Beechams, St Helens College

Quite simply one of the greatest public houses that has ever had the good fortune to be blessed with my presence. As soon as you walk into the Beechams Bar you are greeted by the cheery visage of the Town's wisest old men as they greet you into their domain. These Characters probably have 100 years worth of yarns to tell you should you want to listen. These men know a good beer and can be considered the cream of St.Helens elderly merely by the fact that they gallantly veto the geriatric den of eniquity 'Buzby's' just down the road. As you pass them by on the way to the bar you get a feel for the place. Well lit yet small, with nice wooden chairs, tables and also leather couches pleasantly placed around - the place was refurbished just a few months ago. A crips plasma screen tastefully hung on the wall plays mostly sports, but at a pleasantly subtle volume. You look around and notice that most people are actually having conversations with each other, or even reading something. The bar is small yet perfectly formed, and behind it are uniformed staff eager to serve. A blackboard displays an enchantinf weekly rotating list of guest ales. They also have their own house ale commissioned by the 3 Rivers Brewery which used ot be brewed on site by students. It is called 'Chrystal Wheat' and at 5% it packs quite a punch. In fact - almost every real ale you ever try here - regardless of reputed strength - will kick your arse. If you are ever unsure of what ale to try - simply ask one of the wise old bards what he might be imbibing. For he will have the knowledge on what beer is in best condition on any given day. Last but not least - it is cheap! Students and old fogeys get discounts and I have seen Hobgoblin being sold there for �1.50 a pint recently. I have never come close to paying �2 for a pint there yet. This is St.Helens best kept secret - and I intend to keep it that way! (by deleting this review imminently).

22 Mar 2007 14:18