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A Seaside Pub Crawl Along Morecambe Bay
I spent the day pub-hopping around Hest Bank, Morecambe and Heysham, soaking up the vibe at each stop. From the cosy, chatty feel of The Crossing and Little Bare to seafront places like Tide & Tap, Embargo and the old-school Palatine, everywhere felt welcoming and relaxed. I met brilliant landlords, friendly locals and even popped into a family-run gin distillery. The spots ranged from tiny former shops to a grand old hotel, but all kept things easygoing and unpretentious. With buses linking the towns and great cask ale all day, it turned into a cracking little tour of Lancashire’s independent pub scene.
Morecambe, Hest Bank and Heysham all grew up along the edge of Morecambe Bay, shaped by the sea and the routes linking Lancashire to the wider world. Morecambe started as a few small fishing villages before exploding into a popular Victorian seaside resort once the railways arrived, bringing day-trippers and holidaymakers in their thousands. Hest Bank developed as a quiet coastal settlement known for historic crossings over the bay sands and later its railway connections. Heysham is much older, with ancient remains still visible today, and became an important port in the early 1900s, adding sea links to its long coastal story.
Hest Bank
The Crossing
My first visit was in Hest Bank to The Crossing Micro Pub. The Crossing Micropub opened in 2018, bringing a proper pub back to Hest Bank after a long gap. It’s part of the wider micropub movement, focusing on simple ideas done well: good beer, friendly chat, and a relaxed atmosphere. The name comes from the nearby railway level crossing and the historic route used by people crossing Morecambe Bay sands. From the start, it set out to champion cask ale and small breweries, quickly becoming a regular meeting place for locals. Over the years, it’s grown into a well-loved village pub with a reputation for quality beer and easy conversation.
Inside The Crossing Micropub, it’s small, cosy, and kept nice and simple. A long bar runs along one side, with chalkboards listing what’s pouring, and a handful of stools, benches, and little tables dotted around. It’s the sort of setup where chatting to people just happens naturally. There’s no TV or loud background noise, so it always feels relaxed and easygoing. Out front, there’s outside seating where you can enjoy a pint and watch trains roll past on the West Coast Main Line. It’s informal, friendly, and very easy to feel at home.
A fantastic warm welcome from Gaz and Dawn when we arrived and was great chatting to you and a number of customers in the pub. On the bar a great selection of 6 cask ales to choose from, along with a choice of 4 keg lines. I went with “Textbook” from Old School Brewery (OSB). Easy-drinking and smooth, with a light malty sweetness and a clean, crisp finish.
Morecambe
The Tide & Tap
A short bus ride from Hest Bank back along the coast into Morecambe to visit The Tide and Tap. Tide & Tap sits on Marine Road East in a building that’s already had a good working life. Before it became Tide & Tap, the space was home to the Blue Mountain Restaurant, a familiar seafront spot for many years. When Blue Mountain closed in August 2024, it marked the end of an era for the site. Rather than starting from scratch, Tide & Tap moved in during 2025, giving the same building a new purpose. It’s a change that mirrors what’s been happening across Morecambe, with older commercial spaces being taken on by independent businesses and shaped into something new as the town keeps moving forward.
Inside, Tide & Tap is easygoing and unpretentious. It’s the kind of place you can wander into without thinking about it and feel comfortable straight away. The space is open and straightforward, with a mix of seating that works whether you’re on your own or with friends. Light comes in from the front during the day, then it settles into a softer, cosier feel later on. Nothing feels overdone — bits of the building’s age are still there, which gives it some character. Overall, it feels relaxed, familiar, and very much at home in Morecambe.
It was brilliant to meet Steven and Jennie and was fantastic chatting to you both (and huge thanks for the lift to our next spot). On the bar (which looks amazing, being an old fireplace), there is a selection of 5 cask ales, 10 keg lines and even more choice of cans in the fridge. I opted to go with “Archetype” by Tun Brewing Company. Light, smooth, and slightly hoppy with a clean, easy finish.
