Brunswick Vaults, Liverpool

First time visit to this gastro-pub that is featured in the 2011 Good Beer Guide, and although quiet felt welcome. Stood rather sat at a high round table by the door with a lit candle on. All 3 real ales were from Marstons range. Chose Ringwood Old Thumper and it was superb. Could have stayed for a few of them it was so good. Lovely fire.

Formerly the Brunswick Vaults this pub has been made over into a gastropub, the door says as much and the signage states “NYC restaurant and Speak-Easy”, there is an interesting but unpriced menu outside. The lovely old bar counter and wainscotting have been retained although nicely brightened up with cream paint, the barback is an odd stone columned affair. Some old floorboards have been left and mixed in with smart new tiles. There are two rooms similarly decorated and set out mainly with four seater dining tables, these are dark wood square and candle powered but thankfully no place settings or cruet sets permanently in situ. The chairs are a mix of old pubby chairs and wicker backed seats which along with the palm trees give a slightly far eastern Raffles hotel type ambience, although the ceiling fans are missing. Beers on three handpumps from Mansfield (dark!), Jennings Cockerhoop and a seasonal from Wychwood, plus a standard range of kegs. My Cockerhoop wasn’t too good but to be fair it was early in the week , just after new year and when I left the staff outnumbered the customers and there were only two staff. Casual drinkers are allowed and can sit anywhere but the only non dining seating is two uncomfortable looking armchairs by a small round table beside the door.