Swinging Arm, Birkenheadback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Oh.....forgot to mention that the absurdly high bar has been replaced by one of standard height however it appears to have been made from pieces of scrap timber.
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Marstons Pedigree and Brimstage Trappers Hat available on a recent visit. I had a pint of Trappers Hat but it was very poor. Next time I looked the pump clip was turned round so I must have got the end of the barrel. The Pedigree was fine. A metal band was playing (very loud) and the pub was crowded and hot. The atmosphere was fine and not at all threatening despite some very rough looking characters.
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Went in here late on Friday night after a trip to Pacific Road Arts Centre.
The place was heaving due to a band playing. There was a good atmosphere but a few of the punters were scary.
I had a pint of Timothy Taylors 'Landlord' which was fine.
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This pub appears to have gone downhill in recent times. If you like your music loud, you'll probably enjoy an evening here. Last time I was here, I visited on a weekend evening when a band was playing. In the meantime, I heard reports of the pub stocking a good range of ales and ciders. However our visit last night revealed that all of the ciders have gone and the ale selection is nothing special. Hobgoblin, Landlord, Bombardier and Dark Island were supposed to be the beers on offer. We plumped for the latter but found a dark red beer - perhaps Red MacGregor - instead. This pub still has a fine view over the Mersey to Liverpool and is worth visiting for that alone. However, I doubt I'll be back in the near future. We supped up quickly and headed to Gallaghers!
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Idiosyncratic rocker's pub with an enviable view over the river to Liverpool. It's almost in the town centre but on a residential street so is not too easy to find. It' s one large, airy room, with a raised area where frequent gigs are held. A jukebox and pool table are focal points, and the walls are covered with Americana, posters, guitars etc, giving the place a roadhouse feel. On the beer front, Spitfire, Landlord and Bombardier were available on my visit- not the strongest selection, but of the 'big beers' these are my favourite so no real complaints. Landlord was first from the barrel but excellent. Food is limited to snacks and pies. A friendly feel, although not strictly traditional for reasons listed above. This is easily the second best pub in Birkenhead at the moment, and whilst you should head for the Stork first, it's well worth a visit.
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Discovered this pub 18 months ago - ticked all the boxes:
* great beer
* great views
* great music (bands and juke box)
* pool table
* good bar service
* footy on tv - what more could you want?
However on my last 3 visits the quality of the real ale has dropped, notably the t taylor landlord. Also at �2.75 per pint i think its a bit steep. Maybe the extended range of other beers, means that the TT Landlord is not turning over quickly enough?
I found it really hard to post this, as the pub has many many plusses, but the most important one, the beer (real ale i am referring to), has certainly declined in quality...and a bit pricey too. Unless there is an improvement in quality, then I think other establishments, such as the excellent Stork, may see a bit more of my hard earned brass instead. I hope this review has a positive impact as this pub has many many plusses, but not in the most important one. If the TT landlord and bombardier was up to scratch, I would rate this a minimum of 9/10.
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If you didn't know anything about this pub then you may just avoid it. Outside there are normally crowds of Hell's Angels, heavy metal types & tattoed, peirced skinheads drinking Newcastle Brown. Don't be put off as this is a really friendly pub. Inside there are bare floorboards & rock memorabilia on the walls along with a large mural of Che Guevara. Large screen TV or Planet Rock radio playing when there is not a live band. Selection of European lagers plus Taylor's Landlord. At the back of the pub fabulous views over the River Mersey. This was my first visit since they moved the bar & like previous posters have said it is far too high.
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Visited this pub recently prior to going to Pacific Rd.
The bare floorboards and motorbike memorabilia on the walls make it an interesting place.
The bar is far too high. I felt like a child.
A couple of real ales.
I went back after the concert at Pacific Rd and was disappointed to discover that the place closed at 11pm !
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Used to look like something off the set of Life On Mars. A real 70's vibe augmented by the excellent Phil the hippy who worked most lunchtimes and had a laptop of top, rare sounds (incl. John Martyn, Nick Drake and even George Formby for some of the older clientele!).
Sadly it seems to have lost some of its anachronistic feel following a recent makeover. The bar has been moved across the room and put on top of the old stage. This rather gives the impression that the people behind the bar are all 6`10". It's still a bikers pub and welcoming and is a lot cleaner than it used to be. It has Taylor's Landlord and Draught Bass on handpump, although on a recent visit the Bass was way too cold and the Taylor's was a bit grim. On the plus side, the Hoegaarden was excellent and the sausage rolls were spot on! I think that most people who visit the place will find something they like
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2 real ales (including Taylor's Landlord - MINE!) with a third on the way.
Selection of other beers for those who don't like the proper stuff.
Stunning rock jukebox for when there is no live band or football on.
No karaoke. Not ever.
Sandie & Eric even madder than their customers and that takes some acieving.
Bikers welcome.
Non bikers also welcome.
Amazing pies from a local bakery.
2 mins from train station.
What's not to like?
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