Torrisholme Taps
Next up was to Torrisholme Taps. Torrisholme Taps opened in 2021 on Lancaster Road, taking over a former bridal wear shop that had been part of the street for years. The building sits on one of the main routes between Lancaster and Morecambe, an area shaped by Victorian expansion as the seaside town grew. Like many small shops, the bridal business closed as shopping habits changed. Rather than sitting empty, the unit was given a new lease of life. Today, Torrisholme Taps carries on the long tradition of local meeting places, just in a modern, relaxed way.
Inside Torrisholme Taps it’s small, bright and straightforward. The space is long, with a clear view from the door straight to the bar. A large front window brings in plenty of daylight, which helps it feel more open than you’d expect. The décor is simple rather than showy, with practical seating arranged to suit the shape of the room. Nothing feels overdone or cramped. It’s the kind of place where the layout just works, keeping things comfortable and relaxed, whether it’s quiet or a bit busier.
A warm welcome from Brian when we arrived here and it was brilliant chatting to you. On the bar a cracking line up of 6 cask lines, 4 keg lines and a variety of ciders to choose from. I went with “Santa’s Skinful” by Three B’s Brewery. Sweet and fruity with a hint of spice and a fun, festive kick.
Three Wheel Gin Company
Opposite Torrisholme Taps is Three Wheel Gin Company Distillery & Bottle Shop. The Three Wheel Gin Company is a laid-back, family-run distillery that’s all about making cracking small-batch spirits without taking itself too seriously. They’re best known for their gins – think bold flavours, local botanicals, and plenty of personality – all made on site with real care and a bit of fun. Their shop is the kind of place you can happily browse for a while, whether you’re picking up a bottle of gin, grabbing a gift, or discovering something new, with shelves full of craft drinks and local goodies. It’s friendly, unpretentious, and exactly the sort of spot you’d pop into “just for a look” and leave with a bag in hand.
They also do some seriously tasty liqueurs, including a zesty limoncello, a smooth organcello, and a rich cherry Bakewell one that’s dangerously easy to sip.
Little Bare
Another short bus ride brought me next to The Little Bare. The Little Bare opened in 2017 in a small former off-licence in Bare, one of Morecambe’s older districts. The name is a simple nod to its location and its size — a little pub in Bare. The area’s name goes back centuries and is tied to the low-lying coastal land by Morecambe Bay rather than any single landmark. It’s an understated, local name that fits the place perfectly, rooting the pub firmly in its surroundings without making a fuss about it.
Inside The Little Bare it’s really laid-back and down to earth. It’s small, so everything’s close together, a bit like being in someone’s front room rather than a pub. Wooden floors, simple furniture, stools and benches, nothing fancy at all. The lighting’s soft and warm, not harsh, so it always feels relaxed. Because it’s compact, people end up chatting without trying, and it never feels formal or stiff. You come in, stand or sit wherever there’s space, and settle in quickly. It’s easygoing, friendly, and comfortably no-frills.
Now owned by Q Brew it was fantastic to meet up with and chat to Peter. On the bar a great selection of 5 cask ales (2 being brewed themselves), along with a choice of 4 keg beers. I went with “Galactic Storm 2” by Q Brew Brewing Company. Bold and hoppy with bright citrus notes and a punchy, zingy finish.
The Morecambe Hotel & Restaurant
Next up was The Morecambe Hotel & Restaurant. The Morecambe Hotel dates back to the town’s late-Victorian heyday, when Morecambe was booming as a seaside getaway. Built in the late 1800s, it began life as a traditional hotel, welcoming visitors arriving by train in search of sea air and entertainment along Morecambe Bay. As tourism patterns shifted and grand seaside hotels declined, the building adapted with the times. Having survived wars, quieter decades and changing tastes, it continues today as a working hotel with a pub at its heart, combining its historic character with a modern role in the town’s hospitality scene.
Inside the Morecambe Hotel pub, it’s laid-back and comfortable, nothing too done-up. The 2015 refurb gave it a tidy, modern lift but kept the pub’s old feel. There are wooden floors, bits of exposed stone and a proper solid bar that feels like it’s always been there. The space is open and bright, with a mix of tables and seating that suits a quick drink or hanging around for a while. It’s cosy without being cramped, friendly without trying too hard — just an easy place to settle in.
Drinks wise on the bar a selection of 2 cask ales, along with a range of keg options. My beer choice was “Ruskin’s” by Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery. Smooth and malty with a gentle sweetness and a clean, easy-going finish.
