J is for Sporting Jester

The Sporting Jester

I'm cheating a bit here as this pub's name really begins with a S but I can't think of another pub beginning with a J.

Not a lot to tell you about this pub.

Until quite recently it was called the Volunteer Arms.

I've only been in the pub once, many years ago.

It was pretty rough and ready with crap beer but a decent juke box and pool table.

I've yet to venture inside under it's new persona.

So time to move on.

It may be a while until I post the next pub.

As yet I can't find a pub beginning with the letter K without venturing out of Southport.

Let's see what I can find.

Bye for now. 

H is for Hesketh Arms and I is for Imperial

Hesketh Arms

The Hesketh Arms is a decent pub located in Churchtown village, a 20 minute walk from our cottage.

It's a popular pub, particularly on good days when outdoor seating is popular.

It went though a major refurbishment a few years ago and it's now open plan and able to cram more people inside.

I preferred the pub before the refit as it had numerous small spaces to drink in. Wednesday nights were Jazz Nights with a trad band. We used to go with our mate Tony Johnson for a carvery before the Jazz.

The beer now is OK but getting served can be a slow process as this is a pub where locals get served first. It's also an expensive place to drink.

Great location, so a good pub to park your sports car or motorbike outside for a posy picture(not done that yet).

Pub is also a popular spot for Southport Swords to perform at(inside and outside)

The Imperial

Another pub that's had a major refurbishment recently. I don't remember ever going in here before it was done up so I can't comment on whether the improvements improved.

This is also within walking distance of our cottage, but it's a good 40 minute walk, so better by push bike.

This is another pub that's very popular on good days due to a large outside drinking area.It's also huge inside and most people seem to eat here rather than just popping in for a pint.
Beer OK but nothing to shout about.

Our last visit was on Christmas Day for a quick pint on our way into town for Christmas dinner at an Indian. I've never seen sp many people crammed into every space all eating their Christmas dinners - kids everywhere!

Not on my pub crawl list, but I couldn't think of another pub beginning with the letter "I"!

G is for Guest House

I may change my mind, as I often do, but this is the best pub in Southport(when it's open).

What Pub describe it as:

Located close to station and Lord Street, listed building with an impressive frontage and interior with three separate wood panelled drinking areas.

There are eleven hand pumps with a wide variety of ales from breweries noted or other brewers, one of which serves a local micro brewery and there is a wide range of malt whiskies. 

Quiet traditional pub with outside seating at front and courtyard area to the rear. Mixed clientele with quiz night on Thursday and acoustic folk club nights on the first and third Mondays of each month.

I've been drinking here ever since we first found it when me moved here from Warrington.

It has only changed in minute details, such as there being less horse brasses on the walls.

When we got married in 2001 we met our friends from Wrigley head Morris Men here, walking to the pub from the Town Hall where we were wed.

I have enjoyed quiz nights, folk music nights, folk song nights, Southport Swords events(they beheaded me only once), pub crawls and generally meeting and drinking with my mates.

What do I like about the pub?

Good choice of beer
Well kept beer
Excellent landlady.
No jukebox.
Proper bogs(well Gents at least)
Rarely any children.
Until very recently....no food.

There's a hidden beer garden(yard) at the back and a couple of benches outside the door on the street to enjoy the beer and watch the world go by when the weather allows.

When the current plague ends, this is probably where I will sup my first pint)s).