please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
A bit of a dive but loads of character and a place you could make friends very easily I suspect. Decent selection of ales and solid heavy rock jukebox if that's your cup of tea.
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Fourth pub on my short Liverpool crawl yesterday was the Swan. It was quiet, with only a couple of other punters in, along with the barmaid. But with Guns 'n' Roses on the jukebox, it was only quiet in one sense. Ales on were Phoenix Hopsack, Springhead Blind Tiger, Black Sheep Brian, Leeds Midnight Bell, Robinsons Trooper, Marstons Owd Rodger & Cotleigh Old Buzzard. Wobbly Bob was off. The usual real cider is Rosie's Triple D. Rock pub that looks nothing from the outside, but is worth a visit if in this area of Liverpool, populated with late night bars and clubs.
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This place gives me the feeling of being almost like something you may see in a German bar, quite dimly lit, a bit of a bare feeling to it and wooden benches and stools. There's a downstairs room and a room upstairs (where the toilets also are). The downstairs room is reasonably big with U-shaped bar. The Ales on were Strathaven Timorous Beastie- 3.30 a pint and quite nice and well kept, Cotleigh Snowy, Phoenix Hopsack, Cottage Pacific, Otley Coolships Pale, Spitting Feathers Gingerbread Latte Sout. The pump that seems to do Wobbly bob by Phoenix regularly was off (which actually lead one guy to walk out). Most of the clientele in here were older rocker types and this seemed to reflect the music that was being played (Renegade by Styx is the only one I remember but it was that era music), I thought the music was quite pleasant and not too loud. Things that were hung on the wall included branded Mirrors from Guinness and Leffe and Guinness. Not a bad place I thought and I would come back here for one or two, don't think I'd hang around.
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Quieter and not quite as noisy as previous visits. The pub itself is still very much unchanged. Service is good and the ale range is still fine. Yesterday was Grafton Coco Loco, Mr Grundy's Sniper, Jennings Summit Else, Robinsons Trooper, Cottage Defiant, Wadworth Dirty Rucker & Phoenix Hopsack & Wobbly Bob. The real cider can be found at the end of the bar. It's always Rosie's Triple D these days. Still worth visiting for a quick one, or more of a session if you're into the music.
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Another pub I hadn't been to for a couple of years. I can't remember having visited here on an evening before. I think all of my previous visits have been at lunchtime. Whilst it was no busier, it did seem noisier than normal. Sometimes I find the music ok in here. But the selection from the jukebox was more annoying this time. So we supped up quickly and moved on. Service was good and the cider (Rosies Triple D) was fine. The ale selection was Cottage Full Steam Ahead, Phoenix Hopsack, Elland Who Da Ell, Hydes Original & Bridgnorth Kings Escape. Based on this visit, it will be another couple of years before I return. When I do, I must remember to come back on a lunchtime.
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I've been in The Swan many times, although less frequently as the years go by. The key word is inconsistent.
Sometimes I think it's a great boozer, good ale and the best juke box anywhere I've been, the next visit I get poor quality ale and indifferent service. The juke box is the only constant, but it's not enough to stop me going elsewhere.
Liverpool is blessed with real ale pubs, so plenty of alternatives.
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A good range of hand pumps (Phoenix Hopsack especially) and I didn't suffer the bad service that one recent reviewer did, quite the contrary in fact. Its shabby appearance might put some people off but it's a friendly place. And if you want to hear Purple Haze, Dazed & Confused and
Paranoid in the space of 60 minutes, you know where to go!
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First time in this pub on Tuesday night. After a couple of hours of supping Hydes Original and Phoenix Hopsack which was in excellent form amongst the rockers and superb jukebox I made the mistake of ordering a pint of the Geek Brewery 'Geek Unique'. It certainly was unique in that it was rancid, I mean really sour and totally undrinkable. I politely told the barmaid who told me it tastes like that and no one else had complained ! I tried again and was told again it was not 'off' and that she would not change it ! Unreal ! All my drinking years i've never been spoken to by anyone behind a bar as obnoxious as this. I left the beer and ordered another pint of Hopsack which she left with a 1 and 1/2 inch head which i had to ask to be topped. She went ballistic and snarled at me for some reason...... An appalling experience. Another pub to avoid and spread the bad word about unfortunately.......
