There has been a slight shift in things lately, or more accurately a changing of the guard in the streets of Liverpool for those in search of positive gustation experiences, especially for those who are feeling rather exploratory about beer. The end of October saw the shutter finally roll down on the Mad Hatter Brewing Company Brew Tap, although that is not likely to be the end of the tea parties. A change of usage in the Watkinson Street building meant a move for the Brew Tap, in turn meaning no usual weekend frivolities will be taking place. There are plans for one off events at the new premises, so all those feeling rather down in the mouth would be advised to keep their ears to the ground and an eye on the website, especially since the recruitment of Paul Spraget from Weird Beard Brewery will mean something new and exciting has already begun brewing. The send-off weekend for the Brew Tap was typically boisterous, featuring small pop up food stalls and the provision of cakes from Liverpool Cake Company. A sad loss, but not one forever, thankfully. Another new bar on the scene, although with experienced hands at the bar is the Pen Factory, located on Hope Street between The Clove Hitch and the recently architecturally acclaimed Everyman Theatre. Those who were familiar with the previous incarnation of the Everyman’s below street-level bistro will know of Paddy Byrne, who has spent some time getting the new premises for the Pen Factory ready before the holiday period. Thankfully I managed to get a glimpse of the premises, due to open on Wednesday 5th December 2014 and there is a treat in store for those who enjoying the slight bohemian ambience of the previous bistro. There is much more light at the Pen Factory and Paddy stated that he had looked to divide the premises into three areas, a ‘snug’ nearest to Hope Street, followed by a ‘social’ area near the bar and finally the more table orientated dining area nearest to the kitchen. Each has it’s own charms and level of comfort. The beers on offer will be in a vein similar to that of the old theatre bistro; casks bolstered by the presence of some kegged continental beers, the former whilst benefiting from no brewery ties will include the likes of Tiny Rebel, Salopian and Liverpool Craft whilst kegs come from two styles of Krombacher amongst others. The food will very much be in the hands of the former head chef from the bistro too, Tom Gill, taking in salads and smaller dishes earlier in the day, whilst the evening may see a more formal menu being served to the clientele. The launch has been put back before, but a soft-launch is planned, to allow the venue to find its feet. So whilst it is rather exciting, let’s be gentle, eh? In another more restorative slant, the Jacaranda has re-opened its doors on Slater Street and boasts a number of world and craft beers. The space in the Jacaranda feels much more open and airy than in its previous incarnation, white walls along with the dark wood inside make for a much less oppressive but slightly colder feel. The beer selection is actually quite reasonable, whilst not pulling up any trees, the fridge holds Neck Oil, Gamma Ray and 8-Ball from Beavertown, Kona Longboard and Moritz in cans plus Paulaner Hells alongside kegged IPAs, some standard Lagers and space for two cask hand-pull pumps. Up the road from Slater Street, Brewdog has finally landed in Liverpool to much fanfare; including a toasting with Punk IPA from the manager on the opening night and a welcome appearance from Sarah Warman (who has made a few appearances in lieu of Rebecca Seal on Sunday morning brunch to talk about various styles of beers, how to match them and generally drum up interest for those who need reconciling that it isn’t as sophisticated as wine in that department). The new premises on Colquitt Street have been a while coming, with planning roadblocks from both the short-sighted City Council and the ill-informed local constabulary being thrown in the path of the Scotland based beer-juggernaut. Happily though, these obstacles were not insurmountable and the bar is now open and not full of drunken, fighting morons, as we knew it would be. The layout is spacious and pleasing inside Brewdog Liverpool; two large container units form the back-stage of the bar area (one of which is temperature controlled and used as the keg cellar) and there is a vast array of beer in a number of styles which should keep the most curious of drinkers happy. Seating really isn’t much of an issue in the establishment; with a single long breakfast bar style table near to the bar, smaller cabaret style tables near the windows and a number of booths present at the periphery, there should be no nursing of a drink whilst standing. Another rather cute addition is the area provided for old ‘vintage’ arcade games, with pin-ball, Star Wars, a 60-game console and Silent Scope all present for your entertainment should a change of pace be wanted. The addition of three further venues opening in November and December in Diablo’s (another American style dive possibly, with sports/pool/beers and dirty food) on Berry Street, Kabinett on Myrtle Street and Patterson’s on Gradwell Street (a ‘chicken shack by day and a bar by night’ no less), may give another two options for places to eat and drink, depending on how dedicated they both are in terms of their menu and beer menus. A quick visit to Patterson’s was alas only that, a fridge of average stock (Sol, Heineken and Budweiser with Beck Vier on keg were the low points and the only high point was the presence of Einstok White; the ONLY high point). The bar itself is great, very colourful graffiti murals adorn the walls, comfortable seating, reasonably priced food (chicken mostly) and reclaimed wood tables and bar all make for quite a pleasant environment. Alas, we’re not really in a shortage for the American diners sprouting up everywhere. The potential is there, plus with the Kazimier Garden already providing a reason to visit that area of the city centre, footfall from Liverpool One up through town may benefit these venues. Kabinett does provide something genuinely alternative, rumour has it that the plan is cheese and wine, something which is welcome as a change of pace and leaves the venue right in the thick of the new excitement discussed above. Near to Concert Square (hear me out…) the presence of the Grove Beer Tap and Grill at the back of Concert Square has met with a generally positive reception, although a pretty stringent closing time policy means things are wrapped up curtly at 11pm on a Saturday evening; stragglers need not apply. The bar itself is very open, with smaller seating arrangements scattered around the periphery and an impressive central swathe of wood panelled bench seating that reaches up to the high ceilings, but the impressive edge really is the outside beer garden area with large boulders, barrels and plenty of space for a warm summer evening. The food was excellent on the occasion of our visit, not only from a preparation point of view (as you can see from the photos) but from the pricing (which admittedly I don’t dwell on too much in most of my reviews) which is more than reasonable. Sadly I wasn’t prepared for a full review but as a side note, whilst writing up this article, I could happily have a helping of the smoked fish and chips again. The beer selection is very solid, mostly composed of American craft keg beer, with a respectable line up in the bottle fridge. Liverpool Craft Brewing Company and Rothaus are present on keg and in bottles along with beers from Portland, Flying Dog, Anchor Steam and Brooklyn, giving plenty of choice for some refreshing IPAs, stouts and some seasonal offerings. Exciting times, but let’s not forget the other excellent venues we possess in the ‘Cultural Quarter’ and along Dale Street which have provided good food, broad choice of, well selected and looked after beers. They deserve the continued support, even in healthier times!
Cheers! Pedro.
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