TEN pubs from within St Helens borough have been listed in the 2025 edition of the real ale drinker’s bible the CAMRA Good Beer Guide which was published today.

Five of those are pubs from central St Helens, with a couple from Rainhill, alongside boozers from Newton-le-Willows, Billinge and Haydock.

The Lamb Inn – a pub that has been revitalised since its re-opening in 2022 – is a deserved newcomer to the guide in 2025.

(Image: Mike Critchley)

A great selection of beer and lively atmosphere has earned the two-roomed Corporation Street pub recognition – and it has been a great addition to the town’s real ale scene.

Also new for this year is Rainhill’s Commercial Hotel, arguably one of the borough’s most attractive looking pubs.

(Image: Mike Critchley)

It joins neighbouring micropub Skew Bridge - the guide’s regular entrant since it first opened its doors on Dane Court – in this year’s book.

Former national Pub of the Year The Cricketers and current Merseyside and Cheshire award winner The Turk’s Head are also again listed.

That listing was never in doubt for the town’s two standard bearers for quality and selection of beer.

The Town Centre area also lists the return of the News Room on Duke Street.

The Royal Alfred, opposite St Helens Central station, is included although it is currently closed with work being carried out.

Going out of town, Newton High Street’s real ale emporium the Firkin is again included as is Billinge’s character-packed Mason’s Arms on Carr Mill Road.

Local Merseyside and Cheshire Club of the Year The Haydock Reading Room on Church Road is also featured in CAMRA’s prestigious guide.

Meanwhile just outside the borough in Whiston, but still within the St Helens CAMRA branch, is another outstanding real ale boozer the Beer EnGin.

The pubs are all listed in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide 2025 which can be bought here https://shop1.camra.org.uk/product/the-good-beer-guide-2025/

There will be more on some of the pubs included in the coming weeks in the St Helens Star.