Baltic Fleet, Liverpool

Recently refurbished (and still being done by the looks of it) flat iron-shaped pub 5 mins from the Albert Docks, Museum et al but worth the round trip. The distinctive battleship-like exterior paintwork and red funnels look impressive from distance. Three interconnecting rooms within; enter to the long narrow main bar with access to the apex ‘ships bow’ room off left (with lovely curved windows, best seats in the house) and another long room behind the bar off to the right. Unashamedly basic alehouse in décor with simple furnishings plus plenty of Cunard line posters and memorabilia, although it does seem like a bit more could be done to make it feel less rattly and more homely. Upright piano spotted. Wood burning stove fired-up and pumping out much-needed heat. Pub also houses a microbrewery (Wapping) and three of their brews were available alongside a couple of guests. I tried two of their own beers (80/- and Summer) which were in good nick, and Marble Stout which was outstanding. Also two proper ciders available (Malvern?). Some basic food is served, including a bowl of scouse from a cauldron (with red cabbage and poor quality bread accompaniment) which was a pretty good snack for £3.50 though the barmaid took an age to bring it out despite the pub being fairly quiet. As seems the norm in Liverpool, the gents were execrable. As someone mentioned elsewhere, the pub “seems to be searching for a vaguely bohemian feel”. I quite liked it here and despite its remoteness from the hotbeds of other Liverpool alehouses, would be willing to make the effort to schlep out again. With a bit more TLC, it could be the best in the city.

The long slow revamping of the Baltic Fleet continues. The bar counter has moved through 90 degrees and now sits against the back wall of the front bar, and the main door has moved yet again, this time to where to counter used to be. There's also a posh seating area outside. There are 2 ciders among the 7 pumps including less beer from Wapping than previously. Latest news is that the brewery will remain downstairs.

From a distance this wedged shaped building with chimneys painted as funnels,looks like an ocean going liner.The entrance now seems to be in the stern and leads directly to a tap room with bare floorboards,a banquette,circular tables,a fire door to the bow and a bar with seven handpumps serving on my trip four from the home Wapping brewery (Wapping,IPA,Stout and a very good Summer),a guest ale and a real cider.Between the front door and the bar there was a temporary entrance to the side lounge area and,carrying on to the bow area which looked the most interesting spot surrounded by elegant curved windows. So the refurb continues,there was a wooden stable door where you could get served if drinking in the side lounge but I wonder if this pub is like a builders house,never quite finished.The exterior could also do with some sprucing up but the quality of the ale would always ensure that I would pay a visit here.It's proximity to The Albert Dock means you can get a decent pint if visiting this largest collection of Grade II listed buildings in the UK.

As below its difficult to rate this pub as half of it is under construction. Its near the albert Dock, but feels very isolated on the opposite side of the busy road with no complimentory buildings near by. Its quite basic but with potential. The beer was ok Best reviewed once the works are complete.