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From Victorian Pubs to Modern Taprooms: Warrington and Newton-le-Willows
I spent the day exploring the independent beer scene across Warrington and Newton-le-Willows, visiting a great mix of pubs, bars and a brewery tap, each with its own character. It was brilliant to catch up with members of North Cheshire CAMRA and meet plenty of friendly locals along the way, making the day even more enjoyable. From modern venues in Warrington Market to historic pubs full of character and welcoming community locals, there was plenty to discover. With excellent cask ale throughout and a warm welcome everywhere I visited, it proved to be another fantastic day out exploring two thriving beer destinations.
Warrington and Newton-le-Willows may only be a few miles apart, but each has its own story. Warrington grew around an important crossing of the River Mersey, with Roman roots and a market granted a royal charter in 1277. It later became a major industrial town, helped by the river, canals and its position between Liverpool and Manchester. Newton-le-Willows developed as an ancient market town before being transformed by the coming of the railways. The opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway in 1830, along with engineering works like the Vulcan Foundry, shaped the town’s future. Today, both places blend their rich heritage with thriving independent businesses and welcoming communities.
Warrington
The Hop Emporium
I started the day in Warrington, with my first visit being to The Hop Emporium inside Warrington Market. Hop Emporium is a modern addition to Warrington’s beer scene, opening as part of the town’s new indoor market in July 2020 when the Time Square development welcomed traders into its new home. The market itself has a history stretching back more than 750 years, but Hop Emporium brings a fresh take, specialising in cask and craft beer within the Cookhouse dining area. Originally known as The Real Ale Shack, it later became Hop Emporium and has built a strong reputation with local beer lovers. Today it remains an independent venue, offering a friendly stop for shoppers, visitors and anyone exploring Warrington’s revitalised market.
Inside has a bright, open feel with high ceilings and huge windows that flood the space with natural light. The long bar is a real focal point, with illuminated signage above, copper taps and shelves of bottles and cans adding plenty of colour. Industrial-style metalwork and hanging lights give the space plenty of character without feeling overdone. Seating is mostly shared, with long communal tables and chairs spread across the market hall, creating a relaxed, social atmosphere. Outside, there’s even more shared seating overlooking the square, making it an ideal spot to sit with a drink and watch the world go by.
It was fantastic to meet up with Andrew and Tracy from North Cheshire Camra who joined me for the day. Drinks wise on the bar a selection of 4 cask ales, along with a wide selection of craft keg beers and even more choices in cans and bottles. I went for Don’t Trust Sloths by Shiny Brewery, a DDH hazy pale ale with juicy pineapple, lime, peach and sweet citrus flavours and a soft, smooth finish.
Costellos
Directly opposite Warrington Market was Costello’s Bar. Costello’s Bar is one of Warrington’s newer additions to the pub scene, opening in February 2022 as part of the £142 million Time Square redevelopment. Run by the Costello family, who also own Dunham Massey Brewery and Lymm Brewery, it brought another of their real ale bars into the town, joining their venues in Stockton Heath, Lymm and Altrincham. Built as a modern, purpose-designed bar beside the cinema, it quickly became a popular stop for both shoppers and beer lovers. While the building itself is new, it has helped add fresh life to Warrington’s growing town centre and has become a welcoming part of the local pub scene.
Inside has a modern, welcoming feel with plenty of space to relax. The long bar is the main feature, with shelves full of bottles stretching up behind it. Exposed brickwork, industrial-style lighting and exposed ducting give the place plenty of character, while the wooden floors add warmth throughout. Seating is a mix of comfy booths, tables and high stools, so there’s plenty of choice whether you’re calling in for a quick drink or staying longer. Large windows let in lots of natural light and look out onto a spacious outdoor seating area with tables and parasols, giving you another great place to sit on warmer days.
Drinks wise a great choice of 7 cask ales from Dunham Massey Brewing Company alongside a range of keg options. I went for Quatre by Dunham Massey Brewing Company, a blonde ale with light citrus flavours and a clean, refreshing finish.
