bluekipper.com - Everton's Top toffee ale'ouses report

Harlech Castle

It's bwn honest!

Harlech Castle
County Road (corner Newark St)
Walton

It's just over 2 years since we paid our fist visit to 'The Harlech', it was one to forget in those days and acrimonious threats followed the resultant report! My how things have changed!!
Don't be put off by the colour outside, the place is now rockin', wall to wall blues, young and old are very well received by a great team led by the lovely Tracy. Get there early to bagsy your spec and don't worry about gettin' them in, the service is only bettered by Pete Sampras! Harlech Castle is now mosr definitely a Top Toffee Ale'ouse.

The Management ****

The lovely Tracey Sandra Whitehall 1212 is the boss, married to Les it is hard to believe she has 4 kids Craig 19, Matt (she walks all over him) 13, Josh 9 & Chelsea (on the lookout for a Russian billionare) 7, they kept trying until the little girl came along - lucky lad Les!
They are supported by a great team - Anna, Michelle, Viv, Ste & the one and only Janet who remembered us from our last visit - all of course decked out in blue & white.

The lovely Tracy - The Boss

Harlech Whores

Harlech Heavin'

Atmosphere ****

Harlech Castle is buzzin' on matchdays, you can't move but you can easily get your juice. There is a Quiz Nite on a Thursday & if you have a degree you can understand the workings of Happy Hour which is 11-8 Mon - Fri but not Sat yet in midweek it's 11-6 including matchdays or something like that, sounds more like a Happy Week. Kids are welcomed.

Ale ****

You have no problem getting served here, despite the place being packed. The've got the full range including Extra Cold Guinness, Boddy's on draught, Cider which was a great curer for the hangover & the obligatory Stella Artois. Once again Stingray was suitably impressed by the large array of snifters and proceeded to go along the line!
There's even Champagne on offer but the date on the label shows 1995 let's hope it's popped this season.

Music, TV & Radio **

SKY on small sceeen and a jukey that could not be heard. If we had a criticism and using that word is probably harsh, the it would be the sounds. What was needed was some Toffee Tunes but it would have taken the roof off as the place rocks aready. So we just started them ourselves!!

Regulars ***
Terry Smith, Ray & Ian. Davo, Cathy Spencer & Arl' Mick Dillon plus the one and only Mo Butler.

Tracy & Les have been at the Harlech now for 18 months and have certainly transformed the place on matchdays. We were made very welcome and given the freedom of the place (but where were the free drinks Tracy?) steer clear after dark though as we understand that the sighting of ghosts have included a Cavalier (that's one with a feather in his hat and a sword, not the car), a young girl & a dog, also glasses have fallen from the top shelf for no reason. Spooky? Or has Tracey had too many G&T's. Great visit.

Pictures from the visit