Getting the train to Liverpool was favourite, so at around 1.20pm I left Liverpool Lime Street in search of The Belvedere….which isn’t this pub:
A rather strikingly attractive pub across the road from Liverpool Lime Street. A Cain’s Brewery van is in the foreground.
The Walkers brewery is sadly no more. It was bought out by Tetley (in the 1960s or 1970s?) and continued brewing, but as Tetley-Walker. Tetley’s then decided to shut the Walkers brewery and concentrate on their Leeds brewery. There beer wasn’t a patch on Walkers.
Anyway, to the main reason for this expedition, The Belvedere singaround.
I had the address of the pub, I even had a street map. Liverpool Highways have decided that it would be a real wheeze if they removed many of the street signs in this part of the city. Hilarious it was.
I had the address of the pub, I even had a street map. Liverpool Highways have decided that it would be a real wheeze if they removed many of the street signs in this part of the city. Hilarious it was.
Half an hour later I found the pub, and what a fine establishment it is.
That half hour wasn’t wasted. I wandered around the city and marvelled at the wealth that built this city. Although Liverpool has been through hard times, this part of the city has a wonderfully regal feel to it. Many of the buildings are graceful and serene. Street names (where the signs existed!) echoed the city’s connections with the sea. Liverpool was a very important sea port, sadly much of the trade was human: the slave trade.
Anyroadup. The Belvedere sing. And beer.
Both very excellent indeed. The beer I chose was Liverpool Organic Brewery’s Cascade Bitter, 3.7% abv, excellent session beer. I knew there was a reason to travel by train.
The pub is an unspoilt haven: good beer, pickled eggs, good company. Proper, if you know what I mean.
The singing was as good as it gets, a dozen or so singers in attendance - eleven were very good......well I had a sing too.
Colin, who instigated this singaround, has much to be proud of with his weekly get-together. It attracts some of the very best....apart from me of course. There are no airs and graces to this event, it's just a very enjoyable singaround. There’s not much more to say – other than I’ll be back sooner rather than later.
Colin, who instigated this singaround, has much to be proud of with his weekly get-together. It attracts some of the very best....apart from me of course. There are no airs and graces to this event, it's just a very enjoyable singaround. There’s not much more to say – other than I’ll be back sooner rather than later.
At 4pm I had to leg it back to the station to catch my train home – I wasn’t in too much of a hurry though:
I shouldn’t REALLY have gone today, I couldn’t really spare the time - I’ve got loads of stuff to do. But I'm very glad I did make the effort, Yvonne's introduced me to something really special.
Anyway, a break is good for a chap.
Anyway, a break is good for a chap.
Isn’t it?
Brilliant. The Cain brewery tap is also worth a visit.
ReplyDeleteOoh, tell me more....where's the brewery tap then?
ReplyDeleteJJ
Its called The Brewery Tap (i think) on Stanhope st. Right next to Cain's brewery.
ReplyDeleteYou 'ole charmer you!Lol. There is nowt wrong with your singing Lad either. I always enjoy your songs and company. I am glad you enjoyed the afternoon. I think Colin has something special going with it. Some lovely singers not least him of course. Roll on next time. Yvonne x
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the session John, and I certainly enjoyed hearing you sing as well. Looking forward to seeing you there again soon, now that you know the way. Cheers, Matthew. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks guys - I'll be back next week for another warble!
ReplyDeleteJJ