Monday, 4 April 2011

The Rovers' Rivals!

Last week, to no fanfare whatsoever, the doors of Nick Tilsley's bistro, handily named The Bistro, finally opened. Maybe this time, a licensed eaterie will finally give the Rovers a bit of competition. Down the years, viewers have become familiar with various hostelries. Now and then we get to glimpse the inside of the wonderfully downbeat and tatty Weatherfield Arms. When you see the decor you can understand why they took Cilla Battersby-Brown on as a barmaid!

Back in the day, viewers were also familiar with the Flying Horse on Jubilee Terrace. A couple of Rovers regulars even found themselves working there, namely the lovely Betty in 1970 and an angry Bet in 1989. A row with Alec forced her into the bosom of the rival pub!

The New Old Inn appeared in several 1975 episodes following the fire at the factory. Regulars got acquainted with landlady Ginny Spencer and her daughters but Annie Walker ensured that normal service was soon resumed at the Rovers.

Everyone's favourite shrieking Harvester barmaid, Liz McDonald, had a stint at Newton & Ridley's flagship pub The Queens back in the early 1990s. She also enjoyed a spot of slap and tickle with Des Barnes' barman brother but, as usual, everything went haywire when Jim and his fists made an appearance.

Foodwise and with the exception of Roy's Rolls and Jackson's chippy, the only other local eaterie of note (and sorry but a kebab shop doesn't count) was the tatty trattoria presided over by Leanne Battersby during her 'nasty Leanne' phase. Insipid pizza anyone?

So let's raise a glass to Nick, his lived-in face and his new venture. Any ideas what his signature dish might be? Gail's Ghoulash? David's Devilled Kidneys? Audrey Tart? Or maybe a Tram Crash Trifle . . .

6 comments:

Merseytart said...

There was also The Clock, frequented by the Barlows.

Love the phrase "lived-in face" about Nick Tilsley. It does look like it's had a bedsit of asylum seekers lodged in it for a while.

Frosty the Snowman said...

How about Delphines, the favourite of Mike Baldwin? And of course the Weathie Arms.

Blimey if the bulldog chewing a wasp Gail is going to be in situ sitting at the bar moaning, DOES THAT WOMAN EVER SHUT UP? at the BistroI reckon Nick will have even less customers than he has, cant he give her some kind of a job, washing up or collecting glasses or sommat. As usual she is getting right on my wick.

BarrieT said...

how could you forget "The graffiti club" which was right opposite the Rovers where the Medical centre now is

Rachel said...

Wasn't it Wong's chippie? I seem to remember an irate Chinese man berating Cilla and Yanna when they worked there.

Anonymous said...

Poor Gail, nothing to do but have a drink at the Rover's or the Bistro now.....listen to Kylie's insults, a person she has know a week living in HER house and have her own son say despicable things to her as well. Perhaps she can be referred to the psychiatrist looking after Stape. One of Nick's signature dishes could be Gail's Gutless Gourmet Giblets.

Anonymous said...

Nick Tilsley is 30! No party or celebration of that landmark. Perhaps no-one wanted to remind the viewers, in case they thought his face was too lived in!

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