# merseyside (blogs) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 4 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover merseyside. Page: Feed: --- ## [15/08/26 – Otley](https://micropubadventures.co.uk/2026/08/15/15-08-26-otley/) _2026-08-15 · scottspencer001 · Micropub Adventures_ I had a brilliant day exploring the pubs and bars of Otley, starting at Curious Hop Bière Café before meeting up with Gareth from Roaming the Ridings. From cosy old pubs like the Junction Inn, Cross Pipes and Black Horse to newer places such as North Bar Social and The Rookery, there was loads of variety along the way. We were joined by a few familiar faces during the day, which made it even more… ## [Liverpool Sale Opens New Front In The Battle For Football's Soul](https://tonyevans92a.substack.com/p/liverpool-sale-opens-new-front-in) _2026-08-11 · Tony Evans · Political football_ Bezos's presence in the consortium buying 30 per cent of Anfield tells us that dynamic pricing is coming to a Kop near you ## [Newton-le-Willows](http://merseypub.blogspot.com/2026/08/newton-le-willows.html) _2026-08-08 · Unknown · Merseyside Pub Guide_ It is five years and a day since I last surveyed Newton-le-Willows, making all the pubs there "required", so off I headed on a beautifully sunny Saturday afternoon. I walked along the main street photographing all the targets as I passed. Do you think the photos today will be better than the usual standard of this blog, because they were all taken sober? I doubt it! At the far end is the Oak Tree… ## [08/08/26 – Leith and Edinburgh](https://micropubadventures.co.uk/2026/08/08/08-08-26-leith-and-edinburgh/) _2026-08-08 · scottspencer001 · Micropub Adventures_ I spent the day exploring Leith and Edinburgh, starting with some brilliant pubs around The Shore before working my way through brewery taprooms, traditional locals and a couple of extra stops along the way. Leith had a great mix of old maritime character and modern independent brewing, with plenty of excellent cask and craft beer to try. I also called into Shore Distillery and Beets before… ## [06/08/26-07/08/26 – Milngavie, Paisley and Dumbarton](https://micropubadventures.co.uk/2026/08/07/06-08-26-07-08-26-milngavie-paisley-and-dumbarton/) _2026-08-07 · scottspencer001 · Micropub Adventures_ I explored a great mix of pubs and brewery taps around Milngavie, Paisley, Renton and Dumbarton. I started in Milngavie with visits to Jaw Brew, The Talbot Arms and Jack O’Beers, where it was great to meet Mike and hear about his plans for the future. From there I headed to Paisley for the historic Bull Inn and Two Towns Down Brewing, before travelling on to Loch Lomond Brewery Tap in Renton. I… ## [05/08/26 and 07/08/26- Dunblane, Stirling, Larbert, Falkirk and Linlithgow](https://micropubadventures.co.uk/2026/08/07/05-08-26-and-07-08-26-dunblane-stirling-larbert-falkirk-and-linlithgow/) _2026-08-07 · scottspencer001 · Micropub Adventures_ I explored a few different places by train, starting in Dunblane before heading through Stirling, Larbert, Falkirk and finally Linlithgow. Along the way I visited some cracking traditional pubs, each with plenty of history and character. Highlights included the cosy Settle Inn, the historic Wheatsheaf, the welcoming Woodside Inn and Platform 3 with its railway theme. I enjoyed a good mix of cask… ## [03/08/26-06/08/26 – Glasgow](https://micropubadventures.co.uk/2026/08/06/03-08-26-06-08-26-glasgow/) _2026-08-06 · scottspencer001 · Micropub Adventures_ Over a few brilliant days in Glasgow, I explored a fantastic mix of traditional pubs, modern craft beer bars and breweries across the city. I made good use of the Subway, jumping on and off to discover places in the city centre, Merchant City, West End and beyond. Highlights included historic gems like The Laurieston and Old Toll Bar, alongside WEST, Drygate, Three Judges, Inn Deep and plenty… ## [06/08/26 – Glasgow Real Ale Festival](https://micropubadventures.co.uk/2026/08/06/06-08-26-glasgow-real-ale-festival/) _2026-08-06 · scottspencer001 · Micropub Adventures_ I spent a cracking Thursday afternoon at the Glasgow Real Ale Festival, held inside the impressive Briggait. It was a brilliant chance to sample beers from breweries across Scotland, including a few I don’t often come across back home. As always, though, the people really made the day. It was great meeting Emily, Alex and Will, catching up with Jenny and Kenny, and chatting with plenty of other… ## [02/08/26 – Carlisle](https://micropubadventures.co.uk/2026/08/02/02-08-26-carlisle/) _2026-08-02 · scottspencer001 · Micropub Adventures_ Sunday saw me head up the historic Settle and Carlisle Railway for a day exploring Carlisle and some of its pubs. I started at Scott Brassey, where I caught up with friends Alistair, Michael and Jess, before moving on to the Thin White Duke. From there I visited West Walls Brewing Co, The King’s Head and the Milbourne Arms, enjoying a good mix of historic pubs and newer places along the way. I… ## [A Wander in Town](http://merseypub.blogspot.com/2026/08/a-wander-in-town.html) _2026-08-01 · Unknown · Merseyside Pub Guide_ Perhaps a sunny Saturday in August is not the best time for a survey in central Liverpool but here we are! According to my database I haven't been in the Lime Kiln for five years and three days. Surely it's not that long, but anyway it is always worth a visit so let's start there: A great way to start a survey, a fine pint of Kirkstall Dissolution, a slightly fruity IPA. Needless to say the place… ## [Find what they just said (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/5h8ukfPWDAYh) _2026-08-01 · **Sponsored**_ Surface recent public signals so you can send policy-aware, relevant outreach ## [01/08/26 – Chesterfield](https://micropubadventures.co.uk/2026/08/01/01-08-26-chesterfield/) _2026-08-01 · scottspencer001 · Micropub Adventures_ I had a brilliant day exploring Chesterfield and some of the surrounding villages, joined by Niall from From Sheffield with Pubs and Chris from Chesterfield Pubs Past Present. Starting at the Arkwright Arms, we worked our way through New Whittington and Whittington Moor before heading into Chesterfield itself. Along the way it was great to bump into Shaun and Suzie from Chesterfield Great Historic… ## [25/07/26 – Warrington and Newton-le-Willows](https://micropubadventures.co.uk/2026/07/25/25-07-26-warrington-and-newton-le-willows/) _2026-07-25 · scottspencer001 · Micropub Adventures_ I spent the day exploring the independent beer scene across Warrington and Newton-le-Willows, visiting a great mix of pubs, bars and a brewery tap, each with its own character. It was brilliant to catch up with members of North Cheshire CAMRA and meet plenty of friendly locals along the way, making the day even more enjoyable. From modern venues in Warrington Market to historic pubs full of… ## [Birkdale](http://merseypub.blogspot.com/2026/07/birkdale.html) _2026-07-24 · Unknown · Merseyside Pub Guide_ Amazon decided they would deliver a parcel on Saturday so I quickly rescheduled my survey to Friday, and headed under grey skies towards Birkdale, getting off the train at Hillside. I've mentioned before that sometimes I have to walk past good pubs because I'm heading for somewhere else. So I ignored the Pines and the Grasshopper and headed on to the Crown : A standard Ember Inns, this, perhaps… ## [Keegan Never Shone Brighter Than During His Six Golden Seasons At Liverpool](https://tonyevans92a.substack.com/p/keegan-never-shone-brighter-than) _2026-07-20 · Tony Evans · Political football_ Last week, a poll on the club website put King Kev at No 14 on Anfield's best-ever list, one place above Luis Suarez. That's insane. From the early moments of his debut, Keegan's greatness was obvious ## [18/07/26 – Reading](https://micropubadventures.co.uk/2026/07/18/18-07-26-reading/) _2026-07-18 · scottspencer001 · Micropub Adventures_ Reading really delivered with a brilliant mix of traditional pubs and modern craft beer venues, each with its own character and story to tell. I started at The Greyfriar before calling in at The Nag's Head, Castle Tap, The Alehouse, Blue Collar and finishing at Siren RG1. Along the way I caught up with Keith, Shield and Richard from Reading Mid-Berkshire CAMRA, enjoyed some fantastic beers and… ## [18/07/26 – Swindon](https://micropubadventures.co.uk/2026/07/18/18-07-26-swindon/) _2026-07-18 · scottspencer001 · Micropub Adventures_ Swindon turned out to be a brilliant day exploring a mix of historic pubs, modern taprooms and independent breweries. From the railway heritage of the Great Western Hotel and The Glue Pot to the growing beer scene in Old Town, every stop had its own story and personality. I enjoyed meeting some lovely people along the way, including Jamie, Kate and James, who all made me feel very welcome. There… ## [More In Town](http://merseypub.blogspot.com/2026/07/more-in-town.html) _2026-07-17 · Unknown · Merseyside Pub Guide_ Odds and ends in town today, let's start with a new tick, Flight Club : Behind the modern frontage is an antique-style bar on two floors. Dark woodwork, leather upholstery and even a fake brick