Embargo Craft Bar
Back onto the front to visit Embargo Craft Bar. Embargo opened in April 2019, taking over a small spot on Marine Road Central with views across the bay. It settled into the seafront at a time when Morecambe was quietly finding its feet again. It has recently been taken over the by team behind The Dispensary in Heysham and I wish them all the luck with their new venture. Like much of the town, it’s about keeping going and adapting as needed. Today, Embargo sits comfortably as part of the modern seaside mix, reflecting how Morecambe has changed without losing its relaxed, everyday feel.
Inside it feels small, relaxed, and easy to settle into. There’s an open layout with the bar front and centre, and seating dotted around so people can sit, stand, or drift about without it feeling awkward. The lighting is warm and soft, giving it a cosy, laid-back vibe. Décor is modern but simple, nothing flashy, with muted colours and a clean look. Big front windows bring in daylight and keep things feeling open. Overall, it’s the kind of place that feels comfortable straight away, more about hanging out than making an impression.
On the bar a selection of 3 cask ales along with a variety of keg craft options to choose from, with changes to the craft selection incoming with the new owners. I chose “Headmaster” by Old School Brewery (OSB). Rich and smooth with a malty sweetness and a slightly roasted, toasty finish.
Palatine
A short walk up the road brought me to Palatine. The Palatine is an Edwardian pub on Marine Road in Morecambe, built in the late 1800s and known by its current name by the early 1900s. Over the years it’s been a solid local favourite, especially for real ale and those bay views. In December 2008 it was refurbished and reopened as a dedicated cask ale bar under Lancaster Brewery, which really cemented its reputation. After closing for a while in 2024, it reopened later that year with new operators at the helm, bringing fresh energy while keeping the traditional pub feel.
Inside the Palatine it feels relaxed and old-school in a good way. There’s lots of dark wood, low ceilings and solid furniture that make it feel properly traditional rather than styled to death. The lighting’s soft and warm, so it’s easy to settle in, and the front windows give you those big bay views that change with the weather. Seating’s spread out but still close enough to feel social, whether you’re at a table or tucked into a corner.
On the bar a choice of 4 cask ales along with a nice selection of keg options. I chose to go with “Red” by Lancaster Brewery. Smooth and malty with a light caramel sweetness and an easy finish.
Coffeys
A walk next to Coffeys. Coffey’s only showed up on the pub scene in 2022, so it’s still pretty new by Morecambe standards. Before that, the building was mostly just offices, nothing glamorous and definitely not a pub. Like a lot of places on Lancaster Road, it’s an older building that’s quietly changed jobs over the years while the town shifted around it. Turning it into a pub and coffee place gave it a whole new lease of life. Now it’s somewhere you can just drop in, have a drink and put the world to rights for a bit.
Inside Coffey’s it’s small, relaxed, and pretty down to earth. There’s no fancy pub styling going on, just a clean, comfortable space that feels easy to be in. The bar’s the main focus, with a handful of taps and bottles behind it, and seating dotted around so you can grab a stool or sit and settle. Lighting’s warm and low-key, nothing harsh. It’s the kind of place where people actually talk to each other, not shout over music. Whether you’re in for a quick coffee or a slow pint, it feels friendly and unpretentious.
A choice on the bar of 2 cask ales, along with a selection of keg options to choose from. I went with “Blonde” by Lancaster Brewery. Light and crisp with a gentle sweetness and a clean, refreshing finish.
Heysham
The Dispensary
Back on the bus again this time along the coast to Heysham to visit The Dispensary. The Dispensary opened in 2023 in a building many locals already knew well. Before it became a place for coffee, wine and a pint, it was most recently a florist, brightening the street with fresh flowers. Go back a bit further and the same space had been a chemist, where people once came for medicines and advice. The name The Dispensary is a nod to that earlier chapter. While its purpose has changed over time, the building has always been about everyday life and looking after people — just now it does it with good drinks, good company and a relaxed atmosphere.
Inside The Dispensary feels laid-back and comfortable, like a place you can properly relax in. It’s bright without feeling stark, with wooden tables, warm lighting and a bar that fits naturally into the room. The decor is simple and tasteful, with a few thoughtful details that give it character but don’t try too hard. It’s the kind of space that works just as well for a quick coffee as it does for staying a while. You can grab a pint, settle into your seat and chat, without feeling rushed or out of place.
