knibbd's Qype profile

A good old community pub. One of a number of 17th century inns on this street, this one is noted for the large screen TV showing football, rugby and other major events.
Good food and some real ale served.
Once again in this area, the major problem is parking although a lot of customers tend to use Sainsbury’s car park which is almost opposite, but there is a car park attendant at times who only allows two hours parking.
Added 1.9.2010 – New management are having a “relaunch” at the weekend, having redecorated and sorted out a lot of the underused parts. It will be interesting to see how this goes as it is a wonderful pub, with great character.
5.02.2012 This turned into a wonderful pub – attracting all our old customers as it was friendly and community oriented. Unfortunately, it is a distance (bus ride) from us and we only go on a Sunday night for the Singers’ Night. It has recently been made clear that this is no longer welcome – firstly by running out of real ale and now by having a karaoke playing at high volume when acapella singers are trying to be heard. We are at least 20 customers – the karaoke attracts two or three – we will now be seeking another site. Does this make financial sense?
The beer is still reasonable and cheaper than other local pubs the food is the same, but the welcome is now missing.

I have no knowledge of the facilities while staying there, but have experienced the hotel as a venue for a private function today.
This was the gathering after the funeral of a friend and we were a party of 50+. The foyer is now completed and is very impressive. On arrival in the decent-sized car park, one is struck by the proliferation of contemporary sculptures. These are continued inside, in the commodious and welcoming entrance, with automatic doors.
We were given a large room very near the entrance and treated to ample supplies of tea and coffee with a bar in the room. There is no real ale on offer, but they do have a good selection of malt whiskies if one asks for them.
The buffet provided was excellent and served by a wonderful staff. We were allowed to conduct a series of songs, dances and music (being mostly folk performers) and had a very enjoyable afternoon in the circumstances.

Used to be called Wilkie’s Tavern – still known locally as Wilkies. A choice of at least six real ales and ciders, with an enormous choice of lagers and spirits as well. Often dominated by local rugby fans watching one of the many screens, but all very knowledgable about the games, union or league – very unusual in this area.
This is a very basic drinker’s pub – no carpets, a shortage of seating and no food, but superb booze!
It gets very full most nights.
Very quiet midweek now (as are most pubs). Serving plenty of their own brews now (4T’s) which are notable for the incredible amount of hops in each pint!

This is one of a number of really old pubs in this one street in Warrington. Although the outside is covered by its listed status, the interior was comprehensively changed a few years back (including removing an original wattle and daub wall as it was inconveniently placed!).
New management as of August 2008, so we have to wait to see how the pub character develops.
Serves at least one real ale.
There is a huge well-appointed function room with a fantastic view of the high quality bowling green at the rear of the pub. Major headache trying to park anywhere near.
Now serves a choice of guest ales – currently three.
Michelle (current manager) has persuaded the pubco to allow a number of local real ales and is serving them in very good condition and at extremely competitive prices. This is a very pleasant local pub and now has a good selection of ales.

This is a stunning sight in sunshine. I have never seen it when the race is on, but can imagine what a fantastic spectacle this is.
For those who haven’t seen it, this is a very well-designed public space where the Pallio is run annually. All the important medieval families are represented by a horse and rider and the crowd are incredibly partisan, with much shouting and flag-waving. The contestants race their horses around the outside of the Piazza with the crowd on the inside and hanging from surrounding windows. Not a place to be if you have a weak bladder!
Many of the buildings repay a visit with interest, but the most interesting is the Town Hall, which has some amazing frescoes. It is also possible to go onto the rooftop walks and see Sienna from a completely different perspective.

Despite the name and the flashy exterior, this really is a local, community co-operative store as was. NOt that the profits actually come back to the community as they used to, but it operates in a friendly way, with the assistants knowing all the locals.
The store actually stocks a large selection of bottled real ale, wines and spirits as well as all the usual range of foods and household items.
Nowhere to park.
Upgraded in 2011 and is now disabled friendly as well as the other advantages. There is usually a rack near to the tills full of “bargain offers” – items near to their best by date and similar. It is also the only place nearby to sell newspapers.

This is an excellent example of a well run community pub, with a landlord who cares about his products. Mark, the landlord, is very knowledgeable about all drinks, but especially good on real ales. Up until earlier this year, he ran the Baltic Fleet pub in Liverpool, complete with its own brewery in the cellar (see any CAMRA review of champion real ales). Food is a little hit and miss at the moment, but may well improve in the near future.
Pub also has a selection of real ciders and lagers.
April 2009 – Mark still hasn’t got his brewery up and running, but has all the necessary parts. Food definitely improving, which is extremely surprising to anyone who has seen the size of their kitchen! Smaller than almost all household kitchens!
April 2011 – STILL problems with the brewery licences, National Heritage by all accounts! The pub is still well worth a visit as they stock some superb beers and ciders and the welcome is still warm.
December 2011 – (30th actually!)
My wife and I spent Friday night here as I had a surprise night off work. Coincidentally, it happened to be the best possible night to choose as they had one of their mini Beer Festivals running AND it was the monthly open-mike night.
Altogether, I sampled five excellent real ales and two superb ciders. Contrary to usual, the ciders weren’t mindblowers – one was 4% and the other 4.5%, but both were extremely tasty.
The musical contributions were also good, with a number of people offering to sing and/or play. This was spoiled only by the others who insisted on talking right through many of the songs and, at times, shouting to be heard above it! Very bad manners, to my thinking.
I would heartily recommend the Albion on the last Friday of any month.