The Bucket of Blood, Hayle

I've been inadvertently singing about this place for 30 years. Nick Cave's Murder Ballads album has a song called Stagger Lee. Stag wanders into the Bucket of Blood and commits all sorts of unsavoury acts, culminating with shooting more or less everyone there. This is an old folk/blues song, so set in America, but the only remaining Bucket of Blood is in Phillack. Take care with the opening hours. Whatpub says one thing, Google says another, the pub's facebook page says nothing. Neither match reality but the pub do answer their emails. On New Years Day, it opened at 1pm, which fitted perfectly with our plans. It an ancient pub, parts dating back to the C13th. When people were small. The ceiling at the bar no more than 5 and a half feet. I know this, as both my ears were touching rafters as I chose between a Hicks and a Tribute. Hicks in fine condition. The pub slowly filled up, with a chatty bar man providing entertainment by talking about other pubs, beer strength and the stories from last night's celebrations. Who would have the Guinness was drank dry by six australian women who then went on to get the locals involved in a conga. Absolutely my sort of place and one to seek out. Especially if you like violent American folk/blues.