The Grapes, Liverpool

One of my favourite pubs, always has a very well kept pint and some nice choices. It is the type of pub where you will spend some time, so don't expect a quick visit. I went for a good session ale Lytham Brewery Lytham Blonde and a good 5.2 from Tatton Brewery Penny Less.

This is a pleasant U-shaped back street boozer dating back to 1804 when it was converted into a pub from three houses occupying the corner of Roscoe and Knight Street. It has a nice traditional feel to it with a wooden floor, attractive curved bar counter and mostly low stool seating, except for one curved banquette in the rear corner and some retro bar stools along the counter. The traditional features, which also include a nice fireplace with a long, tall mirror above, are supplemented by something of a Caribbean theme which included Bob Marley artwork, Havana Club signs and reggae music playing over the sound system. Some interesting relief carvings of nude figures are displayed at one end of the room and carnival style beads hang in the windows. The pub has some sort of claim to be the most haunted in Liverpool and ghost talks used to be held regularly although I’m not sure if this still continues. I was pleased to find an excellent ale choice, befitting a pub celebrating its first inclusion in the Good Beer Guide. I was able to choose from Liverpool Organic Josephine Butler, Cascade and 24 Carat Gold, Liverpool Craft Viking Bitter, Tatton Ale and Gold, Castle Rock Harvest Pale and Morland Old Speckled Hen. I tried the Cascade, which the barman pulled through before serving me and thought it was in very good shape. The pub specialises in gin and rum with 13 varieties of the former and 30 of the latter. It was nice to settle down in this pub for a while and enjoy a good pint whilst taking the place in. The traditional, unpretentious feel and excellent range of local ales mean that I would seriously consider another visit the next time I’m in town.

A former "Mellor's Noted Fine Wines & Spirits" and later Pubmaster outlet, as evidenced by the retained exterior signage, this backstreet local comprises a small 'L'-shaped bar plus a little back room. Basic furniture and decor. Narrow patio beer garden. Nine handpumps offering a decent range of local beers such as Josephine Butler Elderflower Ale from the Liverpool Organic Brewery (£2.80). Overall, a bit rough and ready, but I liked this place. (NB - Review dates from September 2011.)

Another pub recommended to me to include on my crawl, and we found it busy with a hub of conversation giving it a traditional local feel. We enjoyed our Liverpool Organic Rakau, a 5% beer at a reasonable £2.80.

pub has had some work done, a lot less tatty but still retains its character - bearing in mind it is the oldest building in this area. Now serving 6 handpull ales, always Organic Brewery offering plus rotating guests, always in excellent condition, certainly not warm! 5 lagers plus Erdinger are also available, plus over 20 rums and 13 gins or more..... Live music every Thursday, Sunday nights are Jazz Con Fusion, live jazz with a latin twist and every Wednesday sees 'I know you got soul', one of our dj's specialising in northern soul, stax, motown etc. Friday and Saturday nights dj's also laying down some great tracks..... always informal, friendly and a good place to chat with friends.