A WIDE selection of cask ales, food, and a "fantastic team" are the reasons why the Turks Head has been voted as St Helens' pub of the year, the owner believes.

After a shortlisting of six pubs, The Turks Head was revealed as the top pub in St Helens earlier this month, as voted by local CAMRA members.

With almost twenty years at the helm, Turks' owner Daryl Arrowsmith said that the award win is all down to his hardworking team of staff who make the Cooper Street pub a welcoming place to be, as well as the variety of things they have on offer.

In addition to its popular food and drinks menu, the Turks is also a place to watch live sports and live entertainment.

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St Helens Star: Behind the bar at the TurksBehind the bar at the Turks (Image: St Helens Star)

Darryl said: "The award win is brilliant, both for us and the customers. It's all thanks to our fantastic team of staff and managers who work so hard for the pub.

"There are some fantastic pubs in St Helens, but I think what sets us apart is the 14 cask ales we have on every day, as well as our real ciders and food menu."

St Helens Star: The food menu is particularly popular at the TurksThe food menu is particularly popular at the Turks (Image: The Turks Head)

Already well-known as a popular boozer in St Helens, Daryl said that the staff's dedication to provide a service throughout the pandemic boosted the Turks' reputation even further, which they are still reaping the benefits from today.

Daryl said: "Covid was massively difficult for the hospitality industry, as it was for everyone.

"We opened whenever we could and although we had to constantly adjust our way of working, we worked incredibly hard to always be there for people.

St Helens Star: Some of the bar staff at the TurksSome of the bar staff at the Turks (Image: St Helens Star)

"I think this set a fantastic precedent for the future after covid because we have never been busier and people have thanked me for what we did at the time.

"It also really propelled the food side of the business too [due to the substantial meal policy] and I think people were surprised at the quality of the food."

After winning numerous CAMRA awards over the decades, the latest recognition sends the Cooper Street pub through to the regional CAMRA awards, and potentially a national one too.

St Helens Star: The Turks' owner, Daryl ArrowsmithThe Turks' owner, Daryl Arrowsmith (Image: The Turks Head)

In order to maintain the Turks' highly-thought-of reputation, Daryl added: "We will just carry on doing what we have been doing for the past 20 years.

"And that's looking after our customers, offering good beer and good food, and being a welcoming place to be."

St Helens Star: The Turks Head on Cooper StreetThe Turks Head on Cooper Street (Image: St Helens Star)