The Blackburne, Liverpool

I had heard this place was pretty food-led so wasn't sure what to expect. On entering there was a strong foody smell, mushrooms I think, but on making our way to the bar we were greeted with friendly welcoming service and the barmaid suggested we take a seat and she would bring our drinks over once they had settled. There were four hand pulls at the bar, one of which was off at the time of my visit. I had Fab Four by Rock the Boat which was only £3.10 a pint, quite refreshing when so many foody places take the piss a bit on drinks pricing. As you walk in the right hand side appears to be set up for dining with the smaller area to the left for drinkers. It seemed there was a live music act warming up over at the end of the dining section. Overall, nowhere near as bad as it could have been. Probably not somewhere I would rush back to but was good to have been and tried it.

not sure how this place gets away with still calling itself a pub in all honesty. it's a restaurant in all but name and is so far up its backside that it can't remember what sunlight looks like. amusingly there were no diners at all this Thursday lunchtime and the chef was sat at the bar looking bored to death. really nice pint but I couldn't wait to move on to be honest.

Official site of Blackburne Arms - www.theblackburne.co.uk

Official site of Blackburne Arms - www.theblackburne.co.uk

Modernised hotel restaurant / bar with a central counter between the lighter dining area at one end and the general tables in the darker seating area at the other. Four local real ales from smaller breweries on handpump, including the Little Crosby Mussel Wreck (£2.90, served in a jug).