The Black Horse & Rainbow, Liverpool

Visited last Friday just after midday opening. Four hand pulls with three ales and one clipped for Lilley's cider. My half of Colbier Legato Stout set me back £2.20. Salopian Our Lips Are Sealed was also available, and I failed to note the third ale so I presumably must have discounted it as the least interesting of the three. This is a good size pub, nicely done out in my opinion, with some wood panelling and bare exposed brick. There is a wood or wood effect floor with terracotta tiling around the edges. A real fire was going and the place felt cosy. There are a couple of raised booths to the rear left, with corner banquette seating to the rear right, with round tables, a mix of wood and copper topped with metal legs. A decent sized beer garden is to the left and visible from the road. Sky Sports was on but muted, with music playing instead. It feels very similar to a 1936 Pub Co place, but toned down a bit. Toilets are downstairs in the basement, and are clean and modern. I liked this place and would be happy to return, a nice place to relax and pass a bit of time.

Official site of The Black Horse & Rainbow - blackhorseandrainbow.com

Official site of The Black Horse & Rainbow - blackhorseandrainbow.com

I remember visiting this place when it was called the Metropolitan and recall the brewing equipment that used to be in the window. As the Red Door, this wasn't a place that I frequented, as there was no cask ale. Now, it has been renamed as the Black Horse & Rainbow. I have attempted to request this change through the Forum but don't seem to ever get any luck with posting on there! Cask ales have been re-instated. There are 4 handpulls. 2 were clipped with Higson's Best Bitter & Pale Ale. The third beer was Timothy Taylor Golden Best. The final handpull is used for cider and was clipped with Lilley's Mango. Camden Pale Ale can be found on keg. Inside, the colour scheme is maroon. It has a traditional feel and there is some exposed brickwork to the rear. Walls have plenty of pictures, whilst each table had a candle and a drinks menu on it. Music was playing and women's football was showing on mute on the TV. Stairs lead to an upstairs bar and roof terrace. I had arrived not long after opening on a Sunday lunchtime and there were just a couple of other drinkers. So, it was difficult to judge what the atmosphere in here would normally be like. I doubt very much that this will become a regular haunt for me but being near the Grapes and the Roscoe Head, I may well pop in from time to time to check what beers are being sold.