms, Crouch End - like a proper northern pub in London, they even put a head on a pint of bitter
The Three Kings, Clerkenwell - a little gem
The Canny Man's, Edinburgh - more character than you can shake a stick at
The Red Lion, Didsbury, Manchester - not as good as it used to be but still a cracking boozer
The French House, Soho - like walking into Soho past in a good way
The Canny Man
Haven't been there for yonks.Used to have a policy of arbitralily refusing to serve or indeed let you over the threshold depending on whether the landlord liked the "cut of one's gib". Once refused entry having walked all the way from the town centre. Didn't do much to endear the place to me.
French House
Yes, splendid joie-de-vivre!
not technically a pub
as doesn't sell pints :)
but it does champagne by the glass!
Nearly forgot....
... The Britons Protection, Manchester and just round the corner, the Peveril of the Peak. Near the Bridgewater Hall - you can't beat 'em
Chester
I'd have to agree with the Britons Protection above, the scene of many a pre gig pint of best. Also recommend a crawl from the Old Monkey down to the Seven Oaks, taking in the White Horse (tiny, tiny place). The list above for Liverpool is good, the 2 Cains houses are superb.
Good pub crawl around Gods own little acre of Chester would start in Lower Bridge Street, with a run across the taps in the wonderful Bear and Billet, and up to the Brewery Tap, the Spitting Feathers run ale house just up the road.
Stopping off in the Boot to sample the Sam Smiths, make your way over to the Harkers Arms (CAMRA pub of the year on more than one occasion), onto the Mill Hotel (always at least 8 guests on, including local brews Weetwoods, WC and Spitting Feathers) via the Union Vaults (had a couple of Everards Leicestershire ales on last month), and finish up with a drop of Cains (or one of the 2 guests) in the Cottage, and a trawl through the eclectic jukebox (from the Proclaimers, via Band of Horses and Arctic Monkeys, to Sinatra and the Eagles). Over to the Spice Balti for the Rezala.
Top night out.
*would also highly recommend local institution Telfords Warehouse, for keeping the candle of live music in Chester alight whilst the City Council lets our beautiful city become a cultural desert. The ale is tops too.
Chester pubs
Does The Albion in Park Street no longer feature among Chester's finest pubs?
Sad day if it doesn't.
There was a song
by the Macc Lads called 'I Love Macc', the lyric of which is pretty much just a list of pubs in Macclesfield. The song's over 20 years old by now; it would be interesting to see how many of them are still there.
See, they weren't just a bunch of beer-swilling,foul-mouthed racist, misogynist, sexist pigs: they documenters of social history too. Honest :)
Chester's Albion
I'll make my Word Massive debut with a word for The Albion in Chester. Yes, it still serves good beer and possesses one of the more idiosyncratic landlords in the North West of England. However, its opening and closing times are variable and whether you can enter or not is often at the discretion of the omnipotent Mike.
I concur with Waldorf's guide to Chester pubs. It's worth popping over the bridge into Handbridge in order to have a drink in the -er- Handbridge which has a splendid beer garden.
Another vote here for Liverpool's Philarmonic. I was served my first ever (underage) pint in this magnificent hostelry. Allegedly the ornate toilets were designed by the chap who designed parts of the Titanic. Cue jokes about sinking a few pints....
Idiosyncratic landlords
I'm pleased to hear Mike hasn't mellowed with age. He can be a bit of an awkward so and so, but better a character like him than today's faceless pub managers.
Manchester
The Red Lion was mentioned ealier, which is a favourite. Nearer the centre, Sinclair's Oyster Bar is great and ideal for an outdoor pint on a nice day.