The Leigh Arms - Top toffee ale'ouses report

Top Toffee Ale'ouse
The Springfield Hotel

Springfield Hotel
Walton Road
Walton

Nominated by ? Apologies we've lost your nomination. Please reveal yourself (preferably in the Gents!!)

Now rumour had it that the 'Springy' was the local haunt of Danny de Vito, Tom Thumb and Sammy Lee and it was smaller than The Leigh Arms. On arrival we were pleasantly surprised that you could swing a cat, albeit in the back room. The usual warm welcome was received, yes it was tightly packed with tentative blues, many of whom spill on to the pavement or stand round the corner in our very own Springfield Square. To top it all off the landlady sent us on our way with a large snifter. She was looking gorgeous as we left!!

The Management * * *

Barbara Patricia Carragher, yes Carragher - are eh Barb!! Don't worry lads she's a blue runs the Springfield Hotel for Enterprise Inns who have it as a Free House so there is a variety of ales. Babs is ably assisted by her pops, Gordon, her mum, Kitty and her daughters Sarah (13) & Catherine (10) and has been there for just 10 years - says she can remember us winning something!!

Three Dolly's Behind the Bar!

Room for a game of Darts?

The Locals

Atmosphere * *

Packed with regulars and locals the place generates a cosy atmosphere rather than a mental buzz, lack of tunes to create that pre-match tingle.

Ale * * * *

You'll know why it gets packed, the CAMRA boys would love it here, various bitters including Tetley & Trophy, draught Strongbow, Murphys, Guinness Extra Cold and Draught Wine by Stowells for the serious juice 'eads. Now Sting Ray reckons this has to be THE best value Doubles Bar in the area - £1.50 and not for shite either, this is for Bells & Famous Grouse. Kipper also recommends the Manns mixed as you get a half bigger than the one measured by Alex Ferguson!

Music, TV & Radio * *

Just the one telly (SKY) on in the bar. The jukey was playing Ally McCoist's tune, 'Why Do Fools Fall In Love?'. It was hardly a place to get the place rockin', more of yer crooner type. No sound on the box so there was little confusion.

Locals * * *

'The Pet Shop Boys' ie the boys from the pet shop, Ozzy 'owl arse', Sheila & Ken and The Nutters. The darts team is currently one of the strongest in Liverpool - holding all the others up at the bottom of the Liverpool 'B' League. So any budding Bristows welcome.

Special Features * * *

The blue bear next to the monkey in the shite kit.
The only beech tree in Walton Road in the back yard.
3 barmaids called 'Mo', Blonde Mo, Tall Mo and the one out of The Beano - Little Mo.

Pictures from the visit