Pubs Galore - the UK pub guide

Does what it says on the tin plus a full range of spirits, a cocktail selection and 2 keg taps. A glass fronted box area at the front and a crescent shaped interior in the main bar.

This place arose out of the Pimlico Tram in 2009 which I last visited for the first time – during COVID, with outdoor table service – and as I didn’t think my review was an accurate reflection of the place and as I live in the same borough eight stops away, thought a more realistic review was warranted.
The interior probably hasn’t changed much, with a trendy tiled or pale herringbone parquet floor, white colour scheme with pale grey shiny tiled cladding to columns with furniture in the form of oblong or circular tables with red lino infill and tangerine studded banquettes, probably new since my last visit (see photo). Customers were locals, mixed in age and in good spirits, making for a decent atmosphere at the time of my 9.30pm visit last Monday.
Beer-wise, there was the 22-tap keg array then the 10-pump palisade with a reasonable choice of styles but mainly ‘pale’ or ‘golden ales’ though with a mild, porter and stout. Aside from one beer at 5.5%, there were two at 4.5%, the remaining seven between just 3.7 and 4.0%, me going for a half of Neptune Ezili (4.0% and £2.90) served by a friendly barman; it was however, completely lacking in condition; a half of Mill Hill Vic’s Secret Stash (4.5% and £2.90) again, completely lacking in condition, both beers tasting like weak lemon barley water.
This place is clearly aimed at those who prefer beer at the expense of a traditional pub experience, so perhaps the jolly customers were all on the keg. Every pub has an off-day and a couple of weeks back two halves at the Hackney Cock were unconditioned and I didn’t change my review, so I’ll give this place another shot in a few days’ time before I submit scores on the doors.

A Spoons that got a CAMRA outstanding conversion award (from a theatre/cinema) due to various features being retained and integrated into the fabric of the conversion. Inside is a classic modern Spoons over two floors, connected by an attractive staircase. The upper area is certainly the place to be where, to directly lift from another reviewer: “the reminders of the theatre include the stalls, large red velvet drapes, some reproduction stonework and pillars, some private boxes on each side and even a couple of lighting rigs”. It is certainly well-done. Three guest cask on offer but none immediately inspired (the same casks seem to have been dropped off at most of the Spoons in Cardiff and come on at the same time) so I decided to go for a craft can of loopy juice with my dinner. Friendly service from the staff. I prefer the Central as a drinking venue but this one holds enough internal interest to make it worthy of a visit.

An odd location - just off the beach but away from the road... they place signs on the roads directing you in.

We asked how long it had been a pub and the answer was "a long time" - so if it had been a barn conversion, it was a while ago.

Nowhere near as mental as the Shore Inn. It had a rough and ready front patio area with aging tables but pleasant enough. Inside, a little warren of rooms under a low roof.

A fantastic jukebox that offered 10 goes for £2. So easy to inflict your choice of music on the unsuspecting punters for the whole evening.

Beerwise, there were a couple of cask (Long Man Best Bitter was one) but I played safe with Staropramen in cermonial jugs.

I felt this was more relaxed and authentic experience than the busy Shore Inn.

One of two Stockport pubs converted from betting shops (the other being the Wellington opposite the railway station) and recently changed to opening at 12 noon six days a week (closed Monday). This one has been open for a few years now and has won a number of Camra awards, including three in 2023 - branch pub of year, plus cider pub of the year and a special mild magic award. There was a mild on today, but at 5.8% I didn't fancy it for my first beer of the day just after noon. My pint of RedWillow Headless Olicana 3.8% was very good (NBSS 4). There are six hand pumps, with four out of six beers being 5% abv or higher, which limits my options if on a crawl; if living locally I would consider it a plus, but a £17:15 day return on the train doesn't make me a local, unfortunately.