The Lower Angel
A short walk away brought me onto The Lower Angel. The Lower Angel has been part of Buttermarket Street for well over a century, serving locals and visitors in one of Warrington’s oldest streets. Records show it was trading by the late 1800s, with George Woodhouse listed as landlord in 1895. The pub later became part of the Peter Walker brewery estate, and many of its traditional features, including stained glass, still reflect that heritage today. While it has changed hands over the years and seen careful refurbishments, it has always remained a proper town-centre pub. Today, the Lower Angel continues to combine its long history with a warm welcome for regulars and newcomers alike.
Inside feels like a proper traditional pub that’s full of character. The dark wooden bar sits at the heart of the room, while red upholstered bench seating, patterned carpet and polished wood give it a warm, cosy feel. Stained-glass windows let plenty of natural light in, with etched glass and heavy curtains adding to the pub’s classic look. Framed photographs, old prints and historic memorabilia decorate the walls without feeling overdone. There are plenty of small tables, stools and quiet corners to choose from, making it an easy place to settle in and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
A fantastic lineup of 9 cask ales on the bar to choose from, showcasing a selection of styles. Along with these a variety of keg choices. I went for Kaleidoscope by Strawberry Fields Brewery, a pale ale with bright citrus and tropical fruit flavours and a crisp, refreshing finish.
The Tavern Sports Bar
Walking slightly out of the centre brought me to The Tavern Sports Bar. The Tavern on Church Street has become one of Warrington’s best-known destinations for real ale. Although the building itself is much older, the pub has built its modern reputation over the last few decades as an independent free house and the brewery tap for 4T’s Brewery. Run by the Wilkinson family, it has earned a place in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide every year since 2000, a remarkable achievement that reflects its consistently high standards. Sitting in the heart of the town’s historic Church Street conservation area, The Tavern has become a favourite with both locals and visitors looking for a friendly welcome and a well-kept pint.
Inside feels like a proper local with plenty of character and lots to catch your eye. Dark wood panelling, wooden floors and a mix of tables, chairs and high stools create a warm, comfortable space that’s easy to settle into. The walls are packed with framed rugby shirts, pump clips and memorabilia, giving every corner its own story. The bar is bright and colourful, with shelves full of bottles adding to the lively but welcoming feel. Out the back, there’s a spacious beer garden with covered benches, picnic tables and smaller seating areas, making it a great spot to enjoy a drink outside whatever the weather.
We managed to catch up with Nick and Mike from North Cheshire Camra in here. Drinks wise on the bar a selection of 8 cask ales, and a variety of craft keg choices. I went for Golden Gates by Warrington Ales, a golden ale with light citrus hop flavours and a smooth, refreshing finish.
The Albion
I headed further out of the centre with a 10 minute walk to The Albion Pub. The Albion on Battersby Lane is one of Warrington’s finest surviving Victorian pubs. It was built in 1896 for the local Greenall Whitley brewery and designed by Warrington architects William and Segar Owen. Its impressive red-brick exterior, with sandstone and terracotta detailing, earned it Grade II listed status in 1998, helping to protect its historic character. Over the years it has remained a true community local, welcoming generations of regulars while adapting to modern times. Today, The Albion is well known for its friendly atmosphere, support of local charities and its strong reputation for real ale, making it a much-loved part of Warrington’s pub scene.
Inside has a bright, relaxed feel while still keeping the character of a traditional local. The main bar is finished with warm wood and exposed brickwork, while comfortable seating is spread across a number of different rooms. Large bay windows let in plenty of natural light, making the lounge areas feel spacious and welcoming. Original fireplaces, polished wooden floors, framed artwork and simple décor give the pub plenty of charm without feeling overdone. Outside, there’s a good-sized cobbled beer garden with colourful planters, picnic benches and covered seating, making it a pleasant spot to enjoy a pint.
A line up on the bar of 4 cask ales to select from, along with a variety of keg options. I went for Potential Superman by Empire Brewing, a pale ale with bright citrus and tropical fruit flavours and a clean, refreshing finish.
