It’s a Liverpool stalwart that I haven’t previously visited but it comes highly recomended
One of the top brewers in the country said a Liverpool pub is the place to go for a pint. Sam Shrimpton, head brewer of Fyne Ales, said there’s nowhere he’d rather be than The Roscoe Head for a cool pint of Jarl – so I took him up on his suggestion.
The Roscoe Street venue has been passed down in the family for generations and is currently run by landlady Carol Ross. Consisting of a main bar, two small rooms and a tiny snug, much tradition has been kept at The Roscoe Head and with no jukeboxes or fruit machines in sight, they pride themselves on being a “conversation pub.”
Known and loved for its beers, it is also the “only pub in the North of England” to appear in every edition of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide since it was first published 51 years ago in 1974.
The pub’s reputation glows with national acclaim, with industry experts continuously naming it one of the best venues you can find anywhere in the UK. Despite the runaway praise, it took me until recently to finally see for myself what seemingly everyone loves so much.
I popped in to try a pint of Jarl, as per Sam Shrimpton’s suggestion. The pub was already filled with patrons during my afternoon visit so I stole a corner seat in the back room to admire the atmosphere.
The Roscoe Head dates back to the 1830s and is as old fashioned as it gets. Mahogany is the wood finish of choice and can be found in the tables, snugs and barstools to the bar top, fireplace and photo frames.
It’s not glamorous, and I can’t imagine much has changed in its almost 200-year-long tenure, but it’s cosy, charming and somewhat nostalgic. I felt right at home immediately.
I didn’t spend too much time in the front but the barman didn’t waste time striking up a conversation. We spoke briefly about our day and nattered about a whole lot of nothing waiting for my pint to set.
When I cosied up in the corner, I felt relaxed by the low volume conversations taking place around the venue.
Nothing too loud I could make out the topic at hand but not so quiet I was conscious of my own ramblings.
The Roscoe Head isn’t shy of showing off its accolades with a litany of CAMRA Good Beer Guides stacked on top of the fireplace and rightly so. During my brief visit, I quickly warmed to the historic setting and enjoyed the change of scenery from the modern rivals that are all looks and no substance.
The Roscoe Head doesn’t need my praise but it has won it regardless. It’s a proper, old-fashioned pub that gives visitors everything they need for a classic experience without the frills and gimmicks, just the essentials done well.
What fascinates me about The Roscoe Head is how seemingly effortlessly it’s won national admiration. If you fancy an old-school pub guaranteed to keep you in your seat for hours I’m sure The Roscoe Head will welcome you with open arms.
