The Lower Angel – A Gem of a Warrington Pub Step into The Lower Angel, and immediately you know you’re in a ‘real’ pub. This charming and unspoilt building on Buttermarket Street is as traditional as it gets. The curious name stems from the now-demolished Higher Angel that stood next door. It’s an often-heard complaint that real pubs are no longer. In a world where the big chains dominate, it’s a joy to find a gem like this. It’s got it all: a friendly bunch of regulars, excellent bar staff, and a fine selection of beers. For a real ale drinker like myself, this is the ideal place to enjoy a few pints on a Friday afternoon. The layout is a welcome and familiar vault and lounge set-up, which hasn’t changed in decades. A bar in the middle – complete with bar stools, a rarity in the major chains – is exactly as I imagine it would have been when built. Comfortable and Welcoming The clientele is regular, local people enjoying a chat and a pint, yet the atmosphere is friendly, and I feel welcome. This isn’t always the case in pubs of this type, but The Lower Angel is somewhere I could happily return to regularly. I took a seat at the bar and was immediately acknowledged by the man on the next stool and the attentive barman. Liverpool Brewing Company supplies most of the real ales on offer here, so I tried the ‘Cascade, ’ which proved to be a good choice. A pale ale of 3.8%, it’s a perfect afternoon session ale. Dogs are welcome in the bar, and there were a couple lying asleep under one of the tables, and there is a sheltered beer garden. Pleasing for me was the low level of background music. Too often, it’s at a higher volume, and it’s difficult to initiate a conversation. The friendly local on my left broke the ice with the usual ‘not seen you in here before’ comment. We chatted for a while, as you do in a genuine pub setting, and he told me about the history of the memorabilia that is part of the décor. You don’t get that in your bigger, city centre chain pubs.
