The Hop Pole, Warrington

Real ale has disappeared. Very quiet during the week but busy at the weekend with disco and karaoke and much needed bouncers on the door.

Called by yesterday evening but the real ale choice was uninspiring so I left.

Larger-than-it-initially-looks pub close to the Central station, with a slightly split-level seating area at the front and the larger bar (with further side areas) up a couple of steps beyond. Fairly modern furniture and decor, but retaining a few older features such as the multi-coloured upper window panes and the main door, but all spooked-up for Halloween when I stopped by. Just two handpumps on the counter, with Old Speckled Hen (£2.60) on one and a reversed clip for Hobgoblin on the other.

I believe its been done up. Which is for the best as it was a dump previously.