Toilet signage at The Grapes- UPDATE

Finally there's new toilet signage at The Grapes...

Ever since this website was founded there has been reports of vanishing toilet door signs at The Grapes. We first reported the issues in an early blog back in March 2007, and it is even mentioned in the Official HMPG Review- where we invite you all to play the game: "Will the gent's door have a sign on?" However, I am now pleased to report that there is new, clear signage there now, as you can see by these photos. This might seem like a trivial thing- and indeed it is- but little things like this make all the difference, a few easy points can be won or lost, which could mean the difference of a few ranking places. For the moment I will sleep easy knowing that all the customers of The Grapes know where to spend a penny lol

Away Day Pubs - Barnet v Hereford

Will Simon Davey be drinking at the Last Chance Saloon?

Hereford United travel to fellow League Two strugglers Barnet on Saturday for what is already looking like a relegation crunch match. With (some) small glimmers of hope on display at Tuesday night's home defeat to Stevenage, Hereford's more optimistic fans will be hoping the match offers a chance to turn around recent fortunes and kick start our faltering season.

My own opinion is that a defeat at Barnet would leave the board little choice but wave goodbye to Simon Davey and start looking for another manager. Just how realistic this may be and how viable financially this actually is only Mr Keyte and Mr Russon will know. What is clear is that a loss on Saturday would leave United adrift at the foot of the table and already looking ominously towards the Blue Square Premier.

If you are travelling down for Saturday's match and are looking to calm your nerves ahead of this potential six-pointer with a pre-match drink we've done some research into the best Barnet pre-match pubs...

A favoured pub with away fans is The Old Red Lion (pictured left) - this is located behind the North Entrance to Underhill. The pub has plenty of room, a selection of real ales and also serves food. Note that the supporters club at the ground itself does not allow away supporters.

For those travelling by train, The Railway Bell is opposite the station which is a Wetherspoons pub so always a safe bet.

Also in Barnet itself at the top of Barnet Hill are The Misty Moon (pictured right) - Formerly the Moon Under the Water - and The King John which both welcome away supporters.

At the bottom of the hill is The Queen's Arms (pictured right) which is a Sports Bar offering real ale and big screens for any TV matches.

Here's hoping that the Bulls can make it their 2nd away win of the season and start the climb up the table. Despite Tuesday's heavy defeat there were signs that we can actually play a bit when we keep it on the deck and look to create chances rather than favouring the random punt upfield. Keep the faith!

The Sky at Night

Last night while walking home from the pub, my gaze wandered skyward. What greeted me was a gorgeous view of a nearly full moon with Jupiter just below, not to mention Uranus! A bit of research tonight has revealed that it is a Harvest Moon- and that tomorrow night is the Autumn Equinox. It also turns out that Jupiter is closer to now than it has been since 1963, and it won't be this close again until 2022! I urge you all to go outside and look up to the heavens and ponder our place in the universe- it really is worth it.
I won't go into anymore detail here but for more information on the autumnal Equinox and other astronomical features then the EarthSky website is particularly helpful.

Live Long and Prosper

Away Day Pubs - Bury v Hereford

Hereford United travel to Gigg Lane on Saturday to face Bury. After their recent performances we can definitely recommend some liquid refreshment before-hand to make the on-field activity more enjoyable!

Members of the The Mighty Shakers forum have recommended some away fan friendly pubs that travelling Hereford fans might want to check out...

DJAsh says the Rose and Crown is worth a visit with four real ales on offer and there might even be some free hot pot available after the match. You'll find this pub on the Manchester Old Road about 10 minutes walk from the ground. Bradley1 also compliments the way it supports their local football team - sadly a rarity for modern pubs.

Vinny suggests The Swan and Cemetery which is about 7 minutes walk South of the ground along the Manchester Road. They serve traditional Thwaites beer with good food.

If your heading along the Manchester Road, Bradley1 also advises a trip to The Wellington.

In the centre of Bury, The Trackside is located on the platform of the East Lancs Railway. Cabinboy says they have nine handpumps with real ales plus a good selection of ciders and perries along with several continental bottled ales.

At the ground itself is the Bury FC Social Club. Forum member Pedr ap Gwilym says the beer is good and the atmosphere is excellent and they show the early Sky TV matches there. He says all away fans are very welcome - they even let Rochdale supporters in there last year!

If you're one of the (likely) few Hereford fans travelling to the match have a safe trip. Things on the pitch have surely got to improve soon. I have a sneaky feeling we may at least score a goal on Saturday!

Rose & Crown reviews

Last week we visited what was the highest ranked pub in Hereford- The Rose and Crown. We re-reviewed the pub and I am pleased to announce that not only does it retain it's 1st place but it increased it's score ( by 1%) to an impressive 75%. To read our review of what we consider "The best Pub in Hereford" - the stats can't lie- click here.
We have also received 2 more reviews of The Rose and Crown, from Jo and Peter M- both praise the food and the friendliness. Over the years we have had several reviews sent in, to access these easily click on the names below:

Jo; Peter M; Chris B; Chris&Diane; Khriss Smith; Andrew Bryne.

For more information about The Rose and Crown visit their website at:
http://www.gkpubs.co.uk/pubs-in-hereford/rose-and-crown-pub/

Pool&Snooker@Hereford

Recently we HM Pub Guiders fancied a pool and snooker night, therefore we boldly ventured out 'round town and assessed 2 previously un-reviewed establishments (just click on the pub names below to read our reviews):

• Pool and Sports Bar:
  

This is a refurb of The Blue Rooms in Berrington Street, which has been nicely done. There are 6 pool tables (50p a game) and there is a large screen on the back wall. Although on this occasion it was pretty quiet I would highly recommend any pool playing folk out there to give it a try.

• Hereford Snooker & Pool Centre:
  

There is a small bar downstairs next to the pool tables. However, it is upstairs where we spent most of our time- as there are 6 full size snooker tables here. If you like or fancy trying your luck on the green baize then it's definitely worth a visit.

Cardiff pubs reviewed

A few weeks ago Jo visited Cardiff for her sister's hen night, by the sounds of it a good night was had by all; and more surprising is the fact that she remembered enough to be able to review 2 of the places they visited (click on the pub names below to read her reviews).

• The Great Western (Wetherspoons) - This is your typical Wetherspoons and is a good place to start your night out in. They also do a good fry up for the morning after!
• Tiger Tiger Club - This is a lively, happening place where private booths with karaoke are available.
  

Away Day Pubs - Burton v Hereford

Hereford travel to Burton on Saturday to an area of the world famous for its breweries. With this in mind we've done some digging to find out the best places for travelling Hereford fans to sample some local beers.

The Pirelli Stadium is located a short distance from the old site of Eton Park. A typical modern stadium, it is worth noting though that there is a small bar specifically for away fans within the ground itself.

From the ground, a ten minute walk away from town along the Derby Road will lead you to The Beech Inn. The pub serves food and there's also a McDonalds nearby.

Also a short walk from the ground along Wetmore Road is The Great Northern which is renowned for its local ales.

Nearer the centre of Burton there is a wider range of pubs. From the station turn right for The Roebuck which is a Burton Ale House pub. This offers a good selection of beers as well as live football via Sky Sports.

On the right hand side of Station Street is the Devonshire Arms on the corner of Milton Street. This has a variety of guest ales and also serves good food.

Heading from the town centre and towards the stadium will take you along Derby Street towards The Alfred. This serves Burton Bridge beers and also has a good range of food.

Wherever you go here's hoping that Hereford United will have a good trip and the goals will finally start to flow as freely as the beer in the local pubs.