4Ts Brewery
I jumped in a taxi to visit 4T’s Brewery. 4T’s Brewery began in 2010, brewing on a tiny half-barrel kit in a garage before quickly building a loyal local following. After a spell in Runcorn, the brewery moved back to its home town of Warrington in 2014, where it has continued to grow while staying proudly independent. Today, alongside its own 4T’s range, the brewery also produces the Warrington Ales range, celebrating the town’s brewing heritage. The Brewery Tap & Shop at Manor Industrial Estate is a much newer addition, opening for regular weekend sessions in April 2024. It gives visitors the chance to enjoy the brewery’s beers just a few steps from where they’re made, adding another welcoming destination to Warrington’s growing independent beer scene.
Inside has a proper working brewery feel that’s relaxed and full of character. The wooden bar sits at one end of the open space, while shiny brewing vessels, exposed steel beams and high insulated ceilings remind you exactly where your pint is made. Long bench seating inside creates a friendly, sociable atmosphere, with the large roller shutter left open to bring the indoor and outdoor spaces together. Outside, there are plenty of picnic benches and tables in the yard, making it a great place to sit on a sunny afternoon. It feels welcoming, informal and easy to settle into.
A fantastic warm welcome from Jordan and John behind the bar, and it was great meeting local Paul aswell. On the bar a selection of 4 cask ales, a great choice of keg beers on the back wall and a fridge full of cans. The pizzas from @pizza_lorenzos were fantastic also! I went for WSB (Warrington Special Bitter) by 4T’s Brewery, a traditional best bitter with balanced malt flavour and a smooth, satisfying finish.
Lickle
I managed to have time to drop into Lickle. Lickle opened in 2024 in a small unit on Suez Street, right in the heart of Warrington town centre. The building has had several different uses over the years. Back in 1895 it was home to a grocer, while more recently it was used as an estate agent. In 2021, planning permission was granted to turn the shop into a microbar, which opened as ABV. Lickle has carried on that idea, making the most of the compact two-storey space. It proudly claims to be Warrington’s smallest bar, proving you don’t need a big venue to create a friendly and welcoming place for a drink.
Inside makes the most of its compact space and feels full of character from the moment you step through the door. Dark green walls, reclaimed wood and exposed beams give it a cosy, quirky feel, while colourful artwork, neon signs and personal touches add plenty to catch your eye. The small bar sits at the heart of the room, with a few tables and window seats downstairs creating a relaxed atmosphere. Head upstairs and you’ll find an even cosier seating area with a handful of stools and a narrow ledge, making it a great spot for a quieter drink while looking out over the street below.
A fantastic warm welcome from Cameron when I arrived. Drinks wise a couple of draught lagers, along with a varied can and bottle list to choose from, showing off a range of styles. I went for Rolling Papers by Bullhouse Brew Co., a hazy pale ale with juicy citrus and tropical fruit flavours and a soft, refreshing finish.
Newton-le-Willows
The Kirkfield
I headed over on the train to Newton-le-Willows next, first visiting The Kirkfield. The Kirkfield’s story stretches back more than 200 years. It began life in the late 18th century as the Horse and Jockey, becoming one of Newton’s best-known coaching inns. As the town changed, so did the building. It later became the headquarters of the local Conservative Association, then the Conservative and Unionist Club, before serving generations of local children as Kirkfield Boarding and Day School. The building eventually returned to its original purpose as a hotel and pub. After standing empty and falling into disrepair for several years, it was given a new lease of life through an extensive refurbishment before reopening in late 2018.
It has a warm, comfortable feel with plenty of different spaces to choose from. The main seating areas mix wooden tables, high stools, booths and armchairs, making it easy to find a quiet corner or a spot to meet friends. Exposed brickwork, deep red walls, framed photographs and bookshelves add plenty of character, while soft lighting keeps everything feeling cosy. Large windows and rooflights bring in natural light, helping the rooms feel bright and welcoming. Outside, there’s a well-kept beer garden with lawns, paved seating areas, picnic benches, umbrellas and plenty of greenery, making it a lovely place to enjoy a drink on a warm day.
Drinks wise on the bar a great selection of 5 cask ales, alongside a varied range of keg options. I went for Good Odds by Good Chemistry, a pale ale with bright citrus and tropical fruit flavours and a clean, refreshing finish.