Will stick to 'The Globe' in future which was excellent all round.
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We arrived just as the doors were opening and they were still cleaning up from the night before so there was a niff of stale beer coupled with cleaning fluids. However, we were warmly greeted and the beer was fine (sometimes the first beer out of a pump in the morning can be a bit dubious but ours were OK). It is a bikers/heavy metal bar and I could imagine a different atmosphere on a Saturday night but we found it fine and enjoyed a pint before moving on. (the large baguettes looked good and they do a good range of foreign ales as well as the real beer)
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Deliberately serving friends/regulars in front of people who have been waiting always gets a zero from me.
anonymous - 8 Oct 2011 11:12 |
Friends had recommended the Swan but their discription of heavy music, bikers and so on put me off a bit but as we were in Wood Street we decided to pop in. It was just as they had described but the custumers and staff couldn't have been more polite and welcoming. Good selection of ales and there's a quieter place upstairs if you want to talk. Not a place for old codgers unless of course they're bikers as well.
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I've grown to like this pub much more now and have been a couple of times recently. Agree the jukebox is more rock than metal. But I don't particularly mind this and it's not the reason I'd come here. The beer selection is still good. On our visit last weekend, there was Newmans Grumpy Toad Warmer, Phoenix Hopsack & Wobbly Bob, St Helier George's Dragons Blood, Green Jack Ole Cock Old Ale, Otter Ale, Hydes Original and Cottage Atlantic. In addition, Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon has now replaced Old Rosie as the cider of choice. Upgrading my rating slightly.
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A combination of great beer & a LOUD jukebox. Unlike some of the modern CD ones which take your money & never play your choices, this is an old style CD one that you can feed & enjoy, as we did. Cant remember the last time I heard AC/DC "Big Balls" in a pub.
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Always a pleasure going to this pub, always visit when I'm in Liverpool. Had the Phoenix Wobbly Bob @6% which is a classic.
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Carlurmston's comments are an excellent summary of this unique establishment. I add that the juke box is NOT heavy metal, or are The Ramones, Dead Kennedys and Bob Dylan part of that genre? It's a rock juke box, and what you get to hear depends on who's been putting the money in. Unfortunately, as downstairs is a single room it's not the ideal place for conversation - it's possible at the window end with raised voices, but if that's what you want there's better places neaby. Sadly, beer quality has slipped over the last few years, and despite the excellent range, great staff and lively atmosphere this is a problem for me. Also worth a visit to see the exotic bikes usually parked outside, as no proper biker would leave Liverpool without visiting.
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Famous rockers pub in a backstreet just off the main shopping area and surprisingly close to the trendy bars of Concert Square. It's fine stained glass window is the extent of any opulence, and features a large Swan amongst the colours. Inside it's a typical rock pub, bare boards, loud and busy. Many come for the jukebox which has the best selection of alternative tracks in the city, but beer isn't on the backburner here, and 6 pumps dispense a good selection from microbreweries, Phoenix of Heywood always featuring (just keep off the Wobbly Bob at 8%!) Old Rosie's real cider is also served here. It's the best beer selection I know for a rock pub, most have maybe 1 or 2 national beers at the most. Old tables and pews are the furnishings, nobody comes here for comfort. It's a cracking proper boozer with a great beer range that is always worth a visit if you're not faint-hearted. If you're only in Liverpool for a short period, however, you may wish to prioritise the city's more opulent boozers, as the pub itself is standard rock-pub material, not that I wish to detract from it in any way.
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cracking boozer good selection of real ales great staff and the best juke box in a liverpool pub. bouncers kept an eye on our bikes when we were on a flying visit, and had many a great night out been many times on foot
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Called over on Saturday. Still the same old Swan.. good selection of REAL beer and amazing prices. Phoenix Hopsack for �1.90.. (prefer Arizona.. but beggars can't be choosers) Even the bouncers are nice guys. Any complaint??.. all the stairs to the toilets are a little awkward after 5 or 6 pints, but I guess theres not much they can do about that.
