Llangollen:
Nice traditional pub- several real ales in good condition, friendly landlord, decent alcohol-free option for the non-drinker with us. One big room, known as a live music venue, but quiet when we visited on an early Friday evening.
Tag Archives: music
Hootananny
Inverness:
We walked past this a couple of times, not liking the look, before we went in.
It’s a music venue, with a wide range of music played. Bare boards, high ceilings. We walked past when it was playing traditional Scottish music, and went in when it was seemingly quiet. Sadly, a choir was setting up. I’m not keen on clap-along music and audience participation, and unintentionally, this was both. Your mileage may vary. Staff OK, beer OK (more Black Isle).
MacGregors
Inverness:
The closest pub to our holiday cottage, and OK rather than wonderful, for us. Some would love it- modern faux-rustic decor, music evenings, whisky-tasting experience, and decent-looking food, but it didn’t hit the spot for us, though the beer choice and quality was great. Very popular with American tourists. Great staff, and probably great if you like it, just not our thing.
The Cellars Bar
Teignmouth:
As the name suggests, a basement pub near the seafront, and co-incidentally very near to the first place we stayed on holiday together, many years ago. We didn’t drink anything like as much then, so couldn’t remember if the pub was there back then. Inside felt a bit dark after the bright sun, but there’s a nice terrace to sit on in the sun, and they had Proper Job on and in fine condition, and outside you could hear the live music (which was OK) and still talk comfortably.
The Pier Hotel
Morecambe:
Large seafront pub- inside it’s pretty normal seaside town pub- pub food, karaoke or a singer. Beer was OK- only one ale, and not to my taste, but in good condition. Staff friendly and helpful (getting me a local taxi number), and overall a pleasant experience. Customers more towards the older side- middle-aged upwards- and the entertainment is skewed that way too.
The Owl’s Nest
Bare Village, Morecambe:
Great pub in an ex-gatehouse of a hall (Elms Hall) nearby that has now been rebuilt as apartments, and our adopted local for the week: a proper community local with pool table, music some nights, great beer and pleasant staff.
The Seven Stars
Bristol:
Lovely, independent, traditional pub tucked in a narrow cobbled lane in Redcliffe. Good choice of real ale, and live music when we visited- the unfortunate side effect being that it was full to bursting, so we finished our drinks outside so we could sit, which was a shame, as atmosphere, beer, and staff were all great. It’s well known for the part it played in the abolishment of slavery in the past.
Mr Wolfs
Bristol:
Music venue, bar, and noodle bar, but pub? Yes, just. Again, we were out of the target demographic, but this was the least bad option for us: there were seats, we got served instead of ignored, and the music wasn’t actually dreadful (in fact, it was OK). No draught ale, but bottled Butcombe, and the barman was welcoming. Floor was a bit sticky, but I suspect that didn’t matter to the usual customers.
The Trumpet
Bilston:
A legendary music venue and pub, this was the saviour of our Bilston trip, and we nearly missed it, as it closes at 4pm on Saturdays. We’ve been caught out before.
Anyway- Holdens on the pumps, friendly staff, nice atmosphere and good music. A great pub.