Prescot. This is one of my favorite pub visits in the last couple of years. Prescot is a town located 8 miles east of Liverpool. I couldn't find any specific dates of the history of this pub but was able to find that there hasn't been a Joseph Jones/Knotty Ash Ales (seen on the exterior of the building) since 1928.

A classic public layout - several rooms to hang out in. Another pub with some really beautiful vintage tables. And I loved the sentiment from behind the bar - Have Your Self A Sin! I had a nice chat with a local gentleman (about all things local!) as I enjoyed a John Smiths's Tadcaster (a delicious ale brewed in North Yorkshire that is very popular in this part of England).

When I left there was a large gathering outside. As I took photos of the exterior of the pub a gentleman sitting there asked me if I knew the history of the pub. When I said no he informed me that originally it was the Weighing House (there was a weigh station on the street outside of the pub that weighed horses and carriages!), then the Hare and Hound, Tommy Halls, and now The Thomas Hall. Tommy Hall was a British cyclist who set the world motor-paced hour record back in 1903. The gentleman (who was there with his son) asked me if he could buy me a beer so of course I accepted. He then told me that the crowd outside had gathered after the funeral of a friend of his and that they were celebrating his life. I joined in toasting his departed friend (we had a couple of Tadscasters!) and enjoyed hearing him tell story after story (in a very difficult to understand Lancashire accent!). I learned that Paul Simon wrote the song "Homeward Bound" at the nearby Widnes Railway Station. When the widow came over to say goodbye he introduced me as his American friend, and she thanked me for joining in their celebration! I was so touched and told her it was an honor for me to be there. This is what the British public house is all about!