9/10
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I used to go to the swan in the late 70s and it was a Heavy Metal haven, then. Nice that somethings don't change. By the way Mattbeer; we didn't have scallies in the 70s, but we had a Mod revival thanks to Quadrophenia. The Swan was one of the few places that remained Mod-free. I think the atmosphere in there is unique and is one of the few pubs that you can honestly say is like no other.
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blue_scrumpy - the reason for the loud heavy metal juke box is to make sure no scallies go in there. :)
But I agree with your points - it has regular guest ales and is friendly - and does get busy at the weekends. But you know what - I've never seen any trouble in there! Coz the million decibel metal music scares off the scumbags!
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Just off one of the main Liverpool shopping drags (Bold St), this pub does not look too promising from the outside. The interior is not much better. It's dark and dingy, and the loud heavy metal music does not help its cause. Nonetheless, service was good here and there's a good selection of changing real ales. Hydes Original, Phoenix Hopsack & Wobbly Bob, Inveralmond Ossian Ale, Blackwater Mafia and Hoskins EXS were available, in addition to Weston's Old Rosie cider. I briefly saw the upstairs bars on the way to the 1970s-style toilets (I'm not saying they're retro, they're simply old) and I can imagine this place gets pretty busy on weekend nights. Heavy metal music isn't exactly my bag. How the young guy reading his book could concentrate on his subject matter, God only knows. However, there's an eclectic bunch of people in here. If you enjoy heavy metal and real ales, this is definitely the place fot you. Although I doubt I'll be coming here again on a regular basis.
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Discovered this pub last Friday. It's brilliant! Friendly welcome and eight handpumps with a wide range of ales. Ales were in tip-top condition, with Phoenix Hopsack at �1.80 a real bargain. Well worth a visit.
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Further to the post by oldboots, I like to linger here when not in a group! Probably the safest pub in Liverpool - despite all of the "heavy metal fans and goths". Would rather be amongst them (probably because I am one - ish) than the scallys!
Have been taking notes and recently here I have had Hook Norton - Hooky Gold; Cottage - The Underdogs; Oakleaf (Gosport) - Heart of Oak; erm, and some others !!!
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The pub is noted for being popular with heavy metal fans and goths, plenty of old codgers like myself in there tonight but not many yoofs. Lighting in the downstairs bar is kept low and the juke box volume kept high. Long queue at the bar mainly due to a short barmaid not being able to reach the glasses shelf! Soon got a pint which was well worth the short wait. Great range of beers always on, too many to list; being spoiled for choice the innocent bystander in front of me asked for a sample which was graciously given, needless to say he had a pint. Not as worrying as the Cracke can sometimes be, but not a restful experience or somewhere to linger unless in a group, still very good quality beer and always fun.
anonymous - 16 Jan 2009 17:53 |
Had another pint here last week. Don't ask me what it was called though and what brewery it was from! If you're not local and are visiting Liverpool for a day (or 2, or 3) go to the Swan. You will not be disappointed, or if you are you must be mad!
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Had a pint of ??? here last week! I need to start writing down what I'm drinking when I come here, because apart from the Wobbly Bob, they are always changing their guests - which is a good thing! ;)
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Still an excellant retreat from all of the scally pubs and bars in Liverpool. Forgot what I drank there last time but it was one of the ever changing real ales. I don't think that the 3 elderly tourists who were sat next to me were impressed when Rage Against The Machine came on the juke box at full volume - at 3 in the afternoon!
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Dark, dingy & loud, this is a great place. Listening to The Who - Baba O'Riley at full blast whilst drinking a pint of Wobbly Bob, it just can't get any better than that!
