Forget Roger Protz and that lot, does anyone have their own list of legendary pubs, pubs so famous and revered that you really must visit them just to see what the fuss is about? Further more have you visited one of these places of pilgrimage and if so was it all you expected and more or just one big anti-climax? Are there any pubs you still long to visit?


Here's my (shortened) list anyway

The Blue Anchor Helston, Cornwall,
“The” homebrew pub renowed for its strong Spingo beer. All I expected and more but the beer was a surprise.

The Bree Louise, Euston, London,
darling of London real ale fanatics but not with me, a dreadful place.

The Philharmonic, Liverpool,
Britain's most ornate pub perhaps. A privilege to take a leak here.

Roscoe Head, Liverpool,
in every GBG ever! Owned by the same family since Adam was a lad. Lovely pub, lovely beer.

The Kelham Island Tavern, Sheffield,
winner of more awards than you can shake a stick at. Much as expected but still a couple of surprises.

The Stalybridge Station Buffet,
most famous stop on the trans-Pennine Rail ale tour. Trains and beer are heaven to me.

Birch Hall Inn, Beck Hole, Yorkshire
back in time for Heartbeat fans. Small but beautifully put together.

The Fox, Bristol,
an old one this, The Fox was one of a small group of pubs owned by CAMRA in the late 1970s, I liked it a lot, anyone else remember it?

The George, Borough High St, London
half timbered and galleried, an extraordinary survivor, shame about the beer.

and those I've still to visit

Cherry Tree, Tintern, Gwent.
The Swan (Old Ma Pardoes), Netherton, Dudley.
The Crown, Stockport (that one under the viaduct)
The Sun Inn, Leintwardine. Herefordshire.
Butt and Oyster, Pin Mill, Suffolk.
Prospect of Whitby, Wapping, London.
Black Friars, London.

Sadly I missed the one where they filmed the first scene of Get Carter, it was demolished soon after the film came out.