Liverpool. The oldest pub in Liverpool, dating back to 1726. In those days it was a popular haunt for sailors, due to its location and the risks of press gangs (see some of my earlier posts). It was formerly a Quaker meeting hall, and due to the fact that below the pub is an old Quaker graveyard, the cellar is located up on the first floor. And of course there are said to be ghosts that inhabit the pub. Another claim to fame is that they were one of the last pubs in Liverpool to open its doors to women, in 1977.

The interior is beautiful, with lots of dark wood, stained/etched glass, and an ornate copper fireplace. There are two bars - a small rounded bar to the right as you enter, and the main bar that is farther into the room. There is some seating around the bars, and two largish snugs that are set apart from the main room. This is the third time I have been here, and each time I have had a nice chat with proprietor and landlord Stephen Hoy - a man with lots of stories and such a nice fellow. My beer of choice this visit was the Fab Four Liverpool IPA from Rock the Boat Brewery in Little Crosby Village near Liverpool (how could I not?). A delicious well balanced IPA made with four kinds of hops - Flyer, Cascade, Target, and Admiral. This pub is a must if you travel to Liverpool!