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oh yes, i almost hit it off with a with beautiful, fuzzy-haired art student, liz thompson, who worked behind the bar for a while. but that came later, and sadly we were moving in slightly different directions, vibewise. a real shame. dingy lights, bare floorboards, tatty seats, it was a top watering hole and i did some really good-quality thinking in there. enjoy
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this place really used to rock. fantastic jukebox, great scruffball crowd. used to go in there as a student of architecture and loved it all the time. met a terrific german woman called babs there once - must have been 1988-89 - and it's the first and only one-night stand i've had. she was cool and we stayed friends for a while after. i miss the old place terribly. cheers
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To the pubinspectors - as the person who gave this pub its 25th rating (thus causing it to appear in the Top 10) might I suggest a little closer inspection? Two recent negative comments from the same person, yes, but if you go back further you'll find alot more good reviews than bad ones. Perhaps it's just not as good as it used to be?
For the record, I gave it a seven as the jukebox is indeed quality and it had a great collection of strong Belgian beers (one was 12%!) which I was too scared to try. Equally can't comment on the state of Wobbly Bob!
I don't think it's the sixth best pub in Liverpool, let alone the country, and you can twist statistics and ratings to suit your needs all day long. Fair play though, for not giving it a zero just because it appears not to belong in the hallowed top 10 (as often happens...)
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At the moment this pub lies the sixth best pub in the UK according to the BITE Top 40.
Now look at the comments below.
We haven't been in the Swan Inn so we're not rating it, but we suspect something very strange is going on!
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What has happened to this once great pub? The Wobbly Bob was undrinkable! So much for nostalgia!It will be a while before I venture though the Swans doors again.
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Dunno what all this talk of bnp is.... I used to work there a good few years ago and definitely no nazis then. Great relaxed pub. They didn't mind the fact that I was pissed most of the shifts I worked and shagged quite a lot of the birds who drank in there. Recommend it to anyone.
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Food no longer on. That was a waste of time.
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The slow decline of this once great pub continues.
Never quite the same following its refurbishment,
the quality of the beer has taken a nose dive of
late. Crop Circle was undrinkable, and even the
usually trustworthy Wobbly Bob was bland and tateless.
Usual mix of interesting clientelle, still retains
some of the old atmosphere, but like the beer, somewhat watered down.
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Swan Food Menu - Now back on 7 days a week. Curry Evening on Wednesday.
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My original comment seems to have been removed, no idea why. Some people...
Never noticed any Nazi/BNP presence in there, never had a bad night, VERY rarely had an indifferent pint and it was home to the best pint of Timmy Taylor's Landlord I've ever had. It's always been adventurous with respect to its guest beers and was always a friend to Oak/Phoenix.
Yes, it's loud and some of the music's not to my taste but sod that, it's one hell of a boozer.
RIP to You Know Who. If you don't, then you don't know The Swan.
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Poor quality beer in here. Tried four or five different ones recently and all were poorly kept. Perhaps they should cut down the amount they sell and concentrate on keeping three or four in good condition. This place has been relying on its reputation for far too long.
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fantastic pub, some very friendly regulars, even when i got caught using the wrong toilet (accident!), you can get a few dirty looks though if you're wearing trainers, varied ale at times, and decent bar staff
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Brilliant place. Downstairs bar hasn't changed in years (except that you don't have to wade into the Gents now). Went there on a crawl last Xmas and got completely shitfaced. Good real ales but none under 5.2%. More comfortable than an old shoe however long you leave it between visits. Great jukey.
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One of the best rock pubs in the country. A fantastic, loud jukebox with every rock/metal album you could wish for. Lovely range of beers and ciders. The Cains ales and lagers are very good. Dark inside with a huge picture of Karl Marx on the wall but it is actually very friendly and welcoming.
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Without question or any shadow of a doubt, this is the greatest, most legendariest pub on the planet. Amazing jukebox (downstairs) which reverberates throughout the entire building, really amazing people, great beers and basically a great laid-back atmosphere. This really is a you-have-to-see-it-for-yourself experience. Best. Pub. Ever. Quiz in the upstairs attic (with less amazing jukebox than downstairs) bar on thursdays.
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Fantastic pub,groovy people,great beer and the best jukebox anywhere!!
anonymous - 15 Mar 2007 13:33 |
Ignore my last comment, it's not the best pub in Liverpool but the best pub in the World, with the best jukebox in the world. I live in Chippenham and lived in Bath for 6 years (where i still work). Dozens of decent pubs down here - but not as good as the Swan!
