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Yet another list with Tris39
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Detail Pages
Brunswick Vaults, Liverpool
Liverpool
L2 2EN
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 5½ of 10) see review guidelines
Will Larter left this review about Brunswick Vaults
I couldn't figure out why I'd never been to this pub before, but it turns out it used to be Kitty's Show Bar. It's now a corner pub with a large bar room at the front, with a huge central pillar, and some extra seating to the rear, in booths. The bar has a number of hand pumps, with a cider on one, White Rat turned around on the next, and Higsons Best on the third. (A list of beers is on the rear of the pillar, on a blackboard; none of the beers listed were on.) I had a half, served in a flute, and it was fine (NBSS 3, £4.40/pint). The decor is mostly green, with some black & white photos of street scenes, some 1920s women in a cafe, and greyhound racing . It was quite busy late lunchtime, with a group of women having some sort of reunion, by the looks of it. I was the only beer tourist, I can guarantee that.
On 13th January 2026
- rating: 5
[User has posted 4596 recommendations about 4210 pubs]
Strongers . left this review about Brunswick Vaults
The Brunswick Vaults is a single room bar with green walls on which a massive mirror hangs to the right of the serving counter that was being manned by a less than welcoming barman during a recent Monday evening visit. With his attitude it wasn’t surprising that I was the only customer. There’s some seating around the walls and behind a fireplace in the left rear where the barman was storing his bicycle. I also noted a dartboard in the front left corner. The counter supports five hand pumps, four of which were in operation drawing Higson’s Bitter, Brimstage Brewery’s Oyster Catcher, Ossett’s White Rat and a Lilley’s Cider. I went for the White Rat that was good but was served in an Amstel glass. I do wonder how people with such a lazy and shitty attitude end up working in customer facing roles.
On 21st July 2025
- rating: 2
[User has posted 6377 recommendations about 6339 pubs]
Blue Scrumpy left this review about Brunswick Vaults
I was last in here in 2016 when it was the James Monro. After a brief spell of being a decent cask ale pub, it went downhill, stocking only a couple of Marston's beers before I believe it stopped cask altogether.
Back in yesterday, the new owners have restored cask and there were 3 across the 5 handpulls - Brimstage Oyster Catcher, Ossett White Rat & Theakston Best Bitter.
The interior of the single room is fairly interesting with lots of old pictures of Liverpool on the walls, along with a few other odd items of interest. Locals were fairly friendly and chatty.
It's good to see this pub get back on track, but I'm not sure the ale range is quite good enough just yet to encourage frequent visits from me. However, I will keep an eye on how it develops.
On 24th March 2025
- rating: 5
[User has posted 3368 recommendations about 3366 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Brainy Pool left this review about Brunswick Vaults
The rainbow paint is no more, the pub has landed back on its original name and been taken on by a veteran landlord formerly of the Vernon Arms. Back to being a simple friendly boozer with a few ales on. Ordinary but cosy decor with lots of green paint, it may not be a must see destination boozer but it’s a solid option again and seems to be doing quite well so far.
On 17th December 2024
- rating: 7
[User has posted 1180 recommendations about 1141 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Brainy Pool left this review about The James Monro
this has now been painted in rainbow colours and is seemingly in the process of being rebranded as 'Kittys Cabaret Bar'
On 4th July 2019
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 1180 recommendations about 1141 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Brainy Pool left this review about The James Monro
After failed attempts to be a gastropub and a real ale pub it's now a gay/cabaret bar, though nothing has changed internally and most punters seemed to be local regulars. the host/landlord appears to also be a drag artist. As you can imagine the beer is now pretty low on the agenda now but it's a friendly happy place. Won't be surprised though if it is something completely different again by the time someone else reviews it.
On 12th February 2019
- rating: 5
[User has posted 1180 recommendations about 1141 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Al Bundy left this review about The James Monro
Sadly this place seems to be struggling. Unfortunately its in the wrong part of the city centre. It being in the business area, and a rather quiet part of that too, it does suffer from being overlooked and of a weekend there's even less passing trade. As a result the real ales on offer has suffered too. Where once there were 6 there is now only 2. And not a particularly inspired choice either with just Hobgob and EPA on. Its a shame really as its a nice pub.
9/8/15
Now open again.
On 11th February 2016
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 3487 recommendations about 3390 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Real Ale Ray left this review about The James Monro
The pub was reopened on the 21st August with new proprietors. Six ales are now on offer, with two tied to Marstons but others are free of tie. We found the staff here very friendly and chatty. The pub was comfortable and their choice of ales on this visit were excellent especially the Melwood Brewery Knowsley Blonde and the Liverpool Craft Session IPA. This is now again a pub rather than a restaurant.
On 1st November 2014
- rating: 8
[User has posted 3733 recommendations about 3733 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Peter Rydings left this review about The James Monro
Can not say much about this pub was clean but not a customer in not like rest of the pubs in the area it was Wednesday 16th April mid afternoon will give it another go
On 18th April 2014
- rating: 4
[User has posted 948 recommendations about 917 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Gill Smith left this review about The James Monro
First time visit to this gastro-pub that is featured in the 2011 Good Beer Guide, and although quiet felt welcome. Stood rather sat at a high round table by the door with a lit candle on. All 3 real ales were from Marstons range. Chose Ringwood Old Thumper and it was superb. Could have stayed for a few of them it was so good. Lovely fire.
On 6th March 2011
- rating: 7
[User has posted 1339 recommendations about 1222 pubs]