The Grapes, Liverpool

Backstreet boozer in looks (with some nice original external livery) but a boho pub within. Clientèle generally studenty plus a smattering of locals on my Friday evening visit. U-shaped, with a nice tiled floor to the left. Fairy lights (lots of fairy lights), fake open fire and a bit of shabbiness when you take a good look (the front door was rotting away at the base and had half an inch gap between it and the floor). Oriental theme in places, with a big Chinese fan on the wall, as well as Thai and Lao food available. Eclectic live music with Latin jazz on Sunday nights, Soul & Funk on Wednesdays. As seems usual in Liverpool, the gents were awful, take your waders. A good range of ales available (counted eight), my Oakham Green Devil was in extremely good nick. I also pushed the boat out and tried a 7%er, Black Jack Black Stout that was a little warm but still pretty good as it probably wouldn’t shift in same volume as the Oakham. Nice buzzing atmosphere inside and I could easily have stayed for another.

A single U-shaped room with a boarded floor and a central bar, initially I thought the pub was actually an L however on searching for the gents I discovered a return area behind the bar which was almost like a separate space. An old style corner boozer, mixed and jovial clientele, all enjoying good beer and in some cases the rather enticing looking Thai/Laos menu which looked and smelled amazing, curries and stir fries between £6.50-£7.00 all in. Just the nine handpumps in here, all were up and running, Liverpool Craft Brewery West Coast Pale Ale, Robinson's Trooper, Tetley Gold, Mad Hatter American Psycho, Box Steam Tunnel Vision, Hobgoblin, Pride, JW Lees MPA and Coastal Brewery Erosion (7.5%). A very good line up in anyone's book even with the mainstreamers. It's a cosy sort of place, some of the red banquettes were sadly ripped but I understand there are plans to recover these, otherwise there were small round tables and stools. Some wood panelling, not of any age, modern art, a framed Liverpool Beatle City pub trail and a few twinkly lights provided the distractions. Outside, the original Mellor's Brewery signage has been preserved, always a nice touch, things like that, also outside is a pleasant if tiny walled courtyard garden. A belting little pub with a great selection of beer and seemingly getting the food right, there are a lot of great little (and big) boozers in this part of town just off the city centre, don't miss this one.

Now with 9 pulls of micro breweries beers but in the same limited space, it looks like a younger clientele using it too. I though this place would do ok and it's not disappointed me, my only gripe was poorish service of the pour it and run away variety but not a major problem.

One of my favourite pubs, always has a very well kept pint and some nice choices. It is the type of pub where you will spend some time, so don't expect a quick visit. I went for a good session ale Lytham Brewery Lytham Blonde and a good 5.2 from Tatton Brewery Penny Less.