PubBlog

Lochgilphead:

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Listed in CAMRA’s historic pub interiors, this little pub keeps a timewarp feel. No real ale when we visited, sadly, but pleasant staff and locals, and the lager was bearable.

Corby:

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A ‘spoons. Pretty standard modern ‘spoons, with all that entails, amplified by the fact that it seems everyone in Corby comes here to get pissed, along with anyone who happens to be at the nearby Rockingham Motor Speedway, though this one seemed particularly poor for service: I was frankly amazed that at 6′ 4″ and over 17st, I was *still* invisible at the bar.

Bournemouth:

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Original post here.

It’s still a nice pub. Great real ale, pretty good (rather than excellent) food. It’s a traditional backstreet pub, out of the way, but popularity has caught up with it, so it can be a struggle getting served or finding a seat, though they do take table reservations.

Bourenmouth:

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Near to the Hop Inn, and less grim. There’s a strong football theme, but at least there’s real ale- barman was friendly too. There’s cheap food (untried by us). Only real problem was my ale came in a plastic glass.

Bournemouth:

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It’s own website lists it as a boutique hotel, and some Tripadvisor reviews seem favourable (for stag parties!), but based on my experience, that’s a bit misleading. It’s a pub loosely based on the Wetherspoon model, and rooms above. I can’t speak for the rooms, but the pub is cheap food, keg beer, loud TVs and other ‘entertainment’, and a bit grubby.

Bournemouth:

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Traditional pub in Bournemouth’s Triangle area. We’d planned a visit to The Goat and Tricycle, (updated post here) but it was rammed, and this was the next traditional-style pub we came to. Warm welcome, decent beer, and a pleasant place to have a proper pint rather than restaurants or a hotel bar.

A couple of real ales, no food I could see. It’s a gay pub, if that bothers you in any way (not me, in the slightest), but as a definitely straight forty-something couple, we were made to feel welcome.

Belfast:

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Lovely Victorian pub in a pedestrianised alley.

Corner detail on the Morning Star: Winged Lion of St Mark

This had no ale, but did have proper Stella. It’s a bit food-dominated, with heavy Guiness and oysters promotion, and a large hot buffet area, which sadly makes the whole pub smell of food (and makes it hot and humid). We were goinf to have lunch here, but that, combined with the total lack of a sandwich on the menu put us off. Staff were great though: friendly, helpful, and chatty but not annoying.

Belfast:

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A rather nice Victorian pub, with outside seating on the busy Chichester St. No ale, sadly, but respectable Guiness.

Belfast:

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Lower Garfield St looks a bit run dow, with a huge, impressive, but dilapidated building opposite the Deer’s Head. The pub itself is a bit tired too, but has some great features (like the booths) that give it a timewarp air. It’s not actually grotty, but could be better. No ale, either, but the staff were friendly.

Belfast:

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I should have hated this. One look at the website will tell you why.

Welcome to Irene and Nan’s, one of Belfast’s leading bar / restaurants. With it’s uber cool décor, sophisticated drinks menu and carefuly prepared dishes we cater for all events.

but actually, it was OK. Yes, the decor was retro (60s-70s with old clocks and radios), and the most desireable draught beer was Girl’s Stella (the ropey 4% ABV rubbish), but the trendily-dressed barman was friendly, and the clientele weren’t all below 25. The live music was pretty good too: acoustic guitar and singer that could actually sing, so it made for a pleasant drink.

Just don’t wear Timberland boots…