The Pilgrim, Liverpool

It's been over 8 years since I last set foot in the Pilgrim. It used to be a fairly reliable spot for cask ales and there was regularly a cider too. However, it deteriorated and wasn't too appealing in recent years. After a refurbishment, it re-opened this week under the ownership of the 1936 Pub Company who have restored several Liverpool pubs with good results. In truth, they haven't done much with the basement bar which was the Pilgrim. Very little has changed. The jukebox machines are still on each table. Although, the previous reviewer will be pleased to hear that they no longer function. I must admit that I quite liked them. They were a fairly unique feature amongst Liverpool Pubs. Another plus point is the gents' toilets. They smell much fresher than the stinky ones that were here previously. A pinball machine has also appeared. To my knowledge, only the BrewDog also has a machine (or two) in the city. 4 cask ales are on the bar. For our visit, these were Black Lodge Digging The Scene, Love Lane Higson's Pale, Ale, Beartown Lit & Brimstage Sandpiper. The cider was Lilley's Apples & Pears. Amongst the keg selection, the highlight was Love Lane Pale. Unlike the other Liverpool pubs the 1936 Pub Company has re-opened, this one is the least changed. A spiral staircase leads up to what I believe was once the function room for the Pilgrim and is now a separate pub called the Mayflower. Much more money has been spent there and to be honest, it's a much nicer space to enjoy a drink. The Pilgrim still feels quite a dingy place. With posters for live music on the walls, there is still a music theme throughout, despite the jukebox no longer functioning. I can see this being a much more regular haunt for us once again in Liverpool, but amongst the 10 (I believe) pubs they now own, this is probably the least impressive.

A very student friendly basement bar. A single room with booth-like seats on either side of the room and a long table in the middle. The booths each have small jukeboxes on the walls though they don't work. 4 handpumps for real ale. Its all a bit crap to be honest. Go in only to say you've been there.