As always, Marge is a magnet to the person you don't want to spend a night next to. The van behind her, engine was run for fifteen minutes last night to charge up the leisure battery, and then there was multiple door banging between half five and six this morning which woke John. Once again the morning was wet, which always makes packing up awkward. We were keen to begin our journey down to Arrowe Park Hospital at Birkenhead to visit John's daughter.
The weather was atrocious, rain and spray making for difficult and dangerous driving conditions.
Thankfully after emerging from the Mersey Tunnel the weather had settled, and despite a keen wind we enjoyed some welcome sunshine.
After a couple of hours at the hospital we drove to nearby West Kirby for a much needed stroll, before returning to the hospital for John to visit again for a short while. Angela was tired and waited in Marge, surprised to see after yet more rain showers the sky showing signs of an autumn sunset.
Tonight we are staying at The Cottage Loaf pub in Thurstaston. We stayed here between Christmas and New Year for a night at the end of last year on our way to Anglesey.
Pub stops are great. Some of them require you to have drinks and a meal, others just a drink. If you choose not to use this pub, the cost to stay overnight is £10.20. Angela just wasn't feeling great, so John went into the pub for a well deserved alcohol free old mout cider.
Because of the seriousness of John's daughters ailment we will be staying locally again tomorrow night, probably back here at The Cottage Loaf.
What the internet says about the Cottage Loaf
The Cottage Loaf is a popular, cosy country pub and restaurant located on Telegraph Road in Thurstaston, Wirral. Positioned perfectly for walkers, cyclists, and day-trippers, it sits right on the doorstep of Thurstaston Common and the Wirral Country Park, making it a staple stop-off for a pint or a hearty meal after exploring the local sandstone cliffs and the Wirral Way.
History & Recent Changes
The building has a rich history tied to the local area:
The Origins: It originally opened in 1930 as a set of tea rooms before being acquired by the Birkenhead Brewery in 1962 and converted into a pub.
New Ownership: While it was long known as a prominent fixture of the Greene King chain, the pub underwent a major transition when it was taken over by Edmund's Pub & Kitchen. Following a brief closure for refurbishment, the pub reopened with a refreshed interior and a focus on fresh, home-cooked quality pub food rather than standard chain menus.
Food, Drink & Vibe
The Cottage Loaf balances classic rustic charm with a modern, relaxed atmosphere.
The Menu: The food focuses heavily on comforting British pub classics, including steaks, gourmet burgers, pies, and indulgent desserts. Their Sunday Roast remains a major highlight for visitors. They also cater well to specific dietary requirements with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
The Drink: They maintain an excellent selection of beers, wines, spirits, and well-kept cask ales.
Atmosphere: It features a family-friendly, welcoming environment with a spacious garden area for the warmer months.
Practical Information & Perks
Dog Friendly: Dogs are very welcome in the bar areas and garden, making it highly convenient for those walking dogs on the common.
Motorhome Stopovers: The pub has a reputation in the campervan community as a fantastic Britstops / overnight stopover location. Motorhomes can stay overnight in the large, flat car park for free if you are buying food or drinks inside the pub (just ensure you register your vehicle registration at the bar counter when you arrive).
Parking: There is a large, free on-site car park, though it can get exceptionally busy during peak weekend hours and sunny summer days.
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