The Augustus John, Liverpool

This 2011 Good Beer Guide pub was quiet when we called, about half a dozen at 9pm on a Saturday night which seemed strange after all the busy pubs we had just visited. We stood at the bar chatting to the barman who was interested in our crawl list as he was the 20th pub of the day. We enjoyed the Blackwater Bauhaus while chatting to him.

Called in here after a short visit to the adjacent modern RC Cathedral (pretty impressive it is too). There was a demo going on outside the cathedral by Iranian anti government supporter which added to the fun. It's a fairly nondescript looking pub built into what is effectively a concrete block. It's actually within the university grounds, but all are welcome. There are plenty of seats outside (plastic glasses only outside). Inside there is a pool table facing you as you enter and seating to the left, there's also a quiz machine. There are TV screens all over the place, so you won't miss them no matter where you stand or sit. Four handpumps on the bar Tetley's bitter, Abbot Ale plus 2 changing guests, Cains Sundowner and Hidden Fantasy when we called. I had a pint of the Cains which was pretty good. Friendly welcome from the landlord when we arrived. It was pretty quiet as it was about 1 p.m. on a Saturday lunchtime, but it's OK in here.