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Best pub in Liverpool. Always loads of real ales, but if you're not into that the lagers cheap and the juke box is best in England. People from well known (and not so well known bands can be found here) - but it's so dark in here you wouldn't notice. Less bikers than there used to be.
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way way back in 1996 - we started my sisters hen night here (shes a bit of a rock chick and to be fair there were more blokes than girls on the actual hen night) i had teh best time ever, and more importantly so did my sister - whatever were were drinking certainly worked! after going there and a few other places we decided to go for a meal and play frisbee with some king prawns - good times! :-)
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The Swan is just a great place to have a night out.The Jukebox is amazing,the staff are pleasant and the beer is always fine.
anonymous - 17 Nov 2006 23:42 |
You get people from all walks of life coming into the Swan because it's a friendly pub with great staff and the beer is fine.As for the jukebox being loud..Yes that's a fair comment however,If I am not in the mood to listen to loud music when I go in I sit at the front of the pub where it quieter/go upstairs.Most of the time though I like the music being loud because it is after all a rock pub and not one of those awful soulless trendy bars!!
anonymous - 29 Oct 2006 18:51 |
The Jukebox is loud, as this is a Rock Pub. What makes the Swan so great is that it is different from all the other so called trendy bars and pubs that have sprang up around it. Even so, if the musics too lound, just ask the bar staff if they can turn it down.
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My previous review of this pub in December 2005 met with harsh criticism in June 2006. Having now paid a subsequent visit to the pub in September 2006, I am prepared to accept that my comment about the pub being intimidating and hostile to strangers is probably not entirely fair. However the jukebox was excessively loud and conversation with other customers is well nigh impossible with music at this volume and for this reason alone, I still do not like this pub. Why cannot a pub in such a good reasonably central location make an effort to appeal to a wider cross section of customers. ?
Interested in comments from the management, thanks.
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Easily the best Pub in Liverpool.
anonymous - 23 Aug 2006 19:56 |
Look no further than the Swan for a great night out. Great beer,Jukebox and conversation. Give Wobbly Bob a try !
anonymous - 20 Aug 2006 20:04 |
The swan is the most friendly and laid back pub I have ever drank in !! The staff are great and the regulars are the most non judgemental people you will ever meet.A mixture of rockers/people in suits/punks/goths etc etc in fact a really good mix of people and conversation.I have been drinking in the Swan for 26 years and it's the only pub that I feel comfortable going in on my own ! As for being a BNP pub you must be joking!! You see..The Swan is a well run pub and rascist behavour would simply not be tolerated !!
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Except for the recent influx of emo/goth/scalls without tracksuits, this was, is and always will be the greatest pub anywhere. Great staff, Great beer, Great Jukebox
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This is a great pub, and the comment by the loser who said The Pilgrim was better surely realises that the same people own The Swan, Ye Cracke and The Pilgrim don't you? Or are you another stirrer talking about something you have no knowledge about? The wan S
still has THE best juke box in the world and better beers appearing regularly these days.
anonymous - 4 Jul 2006 19:03 |
I have been drinking in this pub since I was old enough, I am not a real ale drinker but I do find the selection impressive.
The staff are friendly and excellent company. I would highly recommend this pub, many of my friends both in and out of the city agree with me.
The final haven for the "True Blue" drinker
anonymous - 27 Jun 2006 13:09 |
This is the most friendly, non judgemental pub I have ever drank in. I've been drinking in this pub for over 20 years and feel that it is absolute rubbish about this being a BNP friendly pub! Most of the people that drink in the pub are regulars and I know, for a fact, that non of them would condone ANY racist behaviour! if anyone hears any individual voicing derogatory comment towards anyone... please tell the staff as it will not be sorted unless people stand united to deal with problems! So if there are any nazi idiots out there... steer clear of this pub... for your own safety!!
anonymous - 26 Jun 2006 12:07 |
I work and socialise in this pub, and I'm astounded by the comments regarding the BNP. There never was a BNP problem, just the odd nazi loser you'll find in any pub (are we supposed to vet everyone that walks in?). The management and staff do not, and have never condoned any racist comments or behaviour, and people practising or acting in this manner have and always will be ejected from the premises & barred. I have been drinking here for many years and would not socialise if this kind of behaviour was acceptable. As for silent_force the comment about the oldest barmaid was low and uncalled for (and no, I'm not her). You must be proud of yourself.
