The Grapes

I have to say, this pub/​eatery is probably one of the worst I’ve visited. Not only did my order take nearly 50 minutes to arrive, 2 meals had to be sent back, and the food was of pretty poor quality. (Definitely frozen food)
The Grapes has a section for «the drinkers» which is completely ridiculous, the section has over 20 empty tables that can be used for food, instead, they prefer to cater for the old man on a weekend.
I have to say, I will probably steer clear of this place in the future.
I like turtles.

Like ‘The Railway’, ‘The Grapes’ has got to be up there as one of the most popular names for a pub, certainly within the Liverpool area. ‘The Railway’ being a popular name, I can kind of understand as there are a lot of pubs located near railways. But ‘The Grapes’? Maybe it’s just something to do with wine fortification.
This particular Grapes in Thornton however has been going since the nineteenth century, so I guess it could probably lay claim to having come up with the name, unlike its rivals.
Like the Nag’s Head next door, The Grapes is a traditional looking, cosy pub which although a bit smaller than its neighbour, is certainly no less comfortable. Inside, the pub is regularly filled with drinkers and diners and this is partly due to the excellent meal offers they have on during the week, including a steak and drink for a fiver. Pretty good value for money, I’m sure you’d agree. The food there is your standard pub classics but all are made to a high standard and the service is always friendly and attentive. The drinks there are what you’d expect from a normal country pub like this and are all available at fairly reasonable and competitive prices.
Worth checking out if you’re in the area and the Nag’s Head is full.

I was tempted to visit The Grapes since it’s recent renovation provoked a rise in visitors and an increase in the number compliments it received. I called in for a drink around lunchtime and it was quite busy inside with diners all tucking in to what looked and smelled like delicious food. The clientele was mixed: young, old, a couple of families but there was little atmosphere and my guest and I opted to sit in the sunshine with our drinks and we were directed outside by the very pleasant barman. Whoever promoted the «beautiful» beer garden to me must surely have visited few pubs, don’t get me wrong, it’s nice enough with around 8 pub benches and a grassed area up above, it’s spacious and clean, but nothing remarkable. The garden was empty and we enjoyed our drinks in peace. We enjoyed our visit, but the pub and the atmosphere seemed somewhat lacklustre, not what we expected during a very sunny lunchtime.