The Pumphouse, Liverpool

OK its pricy but you expect that on albert dock the Manageress did a great Job with about 30 Japanese that could not talk english asked about every thing they were ordering to eat all paying on cards separately. But like all chains with cut back on staff its false economy But they know better

This is a Greene King pub on the Albert Dock, housed in a distinctive building that I spotted from various parts of the docks and beyond thanks to its tall chimney that hints at its former use. The building was constructed in 1870 to provide high pressure water for the operation of various hydraulic appliances around the dock such as the dock gates, bridges, cranes and lifts. However, this past isn’t reflected in the modern style pub that Greene King have created. Split over three levels with plenty of exposed brickwork and new wooden floorboards, the pub has a rather bland appearance that belies its location. There’s a good amount of seating throughout the pub including some high tables and chairs opposite the bar and smart leather banquettes on the lower level. Decor is at a minimum and I didn’t even see any old pictures of the pump house in action. Loud music played during our visit and most people who were there seemed to be eating from the standard Greene King menu. Perhaps the main draw for this pub is that, as far as I can tell, it is the only place on the Albert Dock that serves real ale, albeit three mainstream Greene King regulars in the shape of IPA, Abbot Ale and Old Speckled Hen. The Abbot went off on my visit so I ended up with the IPA instead which was in reasonable condition. I had relatively high hopes for this place when judging it from outside, but it turned out to be a rather disappointing modern bar that is trying to fit in with the other bars around the dock rather than making use of the wonderful building it’s housed in.

Old Boots was right about the service,i think i must have been on when the service was like a Spoons on an average day.Anyway i gave it about 10 mins then called it a day and went to the Revolution further down.