Rovers Rivals

(This post was originally posted by David on the Coronation Street Blog in April 2011.)

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 . . .