St Francis De Sales

St Francis de Sales

Top Toffee Ale'ouse - St. Francis de Sales

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St Francis de Sales
Parochial Club
Salop St (Off County Road)
Walton

Nominated by Paul McDermott 'Yep, we do drink in the St Francis de Sales before the match. Started some years ago when it was taking too long to get served in the Queens on the corner. Not much better in this place on match days, but at least there's more room to stand in line. All Blue on match days, mainly older crowd really (awl bastards like me!), quite a few with kids.'

We never reject a nomination, St Francis' is a church club (owned by the Archdiocese of Liverpool ) we were delighted to visit, say our prayers before the game & promised not to swear in the establishment. The church apparently bought the club from the British Legion a few years back, the memorabilia is still evident throughout the club and 'old soldiers' are still welcomed - 'We will remember them'.

The Management * * * *

We were made very welcome by the manager, Terry Kelly (not Robert Francis Edwards). Terry was ably supported on the day by his team - Dave, Caroline, Terry, Michelle & Trisha (&Chloe).

Terry's Gang

Heaving!

Donald & Co

St Francis de Sales

Atmosphere * * * *

This is a 2.50pm venue, dead handy for the ground and a Big Mac if you fancy one. It is packed with Blues of all ages, families, kids and pensioners welcomed - and you don't have to pay to get in. The overspill is outside the front door and the emergency exit. The atmosphere is subdued as there are no sounds - not even piped organ music, just the big screen round the corner, so it is audible pre-match discussions on how many we are going to score.

Ale * * * *

Spoilt for choice, must be the only place in Walton offering 2 different Milds (Tetley Dark & Whitbreads)! Also, Stowells wine for the juice'eads, Stella, Extra Cold & ordinary Guinness, loads of snifters (more optics than Specsavers) and a wide range of iced bottles WKD, Becks, Smirn Ice & Breezers - even blue ones! We were well happy!

Music, TV & Radio * *

A huge screen for SKY TV drops down at the side of the bar once the snooker table has been covered, gets a bit crowded though and the only other telly, a small one by the stage was switched off! No sounds on matchdays although the club does have it's own CD collection not just hymms either we were informed - they are attempting to get a copy of Z Cars!

Locals * * *

Georgie Mac, Ritchie Nolan, Phylis Carsley (the Chair Person), John Kelly, Matty Doyle and all the ex-servicemen who are still wishing to go under cover.

Special Features * * * *

'No standing at the bar' says the sign! Huge orderly queues were formed at both ends!
Closed on a Wednesday unless it is match night.
Statue of St Francis stands proudly above the bar watching your every move.
'Available for weddings, funerals & pre or post-match celebrities'.
Car Park outside at £3 or you can buy a season ticket.
'All membership cards must be shown or full admission price to be paid' - my arse (sorry St Francis)!

Pictures from the visit