Wirral

Campaign for Real Ale

Campaign for Real Ale

LocAle

CAMRA LocAle - the accreditation scheme to promote pubs that sell locally-brewed real ale, reducing the number of 'beer miles' and supporting your local breweries

CAMRA Wirral participates in an initiative that promotes pubs selling locally brewed real ale. The scheme builds on a growing consumer demand for quality local produce and an increased awareness of 'green' issues. The scheme has already been rolled out successfully in many CAMRA branches around the country - starting in Nottingham in 2007 where the local branch wanted to help support the tradition of brewing within Nottinghamshire, following the demise of local brewer Hardys and Hansons.

CAMRA Wirral will treat beers as locally produced where the brewery is within 20 miles of the Branch boundary by road. That will include beers from Brimstage, Brooks, Glen Affric and Peerless (all within the Wirral Branch area) plus breweries in Liverpool, Ellesmere Port, Chester and St.Helens.

Pubs in the scheme will receive window stickers, posters, beer mats and pump clip crowners to indicate which of the beers is locally brewed. Pubs joining the scheme will stand out from the crowd and demonstrate a clear commitment to supporting local producers and the local economy, an increase in local identity and pride in locally produced real ales. They will also help the environment by reducing 'beer miles' resulting in less road congestion and pollution.

Some pub chain tenants are not allowed to sell beers except those supplied direct through the pub chain from a central national list. Often this involves beers produced hundreds of miles away being transported through distribution depots before being delivered to the pub, not exactly environmentally friendly and not always catering for local tastes. If these pubs are allowed to serve a locally brewed beer it usually results in significantly increased trade helping the sales of all other products in the pub. If the licensee has a quiet word with the pub chain manager they can sometimes persuade him of the commercial benefits for everyone of being allowed to buy a local real ale direct from the brewer.

Any pubs in Wirral joining the scheme must be approved by CAMRA Wirral. As a condition of joining the scheme the pub must ensure at least one locally brewed real ale is on sale at all times. Approval may be withdrawn at any time by CAMRA if the pub stops selling locally brewed real ales on a regular basis or if the standard of real ale sold falls below an acceptable quality.

So look out for pubs displaying the LocAle window stickers and seek out the quality locally brewed beers on sale. You will be supporting local industry and jobs, protecting the future of local breweries and helping the environment and – perhaps the most important point, enjoying some excellent distinctive local beer.



Wirral Branch based Pubs where LocAle should be available

  • Barnston
    • Fox & Hounds 107 Barnston Road Barnston CH61 1BW Telephone(0151) 648 7685

      Built in 1910 to replace a former alehouse and barn, it had a major refurbishment in 2018 which included the addition of a large conservatory extension to the lounge for dining and a larger outside seating area to the rear of the pub. Now with an emphasis on food although the small traditional bar and snug of the old pub have been retained but with a hole in the wall between the two rooms - meaning the snug is not as 'snug' as it once was.

  • Bebington
    • Rose & Crown 57 The Village Bebington CH63 7PL Telephone(0151) 644 5829

      The pub reopened in April 2018 after a period of closure. A former coaching inn built in 1732, it is now a thriving locals' pub with a lounge, small bar and a games room. In addition to the three permanent Thwaites beers there are between four and five guests from the Thwaites list or from local breweries. Live music on Saturday night and quiz night on Sunday. Free car parking is available nearby. The pub is adjacent to Mayer Park and a short walk from Port Sunlight Village, founded by William Hesketh Lever in 1888 to house his soap factory workers. In the village is the Lady Lever Art Gallery, home to one of the most beautiful collections of art in the country Local CAMRA Branch Pub of Excellence award in 2022 and Community Pub award in 2024.

  • Birkenhead
    • Gallaghers Traditional Pub 20 Chester Street Birkenhead CH41 5DQ Telephone(0151) 649 9095

      Multiple award winning free house, rescued after closure and refurbished in 2010 as a unique pub with barber's shop. The barber's shop business closed in 2016 creating more room for pub customers. Close to the Mersey Ferries, the pub is decorated with a fascinating range of military memorabilia and a collection of shipping images. The pub can be dominated by several TV screens. The outside area at the rear of the pub has a retractable roof. The mural on the side wall of the pub was completed in February 2020 and commemorates the sinking of HMS Birkenhead and the Birkenhead Drill, 'women and children first.' Live music every Sunday from 6.30pm. Quiz night on Tuesday. The pub sometimes sells real cider. Pub of Excellence Award in the local CAMRA Branch Pub of the Year Competition 2024.

  • Bromborough
    • Bow-Legged Beagle 11 Allport Lane Bromborough CH62 7HH

      The third pub in the local Bow-Legged Beagle chain of micropubs, this one was opened in March 2020. It is located in a former shop in the main street, near the ancient market cross in the centre of Bromborough and is convenient for buses and a 10-minute walk from Bromborough Rake station. A friendly and comfortable pub, the selection of cask ales usually includes a session pale and a stronger IPA, plus a bitter or amber brew and a stout or porter. CAMRA Wirral Branch Pub of the Season Autumn 2021 and local CAMRA branch Cellarmanship award in 2022 and 2023. Pub of Excellence Award in the local CAMRA Branch Pub of the Year Competition 2024.

  • Greasby
    • Irby Mill 174 Mill Lane Greasby CH49 3NT Telephone(0151) 678 0198

      Originally a miller's house and later a cafe, it opened as a pub in 1980. With thick sandstone walls, low beams and a real fire it comprises a small L-shaped, stone-floored bar and a lounge used mainly by diners. The pub has an excellent reputation for its locally sourced home-made food with a menu to suit most tastes. The nearby Royden Park and Thurstaston Common provide the pub with many passing hikers to supplement the strong local following. The black & white photos show the pub in 1980 and 1992.

  • Heswall
    • Beer Lab 53 Telegraph Road Heswall CH60 0AD Telephone(0151) 342 5475

      Heswall’s first micropub opened in 2018 in a former cycle shop, an easy five minutes’ walk from the main shopping area and the bus station. The relaxed, minimalist single-room bar is bright and airy, making the most of the available space. A good range of up to eight real ciders are always on the bar together with Belgian bottled beers. Beer is served in pint, one-third and two-third measures only (no half-pints). Local CAMRA Cider Pub of the Year 2020, 2021 and 2022 and Merseyside and Cheshire region cider Pub of the Year runner up 2022.

    • Jug & Bottle 15 Mount Avenue Heswall CH60 4RH Telephone(0151) 342 5535

      Originally a private house built in the 1870s, converted to offices before becoming a pub, changing to its current name in 1993. Hidden behind the village hall and library it is a short distance from the the main shopping street. With a strong emphasis on food, the open fires and different cosy areas inside create a warm and friendly atmosphere while the decking outside gives fine views towards the the River Dee and North Wales.

  • Hoylake
    • Black Toad 32 Market Street Hoylake CH47 2AF Telephone07835 360691

      Micropub opened in July 2019 in an abandoned shop unit on the main shopping street in the centre of Hoylake. The narrow main room and bar is attractively decorated with simple furniture. The pub expanded into the next door shop in 2020 to create a new lounge area while the small room at the rear is now a well stocked bottle shop. At the rear is a pleasant beer garden. The owners ensure a balanced selection of cask beers at all times. Local CAMRA Pub of the Year runner up in 2024.

  • Liscard
    • Lazy Landlord Ale House 56 Mill Lane Liscard CH44 5UG Telephone07583 135616

      Wirral's first micropub in former shop premises opened in 2014 and has won multiple CAMRA awards since then. Two small cosy rooms, decorated with breweriana, local art works and a small library, are served from the front bar. Mostly frequented by a more mature discerning local clientele, the pub is a venue for meetings of many local societies. Cider often from Seacider. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

  • Little Neston
    • Harp 19 Quayside Little Neston CH64 0TB Telephone(0151) 336 6980

      A former coal miners' inn near to the site of Neston Colliery which closed in 1927. Converted from two cottages, it has a public bar with real fire in winter and a basic lounge. Both rooms have quarry-tiled floors, low ceilings and exposed beams, In a glorious location on the new Deeside to Neston part of the national cycle network, the pub overlooks the Dee Marshes and North Wales with a large garden and a drinking area abutting the edge of the marshes. Evening meals only on Tuesday - Curry night, booking advisable. Access has been significantly improved following much needed resurfacing work on the road leading to the pub - although a couple of times a year the road can be flooded but rarely impassable at high tide. Pub of Excellence Award in 2023.

  • New Brighton
    • Bow-Legged Beagle 88 Victoria Road New Brighton CH45 2JF

      The first micropub in the Bow-Legged Beagle group opened in December 2017 in a former street corner shop, it continues to be very popular with locals and visitors. Basic no frills format with a friendly atmosphere and a regularly changing varied range of new and unusual local beers. The Beagle has pavement seating outside for summer. Situated in an area of the town which is being rejuvenated with attractive murals it is close to the seafront and other local attractions.

    • James Atherton 117-119 Victoria Road New Brighton CH45 2JD Telephone(0151) 638 8022

      Refurbished and reopened in 2019 as part of the regeneration of the Victoria Quarter of New Brighton and renamed after one of the founders of the town. Single room pub split into three areas served from one bar. Tastefully decorated with local photos and comfortable seating it is bright and airy with a lively atmosphere. Situated on the main shopping street with outside seating on the pavement, close to the seafront attractions and the Floral Pavilion Theatre.

    • Magazine Hotel 7 Magazine Brow New Brighton CH45 1HP Telephone(0151) 630 3169

      This multi-roomed, low-beamed pub, dating from 1759 suffered from a fire in 2010 but has been restored without losing its unique character. The name comes from the fact that it was once used by sailors who were having their outward bound ships reloaded with munitions. Overlooking Egremont Promenade, the pub has fine views over the River Mersey to Liverpool. Three rooms lead off the main central bar area - for more information click on Historic Pub Interior in Features. Renowned for its Draught Bass, it also offers three guest ales usually including a beer from one of the local breweries. One real cider sometimes available. Good value quality home cooked food. Quiz night on Wednesday. Local CAMRA Pub of the Year 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2024. Merseyside (County) Pub of the Year 2021 and Merseyside & Cheshire Regional Pub of the Year 2022. Local Branch Community Pub Award 2023.

  • New Ferry
    • Cleveland Arms 31 Bebington Road New Ferry CH62 5BE Telephone07914 385679

      Beware, Wainwright (or Hobgoblin) beers are keg brewery conditioned beers misleadingly served by handpump. They are not cask conditioned real ales.

      The pub was reopened in September 2017 following structural repairs and refurbishment necessary after a major explosion in New Ferry on the evening of 25th March 2017. The refurbishment has given the pub a clean modern appearance while retaining a very traditional layout and atmosphere. A very lively town centre local in a pedestrian shopping area in the centre of New Ferry. Large free car park at rear accessible from New Chester Road. CAMRA Wirral Pub of the Season Summer 2022.

  • Oxton
    • Oxton Bar & Kitchen 2 Claughton Firs Oxton CH43 5TQ Telephone(0151) 651 2535

      Situated in the centre of attractive Oxton village among shops, bars and restaurants, this former John Smiths pub built in 1969 has been tastefully converted into a smart comfortable single room lounge bar with an attractive outside seating area. There is a strong emphasis on quality food ranging from sandwiches and snacks to full meals. Beers are usually from local micro breweries. Although last admission to the pub on Friday and Saturday evenings is at 11.30pm, the bar continues serving until 1.00am.

  • Parkgate
    • Ship Hotel The Parade Parkgate CH64 6SA Telephone(0151) 336 3931

      Large whitewashed hotel on the front at Parkgate, refurbished and reopened in April 2022 with a strong emphasis on food. Dramatic views over the River Dee marshes towards the Welsh hills. Cask ales are sold in the lounge which features historic photos of old Parkgate. A roaring fire can often be found in winter. The hotel enthusiastically promotes local micro-breweries such as Brimstage and Spitting Feathers.

  • Raby
    • Wheatsheaf Inn Raby Mere Road Raby CH63 4JH Telephone(0151) 336 3416

      Beware, Wainwright (and possibly Hobgoblin) beers are keg brewery conditioned beers misleadingly served by handpump. They are not cask conditioed real ales.

      Rebuilt in 1611 after a fire, this is Wirral's oldest pub. It is said to be haunted by Charlotte who died here. Renowned for its thatched roof and black and white exterior, the Grade II listed interior includes an old snug created by settles around a large table in front of a large brick fireplace - click on the Heritage Pub link in Features for more information. The three rooms decorated with local photographs are served from a single bar. The old cowshed attached to the pub has been converted into a restaurant. The black & white photo is from 1985.

  • Rock Ferry
    • Refreshment Rooms 2 Bedford Road East Rock Ferry CH42 1LS Telephone(0151) 644 5893

      Refurbished and reopened in 2012 under its previous name, built in the 1820s for ferry passengers to Liverpool. The ferry terminal is long gone but there are excellent views over the Mersey. The many original features of the pub have been enhanced by the installation of a chandelier from the Cunard building, light fittings from the Adelphi Hotel and Lewis’s of Liverpool and a solid mahogany bar top which started life in the science block of Wirral Grammar School. The walls are full of period photos of the area in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Off the beaten track but well worth the effort, one central bar services two rooms. The house beer, HMS Conway 4.0%, is from Lees. The pub is cut off from the centre of Rock Ferry by the bypass so Rock Ferry station is 3/4 mile away on foot. Ample car parking on the road outside. Excellent quality reasonably priced meals served daily to 9pm. The focus has moved over recent years to food to such an extent that it is difficult to visit just for a drink and the pub has evolved into a restaurant.

  • Thornton Hough
    • Red Fox Neston Road Thornton Hough CH64 7TL Telephone(0151) 353 2920

      A smart gastro-pub serving quality food and well kept beers and ciders. It manages to create a pub atmosphere as you enter with a traditional bar area boasting nine hand pumps arranged so beers are ordered light to dark to help you choose with a dark beer always available. The changing beers are usually from local microbreweries and the house beer, Brunning & Price Original Bitter 3.8%, is from Brightside. There is an outside seating area at the back and a large lawned garden. The pub was the local CAMRA Cider Pub of the Year 2017, 2018 and 2019 and 2023. Local CAMRA Branch Pub of Excellence Award 2022 and Pub of the Year 2023. The Little Fox is a private function and dining space opened in 2018. Capable of holding up to 200 people it has its own bar which can serve up to three real ales on handpump.

  • Upton
    • Bow-Legged Beagle 19 Arrowe Park Road Upton CH49 0UB

      A micropub opened in December 2018 in a former bank on a busy row of shops near the centre of the village. A friendly ambience in a light airy one room bar with wooden panel walls and floors and basic furnishings. Some of the old bank safes have been retained at the back of the pub. This is the second of four Bow-Legged Beagle micropubs in Wirral. The selection of cask ales usually includes a session pale and a stronger IPA, plus a bitter or amber brew and a stout or porter. CAMRA Wirral Cellarmanship Award 2024.

  • West Kirby
    • West Kirby Tap Grange Road West Kirby CH48 4DY Telephone(0151) 625 0350

      A smart, modern, open plan bar with plain wooden panelling, bare brick walls and a log burning stove owned by Spitting Feathers brewery. Seating on the pavement outside. A wide range of beers, mainly from microbreweries both near and far are served along with one real cider. A variety of cheese, fish, cold meats and vegan snacks are served as impressive platters. There is live music on a Saturday night during which the pub tends to be very busy and a quiz every Tuesday evening. Close to West Kirby shops and transport connections, a short walk to the beach and for those trekking to Hilbre Island, tides permitting.

    • White Lion 51 Grange Road West Kirby CH48 4EE Telephone(0151) 625 9037

      A traditional pub in a two hundred year-old sandstone building close to the centre of West Kirby. The pub is a little quirky and laid out over several different levels with lots of cosy nooks to sit in along with a real fire to keep you warm in winter. During warmer months you can enjoy the lovely beer garden to the rear. There is a quiz on Monday night. Local CAMRA Branch Pub of the Season Summer 2023.

  • Willaston
    • Pollards Inn Village Square Willaston CH64 2TU Telephone(0151) 327 4615

      Real ale is sometimes not available. Charming smart country pub attached to small hotel and restaurant. Warm and bright with conservatory and polished stone floor, the Pollards is often filled with locals and tourists. A popular stop of for cyclists and the garden areas and enclosed play area are popular on warm summer days. It also hosts regular events such as beer and food festivals, regular curry nights, steak nights and a weekly quiz.