The Running Horses, St. Helens

Rather cavernous Lloyds No 1 Bar, despite having a substantial island servery and several slightly raised seating areas. Decor interest is limited to a few large paintings, the different types of feature lighting and a few local history displays. Overall, however, the place is dominated by the numerous TV screens. Has a bank of five handpumps on each side of the counter, only seven of which were on, but apart from the inevitable Doom Bar and Abbot, there were two reasonably local beers from Weetwood, one each from Moorhouse's and Williams, and the Wolf Brewery Spring Ale (£2.15).

Five ales on handpump on our visit, so we went for the Coachmans Old Winter Ale. This is a large one roomed open plan pub with a central bar. The décor here is trendy, with gold coloured wallpaper along the side walls, lots of large gilt mirrors and paintings. Other areas were painted in a rich Burgundy colour. A lot quieter than the Glasshouse during the day.

Called in one weekday afternoon where there was one serving and about 6 waiting to be served,so i turned around and headed straight back out again.

very disapointed, tried the all day breakfast brunch the eggs were like rubber complained the meals were took back to the kitchen the eggs were replaced but the rest of the food was cold, tried the large mixed grill on steak night , the meat was tough and very dry, and things were missing of the meal which had been paid for, all in all its just cheap food, wont eat there again