Four week February

 So the Six Nations was back in town with England handed a home banker start against off colour Wales. The red rose did not disappoint as they stuffed the Welsh and started to look forward to a successful campaign.

Err! It all started to go pear shaped after that. The  usual stress of a trip to Murrayfield kicked in within minutes as a fairly harsh yellow card meant England were buried (again) before they had even broken sweat. Another maybe year beckoned

Still the S Club ventured into Bath for the U20 fixture against Ireland with the England side unbeaten after 2 games and having not conceeded any points in both second halves. Bit of cockiness maybe but they never looked like matching the Irish game plan which was more out of the French playbook than the traditional paddy approach. England were given a good stuffing.

I arrived back in Scouse in time for the kick-off  for the main event as the trains all seemed to work fine for a change. Birmingham New Street still provides a bit of a challenge  but I settled down to watch a cracker. But no, England provided the sort of opposition we have been used to for many  years and to be honest, the Ireland U20 of the previous night would have beaten them. Back to the drawing board for Borthwick and crew.

The month was finished off with a Visionaries golf crew cultural tour around Liverpool's East Village.

The five pubs which were selected were:  

The Cracke.     A pub we have visited before but which has now changed hands and had a clean-up. Still has the War Room and the Beatles and political memorabilia, but loads more beers and central heating        which works!! It was good to see it full even at 2:30 on a Thursday afternoon. The War Room got its name from the Second World War when gentlemen of a certain age met to read the redacted papers every day.

The Mayflower in Pilgrim Street. This is a new addition to the areas drinking scene having been added by   the 1936 Pub Group to their portfolio. It sits above the Pilgrim which is still aimed at the student market. The Mayflower though is a traditional wood and glass boozer aimed at the grey pound and real ale crew, as well as the Green Army ( Pilgrim, Mayflower, work that one out)

The Grapes on Knight Street    Opened in 1904 which is another traditional wood paneled pub not to be missed

Pogue Mahone    No cultural tour is complete without an Irish bar and this is top drawer as far as  Liverpool is concerned. The name translates to something rude!!

The Royal Institution Bar    You would never know it was here! Established in 1814 and opened in 1817  the Liverpool Royal Institution  was a learned society founded by William Roscoe to promote literature, science, and arts.It held significant art exhibitions, including  Audubon’s Birds of America in 1826, the originals of which are now in the Walker  Gallery but the lounge bar, whiskey bar and sports bar are all hung with reproduction art work from the same exhibition. Don't miss the flamingo in the foyer!!.