Revolution, Liverpool

One of those hideous franchise pubs and this one is way down there with the worst of them. Large soulless place full of people who really dislike going to a good old boozer. It can take an eternity to get served as barely legal age kids buy cocktails that take at least 40 minutes to make by barstaff who have been forced to watch the film Cocktail since they were separated from their mothers tit. It then takes them another 15 minutes to clean up the mess they've made. Its expensive, its crap and its the last time I get dragged into these places. Hopefully. No real ale, or people for that matter.

This is a large restaurant and bar with a good location on the Albert Dock and part of a larger chain which includes three other venues in Liverpool city centre. Divided into two sections - one overlooking the dock and the other facing Wapping - the place has a modern feel to it that sits well with the other bars on the dock. A very long U shaped bar counter runs from front to back and is set up to deal with large numbers of people, with ample space for vertical drinking. The interior has a mix of mainly leather seats including banquettes, high stools and tub chairs on the flagstone floor. A glass wall gives great views out over the dock and there are a few seats outside for warmer days. Our visit on a Monday afternoon was to take advantage of their offer to halve the cost of any meal from their menu. The food we tried was pretty good and excellent value considering the offer. The place was busy with young couples and families, but it doesn't feel all that much like a pub. There is no real ale available, with a tap range of Stella, Guinness, San Miguel, Strongbow, Tetley's Cream Flow and Becks to choose from. There is a good wine list as well as cocktails and a flavoured vodka menu, but none of that appealed so I struggled on with my pint of Tetley's. This is a decent enough place for a bite to eat if you should find yourself down at the docks, but it's not really the sort of place I'd want to go for a drink.

Official page of Revolution in Liverpool - www.revolution-bars.co.uk