Walkabout, Lichfield

Australian themed therefore dull. As with all Walkabout pubs you really do end up wishing that it was full of poisonous snakes, spiders, man-eating crocs and sharks that Aussies prattle on about.

This is my local, it’s not my closest pub being about a mile from where I live, but it’s my local, because it’s such a good pub. It’s next door to the Co-op Museum in the conservation area so it looks the part. Wine bar meets real ale bar feel with wood panelling and floors, has old metal adverts all over the walls along with hundreds of pump clips from past guest ales. It’s one large horseshoe shaped room really, but with several distinct areas including a conservatory. Large walled garden with 2 boules pistes and lots of bench seating out the back. Has 6 handpumps selling ever changing guests which always include one from Phoenix and a real cider. Large range of bottled beers from around the world and a good selection of wines. Also does food throughout the day, both tapas and larger meals. GBG regular and won the Rochdale, Oldham & Bury CAMRA Pub of the Year award for 2009. What can I say, it’s the best pub in Rochdale, come along and try it.

A 60s, almost cinema looking Apres chain bar, with porch smoking area that has bushes with little red lights on them! The interior has two floors, connected by a staircase of which the Titanic would be proud. The lower floor feels more like the eaty area, with the upper being more of a bar. The decor is red and white, with fake stone fireplaces, glitterballs and so on. The chairs are the comfy type, with candles on the tables. Beer; all tap stuff, with Peroni being the only thing i would have tried, but i left. It is a fizz place, like Revolution etc, aimed at the young socialite types - those that wear short sleeve designer shirts in winter, whilst smoking and getting hypothermic in the beer patio. Saying that, there were some people my age looking to feel young again. Apres just go for a style that isnt mine in any way shape or form - i believe it is popular, so i am sure the youngies will like this more than the traditional places.