Saturday, October 29, 2011

No. 112 Artichoke

Visited on 27/10/11. This place used to be ‘the Globe’ and is situated just along the canal side from ‘the Old Harkers Arms’ (No. 36). Like Harkers, it’s housed in an old warehouse. Therefore it has that attractive Victorian industrial interior. Maybe it would be a little unfair to describe it as a ‘Harkers-lite’, but, erm that’s exactly what it is. I guess it was easier to keep the big globe from its previous incarnation mounted on the outside of the building than to take it down. Hence the name. Globe – Artichoke ? You see the globe is still relevant. Sort of. I’d have kept the globe as well if it was my boozer – it looks great. I’d have gone for a different name though. ‘Planet Ale’ maybe. Er, maybe not. On the subject of ale, I think it’s fair to say we were all under-whelmed. Some ‘good uns’ were available, including offerings from Tatton and Weetwood, but it was all served too warm. Reminded me of the Mill Hotel in that respect (No. 48). I was also curious as to why all the bar staff were wearing t-shirts with a Russian Vodka brand emblazoned on them – ‘Kutyakokoff’ or summat, so I asked the manager about them. “You know how much these shirts cost us, my man ?” he replied with a smug grin. “Er, let me guess. You’re promoting a brand, so was it nought pounds, nought pence ?” I proffered. He winked and walked away. Yep, smart work big guy. They must be worth less than a tenner each. Personally, I’d have paid a tenner not to have to wear one. T-shirts with slogans - what a naff idea ! The place was busy anyhow and a minor local sleb plus entourage was in da house. I don’t really want to say who it was. However, the nickname ‘Lipson’ might be a clue. See if you can work it out. Answers on a postcard to Granada Reports.

4 comments:

  1. I thought the Artichoke was pretty good especially the Belgium stuff - Duvel on draft, La Chouffe, Delirium Tremens in bottles. Very expensive though and for that price it should have a much wider selection of beers.

    Sounds like a bit of a duff run.

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  2. What you have to bear in mind first and foremost is that we're a bunch of miserable bastards. Re-calibrate the above review with that in mind and it's not too bad. Good to see Belgian beers appearing in Chester boozers, but only a loon would start drinking that stuff in the fifth pub of a mid-week crawl. Will deffo be back to try it though. If they'll let us in that is.

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  3. Who was the celebrity? I will never work it out as I don't watch much telly.

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  4. There's me thinking the clue was too easy - and too lewd ! (Speak to Algy at the C-BAS event)

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