The Caledonia, Liverpool

I remember this pub when it had a bizzarrer 1990s makeover into a internet cafe / greasy-spoon / laundrette / pub, so local students hardly needed to leave the place!

It's been left as an open plan pub, but the old washing machines with goldfish inside have sadly gone :-)

What's been added is tasteful decor, a small range of decent cask beers, a friendly welcome, and a small stage for some truly fantastic live music (regular jazz & bluegrass - check Facebook page for details).

It's a great addition to the city.

20 Mar 2011 09:52

The Three Stags Heads, Wardlow Mires

Is the landlord a bit of a gruff bugger? Undoubtedly. Would the place be better if he was smiley & welcoming? Perhaps, but only marginally!

Contrary to reports, he's not in the hospitality industry - he & his wife are professional potters (some pieces are in the V&A) - they choose to live in an amazing ancient rural inn. Unlike most people who turn a pub into their home, they decided to keep the pub open, albeit only at weekends, cooking simple local produce, serving cracking cask beer & bottled cider, welcoming walkers, pottery fans, pub-lovers, musicians, etc into this unspoilt gem, 'working museum' of a pub.

The young barman is welcoming & gives good service (though I'm unused to being called "Me Ducks"!) but the food was a bit hit & miss last night (dry meat in otherwise lovely beef stew, overcooked roast duck) but for beer & cider quality, atmosphere, live folk music, friendly customers & a truly amazing place, it must be one of only a handful of truly unspoilt pubs left in the country.

If you're robust enough to take the slight 'rough' with the incredible 'smooth', then don't let any of the bad reviews here put you off (just close the door when you come in & switch your phone off).

3 Oct 2010 12:31

The Coachmakers Arms, Hanley

Great pub, welcoming friendly place, very well-kept beer & interesting range, good conversation - not much more you could want really!

Just off to sign the e-petition - if you've enjoyed this place, please do the same.

20 Oct 2009 12:24