Stocks Tavern
Directly over the road was Stocks Tavern. Stocks Tavern has been part of Newton-le-Willows’ High Street for many years and remains one of the town’s long-established pubs. Older locals may remember it as The Blue Bell, before it was renamed Stocks Tavern. Over the years it has changed operators several times but has continued serving the local community from the same prominent town-centre building. In the 2010s it formed part of the Sam’s pub group before later coming under new ownership, and today it continues to welcome regulars and visitors alike. In recent years it has also brought real ale back onto the bar, adding another reason for beer lovers to call in.
Inside has a warm, modern feel while still keeping plenty of the character you’d expect from a traditional local. The large wooden bar is the heart of the pub, with comfortable bench seating, wooden tables and high stools spread across a series of different seating areas. Dark timber, patterned wallpaper, framed pictures and soft lighting give the place a cosy feel, while large windows help brighten the room during the day. There’s plenty of space whether you fancy a quiet corner or somewhere nearer the bar, creating a relaxed atmosphere that’s easy to settle into for a pint with friends.
3 cask ales to choose from on the bar, alongside a variety of keg choices. I went for Plum Porter by Titanic Brewery, a porter with rich roasted malt, sweet plum flavour and a smooth, satisfying finish.
The Firkin
Next up in Newton-le-Willows was to The Firkin. The Firkin is one of Newton-le-Willows’ newer additions, opening in 2014 after a former High Street shop was transformed into a welcoming pub. Rather than taking over an old licensed premises, it brought a fresh idea to the town centre and quickly became a popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike. Although it’s a modern venue, it has built a strong reputation within the local community and has become a familiar part of the High Street. Small in size but full of character, The Firkin has established itself as a friendly, independent pub where conversation and a warm welcome are always at the heart of the experience.
Inside has a cosy, lively feel that makes it easy to settle in for a pint. The long wooden bar is the heart of the room, with stools along the front and a mix of tables and chairs filling the rest of the space. Exposed brick walls, warm lighting and colourful murals give it plenty of character, while the ceiling is covered with pump clips and beer labels, creating a real talking point. Brewery signs, framed pictures and quirky artwork add to the atmosphere without feeling cluttered. It feels friendly, relaxed and somewhere that’s always got a good buzz.
A fantastic warm welcome from Phil and the team behind the bar. It was also brilliant chatting to Antoinette, Ian and Dave. A fantastic line up of 8 cask ales, 8 keg lines and 2 still ciders plus lots of other options. I went for Effortlessly Mosaic by RedWillow Brewery, a pale ale showcasing Mosaic hops with bright citrus, tropical fruit flavours and a clean, refreshing finish.
Drinkworthy
My final visit of the day in Newton-le-Willows was to Drinkworthy. Drinkworthy opened on Newton-le-Willows High Street in December 2020, bringing a fresh new independent business to the town centre. Before that, the building had been home to Hilton Holidays, a well-known local travel agency that had operated from the site for many years. Rather than leave the premises empty, it was given a new lease of life as a specialist bottle shop before later expanding to include a small bar where customers could enjoy a drink on site. Since opening, Drinkworthy has become a popular stop on the High Street, adding something a little different to Newton’s growing independent drinks scene.
Inside makes great use of its narrow space, creating somewhere that feels cosy, relaxed and easy to settle into. Shelves packed with bottles and cans line one wall from front to back, giving the shop plenty of colour and character, while a handful of tables and chairs provide comfortable seating without making it feel cramped. Soft lighting, deep blue walls and warm wooden flooring create a welcoming atmosphere, with a simple serving counter at the rear. The large front window lets in plenty of natural light during the day, and little touches like barrel tables, fairy lights and bunting help give the space a friendly, independent feel.
A huge selection of cans and bottles to choose from to drink in or take home with you in a massive variety of styles and strengths. I went for Bevvie Across the Mersey by Glen Affric Brewery, a session IPA with orange and pineapple flavours and a crisp, refreshing finish.
Micropub Adventures 