The Magnificent Roscoe Head

Let’s hear it for the Roscoe Head. Is it Liverpool’s smallest boozer? We’re not sure (The Lord Neslon, or The Poste House come close) but it’s definitely one of its friendliest.

Next year’s edition (the 40th anniversary, no less) of the Real Ale Guide bestows greatness on the Roscoe Head - one of only seven pubs in the UK to be named in every edition of the Good Beer Guide since it was first published in 1974. The only pub in the northwest to do so, and now one of CAMRA’s elite ‘Magnificent Seven’. You’d have to travel over 190 miles to reach the next-closest one, in Netherton (that’s Netherton Northumberland, not north Liverpool).

It might be a tight fit inside, but the Roscoe still manages to squeeze in a snug, a bar area, and two immaculate lounges: the perfect place for a leisurely pint of Liverpool Organic 24/7, or Adnam’s Sole Star, or perhaps a Barnsley Brewery’s Apollo IPA. In fact, if you’re not sure, you can sample three one-third glasses, suspended from a handy wooden tray.

Carol Ross who took over as landlady in 1997 after her mum and dad retired says the secret to the pub’s success lies in the cellar.

We’re sure she’s right. Even the fickle Guinness is poured to perfection here. But we’d say it’s in the welcome, too. Oh, and in the delicious Cumberland pie, chips and peas (two meals for £6.50).

Yes, it’s a tough time for our boozers. But when they’re as pin-sharp as the Roscoe Head, we think talk of their death is very, very exaggerated.

Roscoe Head
24 Roscoe Street
Liverpool L1 2SX
0151 707 6933