The best pubs in Southport

Visit my main blog HERE.

1. The Guest House, Union Street.

Simply the best boozer in Southport, one of the best in the North West. Fantastic range of beers kept and served expertly, good atmosphere, pleasant surroundings, no loud music, good, tasty cheap food at lunchtime only.

2. The Mason’s Arms, Anchor Street

The Mason’s might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but to my mind is one of the greats. Drinking there is like stepping back in time to a golden era of boozing, when pubs were full of characters and good conversation, especially on a big race day. Needs to do better on the real ale front, but you can’t have everything. I’ve previously reviewed this pub HERE.

3. The Baron’s Bar, Waverley Street, (part of the Scarisbrick Hotel, Lord Street)

Some would put this pub as number one or two. On paper it has everything in its favour, an extensive, ever-changing line-up of real ales well kept and served, interesting decor, regular characters and lots of other touches. Previously I had expressed reservations about a cliquey feel to the place and  barmaids playing favourites but this seems to be changing. The management are pulling out all the stops  and the Baron’s is moving up the rankings, challenging for top spot. It is the also 2007/2008 Camra pub of the year. Previously reviewed HERE

4. The Wellington, Eastbank Street

The Welly is a pub transformed. Under new management, there’s now lots going on at this boozer. Poker nights, live bands, Sky sports and even real ale (for now at least). This pub isn’t the poshest but it has got a great atmosphere and is perfect for pints with the lads or ladettes. I thought the Welly was dead and buried, it just shows you what a change in attitude can bring about.

5. The Windmill, Seabank Road

The Windmill is similar to the Mason’s, although there’s an even more raffish quality to the drinking and some of the characters are less charming. Reasons to love it? There’s always an excellent pint of Moorhouse’s Black Cat, a solid landlord, nice old-fashioned decor and good grub at lunchtime. But the best reason to visit the Windmill is because it’s a pub with a mystical quality. It’s hard to describe, but drinking there occasionally fills one with a Zen-like appreciation for things.

6. The Cheshire Lines, King Street

The Lines is worth seeking out for its charming design and very good Tetley bitter and mild. Full of granny diners at lunchtime (although there are two small barooms to escape to), the Lines is packed with local drinkers at night. There’s great conversation at the bar, good quiz nights and retro entertainment as well as generous free scoff.

Others bubbling under: The Zetland, the Rabbit, the London, Bold Arms, Sir Henry Segrave, The Volunteer

I will add to and change this list over the next few weeks, in the meantime, visit my main blog HERE.