The Cricketers on Peter Street isn't too shabby. St Helens CAMRA pub of the year 2014 and 2015. It's about a 15 / 20 minute walk to the ground, passing the Running Horses on the way.

Good point, Norman. I know a couple of lads from Fev coming over on Boxing Day so I will do one before then. I have to say the aforesaid Micro's are a great boost to Fax's real ale scene. Cheery Tree shudds. Ilkley Pale 4.2% Mmm!

Halifax:-A new season is on the horizon and with it comes a few new micro pubs in the town centre. Open a couple of years now The Victorian Café Bar behind The Victoria Theatre is a real gem. Eight cask ales in here along with numerous bottles and plenty of "craft" lines if that's your tipple. Pies as well! Not to be missed. The Alexandra on Alexandra Street is the latest to be opened and although only two pumps are available in here again there's bottles aplenty, a small and welcoming bar is this one. Right next to The Town Hall is The Grayston Unity. In what was an old electrical store a tiny bar will serve you four cask ales in a very unusual setting. Last but not least is The Pump Room micropub. This one is situated at the top of Halifax Bus Station and in a very cosy atmosphere you can choose from six handpumps all of which dispense excellent real ale. Enjoy your Rugby, enjoy your ale.

Toulouse:-A long time since I visited Toulouse and the memory is fading, by all accounts we met Bentleyman and his good lady last time, but for real ale you're struggling in France although there is one ray of light in central Toulouse. The Frog and Rosbif on rue de l'industrie is just a short walk from Place Wilson. This is an English style pub with it's own on site brewery. Here you will find six real ales including a stout, a blonde (lager) and a white beer (Belgian). When alighting the underground I recall a very pleasant bar right outside although only the normal French beers/lager was available. Enjoy the match, enjoy the ale! Up The Fax