Baltic Fleet, Liverpool

Recently refurbished (and still being done by the looks of it) flat iron-shaped pub 5 mins from the Albert Docks, Museum et al but worth the round trip. The distinctive battleship-like exterior paintwork and red funnels look impressive from distance. Three interconnecting rooms within; enter to the long narrow main bar with access to the apex ‘ships bow’ room off left (with lovely curved windows, best seats in the house) and another long room behind the bar off to the right. Unashamedly basic alehouse in décor with simple furnishings plus plenty of Cunard line posters and memorabilia, although it does seem like a bit more could be done to make it feel less rattly and more homely. Upright piano spotted. Wood burning stove fired-up and pumping out much-needed heat. Pub also houses a microbrewery (Wapping) and three of their brews were available alongside a couple of guests. I tried two of their own beers (80/- and Summer) which were in good nick, and Marble Stout which was outstanding. Also two proper ciders available (Malvern?). Some basic food is served, including a bowl of scouse from a cauldron (with red cabbage and poor quality bread accompaniment) which was a pretty good snack for £3.50 though the barmaid took an age to bring it out despite the pub being fairly quiet. As seems the norm in Liverpool, the gents were execrable. As someone mentioned elsewhere, the pub “seems to be searching for a vaguely bohemian feel”. I quite liked it here and despite its remoteness from the hotbeds of other Liverpool alehouses, would be willing to make the effort to schlep out again. With a bit more TLC, it could be the best in the city.