On more than one occasion I’ve dissed J W Lees beer, but after a skinful of Brewer’s Dark ale this evening, I’m changing my mind.

Lovely bitter dark chocolate with a hint of Sunday roast gravy, it was the perfect partner for post Crimbo ham butties. Recommended.

The best of Christmas to all my readers and fellow bloggers. Like all true drunks, I love this time of year.

The winner of the pub of the year is The Masons Arms.

It was a close call between the Masons and the Guest House, certainly the beer is miles better at the Guestie, the choice miles better. I love Gail and the welcome there.

The reason I chose the Masons, a Robinsons back street boozer, is because going there takes me back in time, when pubs like this one with wonderful characters were the rule rather than the exception.

I think some day there will be nothing left but to go back to the place I came from and wrap myself in the memory
of how I was young once and under the covenant of that God not given to folly.

After a survey of Formby’s pubs, Sefton Council has awarded Zero hygiene stars out of five to the huge Weld Blundell Arms eat and ale house in Ince Blundell.

The pub may now face prosecution and even closure.

Meeting Aggers in the Railway, Ainsdale, was a mistake – but not for the reasons you’d suppose.

Holding court was a loud-mouthed, foul tongued woman – who may or may not have been staff – whose obnoxious Daily Mail style setting the world to rights got so awful we were forced to leave.

I dislike people constantly swearing unless they have the gift for it, are making a joke or are sitting atop the SD and invoking the name of God.

This spout off and her equally foul mouthed and ignorant cronies could claim none of these get outs.

Aggers heard she’d been told she was unwelcome in the nearby Natterjack Toby Cavery and suggested we repair there. I was reluctant because I hate those cursed places.

Imagine my surprise when inside there was a thriving drinkers section with three cask ales, great service, lively conversation, roaring fire and some great reproductions of saucy Blackpool postcards.

The only alas was my beer: Rudolphs Revenge, one of those spicy seasonal efforts Tandleman is constantly warning us off.

The beer was not enjoyable, but with changing guesties on, the Toby – dare I say it? – may be worth a second visit.

Smoking rebel Hamish Howitt’s two Blackpool boozers have closed as he battles the spectre of bankruptcy.

Both Delboys and the Crazy Scot have been forced to shut amid crippling debts.

Hamish blames the smoking ban for his troubles, although his doomed attempt to overturn the ban by letting punters smoke in his pubs saw him hit with huge legal costs.

Both pubs were not what you’d call classics, but had a kind of cut-throat charm.

I wouldn’t rule out Hamish getting back on his feet one day. He’s s real character and the SD salutes him.

The highly rated Conky play at The Shakespeare, at the bottom of Eastbank Street, tonight then there’s the Christmas Sunday Sessions featuring 10 bands tomorrow.

The all-day sessions are an eclectic mix of punk, ska and old-skool indie rock starting early afternoon (check venue). Entrance to all of these live events is absolutely free.

Sad to relate, The Wheatsheaf pub in Croston has closed.

It seems that good beer and good food weren’t enough for punters in these crazy times – although there are so many good pubs in the village, something had to give.

This was the pub that used to give diners a free loaf. I always used to scoff mine at the pub like the greedy pig I am.

Friendless, I popped into the Guest House where there was a warm welcome and a cool pint of Bryson’s Union Flag.

At first I struggled with this Burton style bitter with its sulphur notes. But as I nursed it, sitting alone with memories of great days here, its complexity revealed itself, sparking inspiring thoughts and banishing blues.

That’s why cask is what you should be drinking. A good pint is less of a bevvy, more an experience.

It once fell to Ireland to save civilization and lead Europe out of the dark ages. Well, begor they’re doing it again!

Ireland’s Finance Minister Brian Lenihan has reduced duty on spirits by around €2.75 per bottle, 12 cents per pint of beer and 60 cents per bottle of wine.

He has warned that the duty will be reimposed if cuts aren’t passed on to drinkers.

After a disasterous flirtation with sobriety – which almost crippled the nation – Ireland’s rulers have realised how alcohol greases the economic wheels and just, well, makes everyone happier.

Darling take note!

The Irish know tha

I’m starting a Southport pub of the year award. Nominations are now open, so let me know which Southport pubs deserve to be on the shortlist – and why.