New Year's Honours

Dec 30 2006 by Mike Chapple, Liverpool Daily Post

That's The way To Do It Joey The Parrot Ribbon: 

To the Roscoe Head, and once again to the Poste House, after long-awaited refurbishments which retained the character of two of Liverpool's most historic and popular pubs without turning them into Wayne's and Coleen's living room. 

The Einstein Theory of Relativity Award for Innovative Thought: 

To John O'Dowd and the Lion Tavern on Tithebarn Street for coming up with new and different ideas to tickle the ale buds including Real Ale Fashion Shows and the newly launched single malt appreciation society.
 
Let's Rock Smashie and Nicey Memorial Vase:
 
The good old Swan in Wood Street and the John Bull Chop House in Wigan for continuing to serve quality real ale fortified by awesome juke boxes purged of all bangin' dance choon bobbins.
 
WC Bogs Ceremonial Bowl:
 
To the pubs which have transformed their lavs from Stygian swamps into wee gardens of sweetness and light. Step forward once more the Pig and Whistle and the Cross Keys, whose privet misdemeanours have been redeemed with a toiletstial overhaul that would have brought a contented smile of monstrous proportion to such legendary bog dusters as Hilda Ogden, down Corrie's Rover's Return.
 
Back From The Dead Miracle Blessing:
 
For the return of the Belvedere, much loved by the brass section of the Philharmonic Orchestra who thought they would never again be able to dash out and wet their whistles during intervals.

Now they can, thanks to Ivan Jenkins, at the nearby Blackburne Arms, who put his money where his mouth is to save this lovely homely old boozer from being transformed into another set of city centre rented apartments that nobody wants.
 
Anyone up for saving the Vernon Arms on Dale Street during the coming year?
 
And that's it On The Pop Pickers, except to say thanks to the members of the Pub Posse who joined yours truly on his travels during 2006. These include The Old Man, Our Kev, The Chimp, The Tyke, Grantie, Boothie, The Stud, Shennan Boy, Lady Janet of Crockie Park, Neil The Bitter and Twisted Bluenose, and old faithful himself Mr Phil "Wotcher Cock" Key.
 
It's been a pleasure. Here's to another.