Peter Kavanaghs, Liverpool

This pub is a Victorian gem. It's not that impressive from the outside, although the shutters are an interesting feature. Once inside though it's a real treat. You walk in to what is effectively a drinking corridor, with the bar being a few steps inside on the right. There are two snugs, both on the right on either side of the bar, both have old murals on the walls which are getting a bit faded these days. Both snugs have unusual round tables with a grill in the centre for stubbing out fags and decent fireplaces. The front snug has musical instruments hanging from the ceiling. The room to the left has two seating areas with a piano between the two along with a further raised area at the rear (closed when we were there). There are three bikes along the ledges, pictures covering almost every bit of the walls and transistor radios hanging from the ceiling. There is also the biggest Pelham puppet of Pinocchio that I've ever seen. On the bar are five handpumps serving Abbot Ale and four guests. I had two from the Cambrinus brewery Deliverance and Yardstick, both were excellent. A bit pricey at £2.70 a pint though. It's a bit of a walk from the centre but its well worth it. Top pub.

What a find this was. Hadn't been before on previous visits to Liverpool, but worth seeking out. We were glad it was quiet as we spent some time wandering round looking at the artifacts around the walls and suspended from the ceilings. One ceiling full of suspended radios, another with chamberpots and another with musical instruments. The beers we tried were great too. Cambrinus Herald and Cambrinus Endurance. No food though. Monday appears to be a bad day to eat around here. Will come back next time in Liverpool though.

Victorian/Edwardian interior with an eclectic collection of miscellany, a little like drinking in a junk shop. Many people rave about the interior and the beer. The cask beers, from Greene King (Abbot) and various microbreweries are usually good to fair, the interior is interesting but there just seems something missing. There are several small rooms plus a larger split level affair with lots of seating, more stuff, some interesting photos, posters etc and a piano. It is a bit of a local’s pub, with over exuberant regulars congregating round the bar but they are friendly enough. It is a fair walk from some of the better pubs but for the curious it could be combined with a trip to the Philharmonic and Belvedere.

a very characteristic pub well worth seeking out