Our Social Secretary Ann Burnett couldn’t make this one so had passed the guide duties on to local CAMRA member Geoff Puddephattt, who is also on the Cornwall Branch Committee as Clubs Officer.

A total of between 8 and 10 members turned up in this Cornish seaside town that is split into East and West Looe by the tidal river. Train was the most popular mode of transport to reach the town using the branch line from Liskeard. As connections can sometimes be long-winded the start time had been delayed until the arrival of the 14.22 from Liskeard and was to be in The Globe, opposite the station.

Inevitably, because of train connections for the return, some ‘walkabouters’ started earlier and visited the two pubs in West Looe that were to be included later on during the day. The Harbour Moon had Sharp’s Doom Bar and Fullers London Pride, with the Proper Job pump clip turned round. The Jolly Sailor had Doom Bar, Tribute, Bath Gem and Dartmoor Jail Ale on the pumps and, claiming to be the oldest pub in Looe, provided a unique atmosphere for our visit.

Taking advantage of a passing bus for the trip back across the river enabled the advance party to meet up at The Globe in time for the start of the walkabout. St Austell Tribute was the only beer available until the Shepherd Neame Spitfire was pulled through, having just run out as we walked through the door.

The Salutation was next on the list and although olde worlde in atmosphere only had Doom Bar on offer. The Fisherman’s on the other hand had Doom Bar, Tribute and Cameron’s Whakanui. The latter being a regular changing guest beer.

The Walkabouters in The Fisherman’s with an appropriate sign behind party leader Geoff’s head.

An advantage of visiting pubs in Looe on any walkabout is that they are all a short distance apart and on the level. So it wasn’t long before the party found themselves in The Quayside where the choice of ales was either Doom Bar or Sea Fury, also from Sharp’s and formerly known as Special.

Being on the level was mentioned above, but stairs had to be climbed to Looe Angling Club that, although technically is a club, allows free entry to CAMRA members. Only one real ale was on offer but the fact that this was Hunter’s Pheasant Plucker and cost £3 a pint was compensation enough.

The advance party left here to catch the 18.42 train home after a swift Spitfire in The Globe, while the remainder crossed the river to finish the walkabout in the two pubs in West Looe previously mentioned.

A pleasant day out was enjoyed by all who took part and it is recommended that you join us on our next walkabouts that have been arranged each month.

Report and photos by Steve Willmott

An additional Picture shared by Brian in reply to the Newsletter Editor !!