Thursday 12 June 2008

I’ve been derelict in my duties of keeping my pub visits up to date. Only 27 more required to reach a total of 150 unique visits. Are 200 out of the question before our return? Is that a challenge?

Below are the most recent visits, and as always, the comprehensive list can be found by following the link on the right of the blog.

Cheers!!

114. The Bridge House: Canal-side pub near Paddington. Gastro-pubbish on the inside, but outside seating on a nice day has potential.
115. The Mitre: Wide open two bar Victorian pub with some nice cut glass panels. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it down to the “Cellar Bar”, but still an nice place.
116. The Victoria:Great Place!! Corner pub. Cool clock above a mirror backed bar dating back to 1864. Upstairs rooms are pretty cool as well. Mind the influx of roller bladers near closing time.
117. The Elgin:Large corner pub in Notting Hill. Built in 1860 most of its interior has unfortunately been “modernized”. BUT… go to the back saloon section where the original tiling and etched glass still remain.
118. The Anchor Inn:(Cowes, Isle of Wight) An 18th century coaches inn that still offers accommodations. Lovely bar area, but very modernized interior. Excellent food however, and the local ale (Fuddle De Dum) was SUPERB!!!
119. The Grapes:(Oxford) Very narrow traditional Victorian boozer with paneled booths. Dark wood walls were adorned with local theatre posters.
120. The Kings Arms:(Oxford) Another historic Oxford pub established as a coaching house in 1607. Rambling collection of odd shaped rooms and small bars added to the quirkiness of the obvious “Uni” atmosphere.
121. The Turf Tavern:(Oxford) Considered Oxford’s best know pub located down a winding alleyway. Pub itself dates back to 1200’s and is a tiny, TINY place that I could not allow me to stand upright. Surrounded by several beer gardens, it was a shame that the house ale was absolute CRAP.
122. The Bear:(Oxford) Reported to be the oldest pub in Oxford. Present building dates back to 1770. We sat outside as it was quite warm, but the inside displays several thousand ties on its walls. Honestly, I wasn’t impressed.
123. The Vines:(Liverpool) Built in 1867 and now a listed building. EXCELLENT paneled booths and ornate wood sculptures. Several different rooms including a full dining hall that included etched glass windows and plaster reliefs along the ceiling.
124. The Philharmonic:(Liverpool) Widely regarded as the most ornate pub in ALL of the U.K. and I just might have to agree. Grand rooms with detailed reliefs and stained glass windows highlight this extraordinary Victorian palace. One of the best pubs I’ve visited.
125. The Princess Louise: A must see!! A completely restored Victorian pub dating back to 1872, one could actually get lost in its unique maze of paneled enclosures and connecting rooms. Every wall is covered with intricate tiling and etched mirrors, and don’t forget to check out the gents’ toilets. If you’re a gent that is.
126. Cittie of Yorke : A very unique place. The rear bar resembles a Tudor style dining hall. A long bar traverses one wall as the other is occupied by small cubicles. Rebuilt in the 1920’s a pub has been on this sight since the 15th century.
127. The Lamb: Nothing special on the outside, but this traditional still maintains its original tiled walls. The bar still has the original “snob screens”. Not special, but still interesting.