Crown Hotel

First stop after stepping out of Lime Street station. I’ll always visit TT’s Champion Club members, and lo and behold they had Landlord from cask (along with six others plus lots of other draft options). Quite a large space with an interesting history and plenty of Art Nouveau touches. Place was packed on Saturday night with England v Brasil playing a friendly. Staff seemed a bit overwhelmed but they handled it well.

Lovely historical pub across from Lime Street station. Lots of historical touches like wood paneling and push button calls. The Moorhouse Black Cat was excellent on cask. Unfortunately, the vibe was non-existent. The location is not great with road works disrupting things around the station. But this was built in Liverpool's hey-day when it was the 2nd city of the UK. It's a badge of past wealth and greatness. It doesn't attract the crowds who simply want a pint and conversation.

I stopped in at the Crown Hotel simply because of its Art Nouveau decor, and I was pleasantly surprised by that, but I found the remainder of the experience to be lack-lustre. It's a theater pub, and clearly they cater to those that simply pop-in, have their drinks, and then head back out. It's not really a place to rub elbows or enjoy some craic; and the bartenders are simply robotic (although quick) if it's busy. I at least felt that the selection of hand-pumped ales was worth it as I found ones I hadn't seen before in my travels about town (Leed's Gathering Storm for one); and I'd certainly include it as a stop if you're passing through (although I had much more fun at Ma Eggerton's which is really right around the corner).

This 'Art Nouveau' listed building is right opposite Lime Street Station, and has a large L shaped bar, with ornate ceiling and second room at the rear. An upstairs function room is also available. At time of visit three hand pumps serving real ale, Titanic English Glory was on good form and very reasonable price of £1.80 making it one of the cheapest beer price's in Liverpool. Also serve the usual 'lagers' and Guiness, and several bottled beers. Food menu looked good and fair price from the platefuls we saw passing through.

Lively city centre crowd (a bit "Wetherspoons-ish") but beer was good and very fair price. Certainly worth checking out when in the area of Lime Street Station.

JohnW May 2009
B'ham UK