The Royal Oak Branch, Warrington

This two-roomer just outside Warrington's town centre was packed for a Monday night Liverpool-Man U kick-off as well as a noisy darts match in the larger main bar (to the right) - both have separate entrances from the road. The room on the left is smaller, but still covers a decent area, and is served by a small L-shaped bar counter, green leather banquettes run around the periphery opposite with plenty of tables and chairs and a thick red carpet adds to the cosiness. No real ale on offer (a solitary pump handle was unclipped), and the closest to the good stuff was Theakstons Smooth Dark on keg and bottled Newcastle Brown in the fridge (I went for a bottle of Marston's Resolution for £2.60). I actually quite liked this pub and a real ale or two would have given this higher marks. Note that if you're driving, parking is virtually non-existent.

Official Royal Oak Branch pages at the Priceless Inns site - www.bravoinns.com

Official Royal Oak Branch pages at the Priceless Inns site - www.bravoinns.com

Recently reopened after a lengthy closure. One real ale on offer from local brewer Coach House. Obviously slow to sell as my pint was undrinkable. Still, full marks for trying. Well decorated and menus on the tables.