The Griffin, Carlisle

The Griffin is a two-floored Greene King pub located in a prominent building that, according to lettering above the entrance, used to operate as a bank. A mix of high and standard furniture runs up the laminate floored left-hand side of the pub and an L-shaped serving counter is found in the right rear behind a large staircase that climbs to the first floor. On the other side of the staircase in the front right of the pub is more seating, including banquettes. There are televisions throughout that were airing muted Sky Sports while some crap generic music played in the background. Standard and premium keg products were available alongside a couple of GK’s own lagers that are dressed up to look like craft beers, Level Head and Flint Eye, the latter was off. Three of the four hand pumps were in use drawing Old Speckled Hen, IPA and TT Landlord. Upstairs is a smaller bar with seating to the left adjacent to a balcony that overlooks the entrance. More seating and a pool table are found to the right, and the flowery décor looks like it’s come straight out of the Slug & Lettuce hen party must-have book. It was OK in here during my recent Monday early evening visit, but I got the feeling that it would be hellish at the weekend.

Literally a Wednesday night down the Aberystwyth SU from my youth but 24 years later in this GK party barn pub. Two levels and to be fair it's kitted-out pretty well, those of a Titchmarshian disposition will enjoy the four poster tables upstairs which are bedecked with fauna. Oddly there was a token cask of Dark Tide which even more oddly was actually pretty drinkable (NBSS 3). A better bet than the Apple Tree on this showing.