Royal Alfred, St. Helens

Our last pub of the day in St Helens, and we were hoping for a good one to finish off. One good point in its favour is the departure screen for the nearby railway station, so no excuses for missing the train. Of the three hand pumps, two had hand-written pump clips, which doesn't make a good impression. The Black Sheep Bitter was undrinkable, and the pump clip was turned around after we complained. We settled for the Brimstage Trappers Hat instead, but I somehow failed to make a note of my impression of this beer. I did note that there was a strong smell of paint, or solvent. Given the previous review's mention of a refurbishment, it seems strange that they would be repainting again so soon.