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ot the above "anonymous" posters, yes the probelm with the BNP has been sorted out, and to John Bonser, you clearly have no idea what you're talking about, all of the above named pubs are for pretentious t***s and old men (save for Ye Cracke, which is the local refuge from AA)
anonymous - 14 Jun 2006 17:33 |
A haven for nazis,losers and the proud workplace of the worlds oldest barmaid.
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Wnet in early evening, mid-week. A decent selection of ale which unfortunately doesn't appear to be kept that well. Got a pint of Nethergate which was worryingly warm. Followed this with a different brew - vinegar! Didn't notice anyone else in there drinking ale - now I know why. Decent juke box though.
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Was a nice pint an tidy jukebox when I went in last year. Has the BNP situation been sorted?
anonymous - 30 Apr 2006 23:26 |
i have to agree about the bnp . this pub has always been accepting of everyone but the bnp is a step too far . i know many regulars are being put off by the fact that the bnp are slowly worming there way in .
come on management . what are u gonna do ?
anonymous - 7 Apr 2006 12:54 |
Liverpool has a reputation for good friendly traditional locals where the passing visitor is made more than welcome and treated like a long - lost friend - eg The Globe, Philharmonic, Roscoe Head, Lion Tavern, Poste House, Ye Cracke, Peter Kavanaghs, Midland, The Crown ( by the station ). The Dispensary etc
Sadly this pub is not among them. Very intimidating and hostile to strangers. Not recommended
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found this place very easily from lime street station...10min walk. great jukebox (brought back a few memories) and a very nice pint of hydes bitter, friendly bar staff. well worth a visit
senna - 17 Oct 2005 12:50 |
Great juke box and beer range similarly. Very mixed crowd with friendly atmosphere. Is it just me or have prices spiralled over the last year or two ?
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the hub
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Unfortunately going to have to give this 0/10 until the manager does something about the bnp who seem to be moving in. "There not causing any trouble" is not good enough. One day it might be too late. And what about the Outlaws? Are you going to let them take over your pub?
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Best jukebox in Merseyside bar none.
Den - 4 Nov 2004 11:58 |
This pub is ace. i've been drinking there since 1986 and even though live on the Isle Of Man I'm there that often it's still my local ... and the Wobbly Bob is an excellent beer ... great crowd of all types of people ... great beer ... great metal juke box ... relaxed and groovy place (wich it was still 20 minutes awya on the train)
konkers - 26 Aug 2004 23:32 |
my ex local from about 1980 to 1990. Great pub, great people
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excellent pub for the regular and newer visitors. Real ale, real music and good lookin (male) bar staff add to the pleasant atmosphere. long reign the swan inn!
ceecee - 17 Jun 2004 21:05 |
I've been going there since 1981, and it still has the same atmosphere, thank God. It's a combination of the music, the friendly banter, and the large collection of old ! regulars, with the ever changing new arrivals, who are all as appreciative as we were when we first came . Long may it continue!
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This pub is an istitution. It has survived the redevelopment of the area and survived it's own refurbishment without major change. (The picture of Karl Marx is still in the same place) The only proper pub amongst a noose of overpriced 'bars'.
Not as many bikes parked outside as there used to be. The younger staff seem to be dominating the jukebox with dodgy nu-metal but there are still plenty of people who've been drinking there for years, some of whom don't seem to have moved from the same spot at the bar in all that time. Spot various members of the Addams Family about the place.
A great pub, a haven.
palmwinedrinkard - 15 Apr 2004 18:30 |
If you like Heavy Metal, Real Ale and the early 80's unreconstructed, look no further!
Acid Sorceror - 23 Feb 2004 10:35 |
