Flag Inn Gladstone Reef, Gladstone

Advantages: Picturesque quiet village with wonderful architecture. Lady Lever Art Gallery!
Disadvantages: I don't live there but would love to.

...(now The Gladstone Theatre where an amateur dramatic group still performs regularly), officially opened in 1891 by the former Prime Minister William Gladstone and close friend of Lever. The Bridge Inn built in 1901, although designed to provide the workers with somewhere to have a drink, the drink wasn't originally meant to be alcoholic. It was a Temperance Hotel in keeping with Lever's philosophy as a teetotaller. The workers had different ideas though and voted to change this. So in 1903, The Bridge Inn served beer and spirits. Christ Church United Reformed Church, founded in 1904, was b uilt with the local Helsby sandstone. in the Gothic manner. Monuments to Lord Lever who died in 1925, his wife and family family are now housed in the church. To get the most out of your visit to the village, a trip to the Heritage Centre... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Lots of pubs
Disadvantages: No decent food in any of them

...In a town so stuffed full of good pubs with good food, why is the Lewes Road area such a desert? Once upon a time the Counting House did good food, then it became "No man's an island" although due to lack of custom it should more probably be called "No man inside". The Gladstone doesn't do lunch - "Packet of crisps mate?". The food in The Bear was once good, but it now quite awful. Poor quality, and I suspect poor hygine judging by the times I've had an upset stomach folling a meal there. We sometimes go there at lunchtime, but I'll no longer eat. The only saving grace is that the beer is cheap! Is a good pub with lunchtime food REALLY to much to ask for?... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Friendly, comfy
Disadvantages: small

...The Jolly Judge is located in a wee close off the top of the Royal Mile, look when you get to Gladstones Land, and you will see the sign. Being so close to the temporary home of the Scottish Parliament, it is often frequented by politians - in particular, the Scottish Nationalists seem to feel at home! Don't let that put you off, though, it is a friendly place, popular with locals and visitors, too! The range of beers is adequate, with all the usual brews on offer along side a selection of guest beers. The decor is pretty much as you would expect from a typical Edinburgh pub, but with a lovely wooden beamed ceiling. The only problem with this pub is that, being long and thin, it is not suitable for really large groups of people, and can become quite busy in the summer. However, there are a few tables outside, if the weather holds... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful