NINE pubs in and around St Helens have been listed in the Good Beer Guide for 2023.
What is the Good Beer Guide?
The 50th edition of a popular pub guide has been published.
The Good Beer Guide 2023 reviews more than 4,500 pubs across the United Kingdom. It provides a drinking guide to the best beers in a variety of styles of pubs, both traditional and more modern-style venues.
The annual list is assembled by thousands of independent volunteers and is considered the definitive beer drinker’s guide to the very best pints in the most picturesque and welcoming pubs.
Which local pubs are included?
Here are the nine venues in the area which have been featured in the Good Beer Guide 2023.
- The Cricketers Arms, Peter Street, St Helens
A former CAMRA National Pub of the Year, this family-runcommunity establishment has 13 handpulls, real cidersand a range of spirits. The traditional pub hosts quiz nights and fundraising events.
Outside is a beer garden and a separate bar, increasing the number of real ales available at weekends (also available to hire for private events).
In 2020 the on-site Howzat brewery began production of house beers for this pub and others within the local area.
- New Talbot Alehouse, Duke Street, St Helens
Popular newly renovated town centre pub. Six real ales are served, the majority from local breweries – the pub is LocAle accredited.
Four real ciders are also available, normally from Sea Cider, plus a range of spirits and other popular bar drinks. There is a small beer garden to the front and a larger one to the rear.
Regular entertainment includes live music at the weekend.
- Sefton Arms, Baldwin Street, St Helens
A modern and comfortable town centre pub that caters for everyone, whether you are looking for good pub food, live sport or just drinks with friends.
The large room has a long bar down one side offering five regularly changing cask-conditioned ales.
There is a function room upstairs, a small beer garden to the rear and live bands often play at the weekend.
- Turk’s Head, Morley Street, St Helens
Attractive Tudor-style 1870s pub near the town centre.
Real ales and real ciders are on 14 handpulls, and there isa large whisky and gin selection. The upstairs TowerLounge serves cocktails plus craft and continental beers, and hosts live music on Saturday evening. Quality home-made food is available every day.
Tuesday is quiz night with free half-time refreshments. There is a large beer garden to the side and rear with an outside bar and wood-fired pizza oven. Current local CAMRA Cider Pub of the Year.
- Junction, News Lane, Rainford
A community free house with a strong emphasis on showcasing local produce and local music. Beer festivals take place regularly, including one around the May Day Bank Holiday.
A popular venue for local musicians, live music features most evenings. There is a spacious, family-friendly beer garden. Vintage car and motorcycle events are hosted in the large space to the rear of the premises.
- Skew Bridge Alehouse, Dane Court, Rainhill
This ale house offers a selection of up to six cask beers, four real ciders and three craft lagers. Locally sourced ales are complemented by beers from across the UK.
A range of wines, gins and single malt whiskies is also stocked. With no TV or music to distract customers, conversation is very much encouraged. Outdoor seating is available in the summer months.
A folk, roots and acoustic night takes place on the first Tuesday of every month.
- Watch Maker, Eccleston Street, Prescot
A Wetherspoon free house with a friendly welcome. Alongside the standard national ales there is a focus on local breweries, earning the pub LocAle accreditation.
Prescot was one of the main centres for watchmaking during the 18th and 19th century, and the pub is decorated with elements of watchmaking memorabilia.
It has a small outside area to the front of the building. Coach trips and other social activities are arranged.
- Firkin, High Street, Newton-le-Willows
A former shop, this small, friendly establishment dispenses a selection of eight real ales, including at least one dark, all of which are sourced from micro/SIBA breweries.
Two traditional ciders are also available. Small seating areas are to the front and the rear, with pictures of Newton of old on the walls.
Free of electronic noise,this is somewhere to engage in conversation with like-minded people, and to make new friends. Closed Monday to Wednesday, over-18s only.
- Beer EnGin, Greenes Road, Whiston
Set in a row of shops, this cosy single-room microbar is a delight from the moment you walk in. It serves six real ales plus craft beers, wines and a variety of unusual gins.A selection of board games is available. Bank holiday hours may vary. A warm welcome is assured for all, including dogs. Local CAMRA Pub of the Year 2022.
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