Category Archives: Merseyside

14/02/26 – Wallasey, Liscard and New Brighton

I spent a full day exploring Wallasey, Liscard and New Brighton, meeting up with followers and visiting a brilliant mix of independent bars and micropubs. From the intimate Hawkwinds & Jokerman in Wallasey to Liscard favourites like Twelve-Sixty, The Lazy Landlord and The Scrap Yard, each stop offered a warm welcome, good conversation and well-kept beer. I finished in New Brighton at The Bow-Legged Beagle, Homebrew Tap and SUP, enjoying everything from traditional milds to modern pale ales. It was great meeting owners, chatting with locals and seeing these places thriving.

29/12/25 – St Helens

I spent the day exploring some of St Helens’ pubs, and each one had its own feel. I kicked things off at The Royal Alfred by the station – proper old-school and full of history. The Turks Head was a highlight, packed with character and brilliant beer. Next door, The Cowley Vaults felt instantly welcoming, like somewhere you could lose track of time. Back in town, The Lamb Inn had that relaxed, cosy feel, while The Tipsy Tap was a newer, easy-going spot. The Cricketers Arms stood out with its on-site brewery – really impressive. I ended at Skew Bridge Alehouse and Beer EnGin, both small, friendly, and great for a quiet pint.

28/12/25 – Waterloo and Crosby

I started off around Waterloo, first popping into The Shipwreck – proper friendly, dead relaxed, and a cracking pint of Ice Queen from Ossett to get going. Then it was round to Always Sometimes, super chilled with great beer – went for Neptune’s Cask Club Luminosa. The Old Tap and Four Ashes kept things ticking nicely, both great spots, and I ended up at Trap & Hatch for a lovely juicy pale from DEYA. Then over to Crosby – The Coop was a standout, proper community feel and a boss Black IPA. Finished up with classic cosy pints at The Corner Post and The Volunteer Canteen.

11/10/25 – Southport and Formby

I spent the day exploring Southport’s best micropubs and traditional locals, each with its own character and charm. I started at The Beer Den, a cosy spot with great ales, then wandered to The Barrel House in Birkdale — small but buzzing. From there, I visited The Grasshopper, Beer Station, and The Tin Shed, all welcoming and full of personality. Back in Southport, I called into Tap & Bottles, Masons Arms, The Guesthouse, and The Windmill before finishing at The Lakeside Inn — Britain’s smallest pub. Every stop had a great pint, a friendly atmosphere, and that proper local feel I love.

01/03/25 – Liverpool

I undertake a tour of historic pubs in Liverpool, starting with The Vines, established in 1867, known for its baroque architecture and diverse cask ales. I continue to Ma Egerton’s Stage Door, a favoured venue of renowned performers, and Doctor Duncans, honouring a public health pioneer. The Ship & Mitre and Dead Crafty Beer Co highlight the city’s maritime heritage and craft beer culture. The Vernon Arms and Brunswick Vaults showcase local charm, while The Pig & Whistle and White Star reflect Liverpool’s seafaring history. The Bridewell, The Monro, and other pubs reveal rich narratives intertwining local culture and brewing traditions, inviting visitors to enjoy their unique atmospheres.

21/10/23 – Liverpool and Ormskirk

A day out in Liverpool, heading up to the top of the Radio City tower, before heading to “Liverpool Brewing Co” Tap Room, “St Lukes Bombed Out Church”, a bar set in the grounds of a bombed out church, heading out to Cains Brewery Village, with lots of different bars, markets and eating spots, and finishing in Ormskirk with “Tap Room No 12”.

26/08/23 – Merseyside (Day 2)

A pretty spread out day around Merseyside, starting at Hoylake for Micropub The Black Toad, Birkenhead for Glen Affric Brewery, Central Liverpool for Black Lodge Brewery and The Baltic Fleet and onto Bootle for Top Rope Brewery and North Park Tavern. Finished with Micropubs The Beer Station and The Grasshopper on the way back to Southport, finishing with a beer festival.

25/08/23 – Merseyside (Day 1)

A day out around Merseyside, 1 of 3. Starting off by visiting Southport Brewery and having a look at their brewery setup, followed by visiting Tap & Bottles in the town centre. Headed out to visit several Brewery Taps – Big Bog Brewing, Azvex Brewing and Carnival Brewery, and finishing off with 4 micropubs around the Waterloo area.