Best pub visited in 2016

[sheffield hatter]

As an antidote to the similarly named worst pub thread. I list below the handful of pubs that managed to squeak a 9 in my reviews this year.

Chequers Micropub, Beverley
Wigan Central
Manor Arms Hotel, Broughton in Furness
McConnell's Gin & Ale House, Jarrow
White Cross, Lancaster

Unfortunately the White Cross, although reviewed this year, was visited at the end of November 2015, so has to be disqualified. To compensate, I have to say that my more recent visits to Merchants 1688 in the same city would have merited more than the 7 I awarded in 2015, and if my train had been delayed any longer it might well have hit the 9 mark. The Jarrow pub is well worth another visit, but unfortunately we had a less impressive experience in the Beverley micropub second time around, so that leaves a toss up between Wigan Central and the Manor Arms, which the latter has to win, as my review was based on multiple visits over twenty years.

[ROBCamra]

I was wondering who was going to start this thread.

[Mobyduck]

Well I was going to do this as part of the Moby awards ,but beaten to the punch, so as it stands I can't see past the Southampton Arms.Its the business'

[sheffield hatter]

Well I was going to do this as part of the Moby awards ,but beaten to the punch, so as it stands I can't see past the Southampton Arms.Its the business'

Hmm. I used to go there when visiting my mother, but since she died last year my visits have dried up. I would agree with your assessment if it wasn't so goddam' busy! Getting to the bar, reading the pump clips, finding a seat - all required more use of elbows than I am accustomed to.

Ian Mapp's review nails it for me: "All a bit much for me - too busy, too small - lots of choice of beer but nothing in the English Bitter category - all seemed to be pale ales and porters.

An experience, but one I would only repeat at a quieter time."

Perhaps you've been lucky enough to find some of those quieter times, Mick?

[Mobyduck]

Hmm. I used to go there when visiting my mother, but since she died last year my visits have dried up. I would agree with your assessment if it wasn't so goddam' busy! Getting to the bar, reading the pump clips, finding a seat - all required more use of elbows than I am accustomed to.

Ian Mapp's review nails it for me: "All a bit much for me - too busy, too small - lots of choice of beer but nothing in the English Bitter category - all seemed to be pale ales and porters.

An experience, but one I would only repeat at a quieter time."

Perhaps you've been lucky enough to find some of those quieter times, Mick?

Yes I have found it at quieter times as well as busier, I actually quite enjoy the busier times as it increases the general ambiance, imo, as regards to the lack of English bitters ,I have never noted this but then I favour the pale and citric along with the dark side and tend find the middle(brown) ground average in general, but we are of course all different in our tastes.
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your mother Will.

[Mobyduck]

Well I was going to do this as part of the Moby awards ,but beaten to the punch, so as it stands I can't see past the Southampton Arms.Its the business'

I won't list my regular favorites as they will be the same as last year,I do have a few honorable mentions to add to the above that were new to me in 2016,
Platform Tavern
The Guide Dog
The Two Brewers
The Lyric
The Lion & Key
Hole in the Wall

[oldboots]

As I said on the companion thread I've not strayed much beyond GBG pubs this year but these are some favourites new and old

The Half Moon
The Crown Hotel
Rutland Arms
The Grayston Unity Halifax is an under rated but worth while beer destination
Cow & Cask
Weavers at Park Lane

and probably the best pub this year, I am rather fond of micro pubs,
The Beer Emporium and Cider House

[Bucking Fastard]

Boating down the Kennet & Avon always used to be a challenge on the real ale front apart from the pay off at both ends (Bristol/Bath and Reading) ,so it was with some trepidation that I undertook this route in the summer for the first time in 20 years.
I couldn't believe the improvement,and Wadworth's vice like grip on the central section has been loosened .It was decent ale everynight with The John O'Gaunt in Hungerford the best pub visited in 2016.

Great range of real ale styles,friendly locals,efficient bar staff and a very enthusiastic owner ,it ticked all the boxes and led to a memorable evenings drinking.

[Maldenman]

Not sure I can pick an outright winner, worthy of note were:

The Broken Drum
The Cock Tavern
The Rifle Volunteers
Ship & Mitre
The Guide Dog
The Globe
The Cellar


Plenty of others worthy of an honourable mention but to my recall the standouts of the year.
Good fortune and happy drinking in 2017.

Cheers

Steve

[ETA]

A clear winner for me this year: The Brace of Pheasants