Pub 26. The Railway Inn, Alsager. 30/5/18
In attendance – DJT, Po, Lockett
One thing that I’ve noticed is that the random number generator has been fairly kind to us so far, seeming to somehow favour pubs in the ST4 postcode area. Obviously, I’m not going to complain about this as it means I can walk there and back, invariably meaning that it becomes Two Pint Perspective in name alone! So, when the pub selected was a bit further afield, there were a few mixed emotions. I say emotions, to be honest I was just happy to be trying somewhere different.
The Railway Inn in Alsager, is obviously so called because it is close to the railway crossing, sat on the main road with a decent sized carpark to the rear. There is both an entrance to the front of the pub and through the back. As you enter, you notice that the main theme is obviously railway based, with train paraphernalia adorning the walls. Not in an anorak style trainspotting manor though. There is the obligatory wooden floor, and the seating is in a vintage style which suits the pub well. If you were to enter through the front, the decent sized bar is in front of you, and you can tell straight away from the amount of pumps that there is a great choice of beers available. I’d go as far to say that there would be something for everyone! The only minor gripe, is that it was a little tricky to get to the bar as there were people sat on the stools in front of the bar which isn’t a major issue, it just meant I couldn’t log all of the available beers. However, I noticed Carling, San Miguel and Craft Pilsner if you wanted a lager. The real ales that I clocked were Old Speckled Hen, Sharps Atlantic, Ein Stein and something called “Converted”. There were probably about 5 or 6 more to choose from. No Fruli though unfortunately. I opted for a Sharps Atlantic, which was an enjoyable pint of beer. We took our drinks and sat in an area to the left which featured a dartboard, fruit machine and a flat screen TV which had a modern music channel on. There is alternative seating at the other end of the pub, which appears to be more of a “snug”. The pub itself is more wide than long, if you catch my drift and there is plenty of seating available. The décor could do with a slight touch up, with the brown/cream walls and dado rails showing a few signs of age. Overall though, the pub had a decent vibe but it seemed to be a no vaping pub, and there were no signs that food was served.
Whilst we were sat, a couple of people started setting up some music equipment, which made me realise that we’ve not been anywhere yet that featured entertainment. Obviously, a pub quiz doesn’t count. It transpired that there was a kind of pseudo open mic night on. I say that, because the guys playing were obviously pretty talented, and there didn’t appear to be anyone else going up to belt out a sub-par Oasis cover. Pork scratchings we “JT Roast Pork Crackling” and retailed at £1.10, there were plenty of scratchings in the bag and the quality was good, they complimented the beer well. Winner.
The smoking area featured 12 benches and a small covered gazebo, with a combination of paving and grass. It’s another place where you’d be able to enjoy a decent al fresco beer when the weather is nice, and with the amount of benches both at the back of the establishment, and a couple at the front, you’d be able to find somewhere to sit unless it was mega busy. The toilets are at the back of the pub, the gents featured 3 porcelain urinals, 2 sinks and a single cubicle. The toilets were fairly clean, and served the purpose without any issues. The “Sector” hand dryer was pretty feeble, but there was a towel if your hands needed a speedier dry. Overall, the gents were pretty standard. Not amazing, but not too bad. I’ve said before, as long as they’re clean it’s not an issue. You’re not going in there to eat your tea. As always, it was unfortunately an all-male turnout so I cannot comment on the ladies toilet facilities.
Overall then, I was fairly impressed with our trip to this pub. Although it’s the kind of place where everyone knows each other, the vibe was fine and other customers didn’t give us any cause for concern. The beer choice is pretty spot on, decent pork scratchings, and the entertainment gave the pub a good atmosphere. It’s another pub that I’ve not been to before, but I’d be happy to go for a beer if I fancied a trip out of town or was in the area.
DJT
Beer choice/range – 4.5/5
Ambience – 4/5
Facilities – 2/5
Location – 3.5/5
Locals/Safeness –3.5/5
Pork scratchings – 4/5
Fruli – 0/1
Toilets – 3.5/5
Other – 3/5
Overall – 28/41
68%
Random Attendee Comments –
“It should be illegal for pubs to be without a dartboard, pork scratchings and live music” – Po
Two Pint Perspective 