A superb warm welcome from Sarah and Daisy when we arrived. A selection of 2 cask ales along with a great choice of craft keg lines to choose from. The food, in particular the sharing platters in here are outstanding, great value for money and absolutely delicious. I chose to go with “Fell Walker” by Bowness Bay Brewing. Light, crisp, and refreshing with a gentle citrus note and a clean finish.
The Bookmakers
A walk down the road in Heysham to The Bookmakers. The Bookmakers Micropub opened in 2019, taking over a former betting shop on Heysham Road and keeping the name as a bit of a wink to the past. It was set up as part of the modern micropub wave — small, independent places bringing pubs back to basics after years of closures. From early on, it became a regular meeting spot for locals who just wanted somewhere relaxed to chat and catch up. Even though it hasn’t been around for centuries, it’s already carved out a place in everyday Heysham life, proving you don’t need a long history to become well-loved.
Inside The Bookmakers Micropub it’s small and cosy, the sort of place where you walk in and immediately relax. It’s basically one room, with a few simple tables and chairs close enough that you end up chatting to people without really planning to. The lighting’s warm, not bright or harsh, so it always feels comfortable. There are a few bits on the walls that give it personality, but it’s not cluttered or try-hard. There’s no background noise fighting for attention either — it’s all about easy conversation, familiar faces, and feeling at home for a while.
A fantastic warm welcome from Peter and Hayley when we arrived. On the bar a great selection of 5 cask ales along with a choice of 5 keg beers. I went with “Bookmakers Joint Favourite Blonde” by Lancaster Brewery. Light, smooth, and easy-drinking with a soft sweetness and a clean, crisp finish.
Morecambe
The Exchange
I headed back into Morecambe on the bus for my final 2 visits, the first being to The Exchange. The Exchange in Morecambe occupies a building that dates mainly from the 1930s, following a fire that damaged the earlier pub on the site known as the Imperial. The Imperial name continued for many years, even as the building evolved and changed use over time. After eventually closing and falling into disrepair, the pub was taken on by new owners in 2015 and reopened in 2016 as The Exchange. Refurbishment work revealed features such as a central atrium, linking the present-day pub to its layered past in Morecambe.
Inside, The Exchange feels bright and open, with its layout built around a central bar. There’s a mix of solid, old-school pub features and more modern finishes, like exposed brick, metal railings, and warm wood. The space is spread over different levels, with plenty of corners and tucked-away spots that stop it feeling cavernous. High ceilings and wide sightlines give it an airy feel, while the long bar and simple furnishings keep it relaxed and unfussy.
A great selection of 6 cask ales on the bar along with a large choice of keg options. “Cosmic Pale” by Tiny Rebel Brewing Co was my choice of beer. Bright and zesty with juicy citrus flavours and a crisp, refreshing finish.
The Bath
Lastly in Morecambe was to The Bath. Opened in the 1930s, The Bath Tap started life as The Bath, a smart Art Deco pub built by Boddingtons Brewery when Morecambe was properly booming. It spent decades as a solid local pub, changing with the times but always staying busy and well used. After closing in 2023, the building had a big refurb that brought some of the original Art Deco feel back into focus. It reopened as The Bath Tap, keeping the same bones and pub spirit, just with a fresh name and a sharper focus on craft beer and modern pints.
Inside, The Bath Tap just feels easy. It’s open and airy, with loads of space and nothing crammed in for the sake of it. You can spot the Art Deco touches in the curves and shapes, but it’s subtle, not shouty. High ceilings keep it feeling light, the lighting’s soft and warm, and everything looks fresh without being flashy. It still feels like a proper old pub at heart, just cleaned up and smoothed out a bit. Basically, it’s relaxed, good-looking, and somewhere you don’t feel rushed or out of place.
A great warm welcome and a fantastic drinks selection with 3 cask ales alongside 10 keg lines with lots of options. I finished the day with “Splish Splash” by Farm Yard Brew Co. Light and refreshing with a splash of citrus and a clean, easy finish.
Micropub Adventures 