arch create a pleasant ambience. The quirky lighting strips add to this. At half one on a Friday there were two darts games underway, plus a group of drinkers relaxing at a large table. My pint of Neck Oil… ## [17/07/26 – Oxford](https://micropubadventures.co.uk/2026/07/17/17-07-26-oxford/) _2026-07-17 · scottspencer001 · Micropub Adventures_ I had a brilliant day exploring Oxford, discovering a fantastic mix of historic pubs, cosy taprooms and independent bars, each with its own character and story to tell. It was great to meet up with members of Oxford CAMRA along the way, who made the day even more enjoyable by sharing their local knowledge and recommendations. From centuries-old pubs to modern brewery taprooms and the unique venues… ## [Crosby and Waterloo](http://merseypub.blogspot.com/2026/07/crosby-and-waterloo.html) _2026-07-04 · Unknown · Merseyside Pub Guide_ Yes, it's me, I'm back! A month in Japan and two or three weeks when I was busy doing other things have prevented surveys, but I should be OK for a few weeks now. (No promises!) If you want to see what I did on holiday I am creating a record here , it is mainly trains but there are a few beer and bar reports. Today I headed to Crosby to revisit a couple of targets, starting with the Corner Post :… ## [Why May 25 Will Always Be A Holy Day For Liverpool Fans](https://tonyevans92a.substack.com/p/why-may-25-will-always-be-a-holy) _2026-05-25 · Tony Evans · Political football_ And how it became a constant source of rancour between me and my late mother ## [Find it on Amazon (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/ZhxTfhOPA2Ry) _2026-05-25 · **Sponsored**_ Open the Amazon product listing to see details and availability ## [Even If You Agree With Salah, He's Shown His Lack Of Self-Awareness With The Attack On Slot](https://tonyevans92a.substack.com/p/even-if-you-agree-with-salah-hes) _2026-05-18 · Tony Evans · Political football_ Like almost all his Liverpool team-mates, the Egyptian should have taken a good look in the mirror before lashing out at anyone else ## [Fernandes Footballer Of The Year? It's Either A Pisstake Or A Symptom Of Anti-Arsenal Sentiment](https://tonyevans92a.substack.com/p/fernandes-footballer-of-the-year) _2026-05-15 · Tony Evans · Political football_ Been brooding on this for a week and have to say it. If you think the Portuguese is the best player this season, you're an idiot or will do anything but credit the Gunners ## [(Mostly) Sunny Southport](http://merseypub.blogspot.com/2026/05/mostly-sunny-southport.html) _2026-05-14 · Unknown · Merseyside Pub Guide_ No proper survey this week, for a change I decided to do some favourites in sunny Southport. But perhaps I'll find some new ones as well? I started in the Windmill : I began my afternoon with a fine pint of Okell's Bitter, I don't often drink this classic bitter, usually going for a guest in Rigby's which I think is the only remaining Okell's pub in Liverpool. This fine pub hasn't changed since I… ## [May 11, 1986: Everton Parade Their Pain, Liverpool Ride The Magic Bus](https://tonyevans92a.substack.com/p/may-11-1986-everton-parade-their) _2026-05-10 · Tony Evans · Political football_ After the Cup Final, the homecoming. Sometimes the heroes are not the winners ## [May 10, 1986: Liverpool v Everton, The Most Important Cup Final In Football History](https://tonyevans92a.substack.com/p/may-10-1986-liverpool-v-everton-the) _2026-05-09 · Tony Evans · Political football_ A year after Heysel, the eyes of the world were on Wembley. The media were on alert for the slightest hint of violence between the fans. Instead they got an unprecedented show of unity ## [May 8-10, 1986: Merseyside In Frenzy As Historic Cup Final Approaches](https://tonyevans92a.substack.com/p/may-8-10-1986-merseyside-in-frenzy) _2026-05-08 · Tony Evans · Political football_ Everton and Liverpool fans pour south, all-day coverage on TV and an offensive intervention from a comedy icon. Part 5 in a series about the most important fortnight in English football history ## [May 7, 1986: Steaua's Joy, Everton's Pain](https://tonyevans92a.substack.com/p/may-7-1986-steauas-joy-evertons-pain) _2026-05-06 · Tony Evans · Political football_ In part four of a two-week series about the most important fortnight in English football history, the first European Cup final takes place with Goodison seething with a sense of injustice ## [Collusion, A Novel: Introducing The Football Lads Action Group, Footsoldiers Of The Far Right](https://tonyevans92a.substack.com/p/collusion-a-novel-introducing-the) _2026-05-06 · Tony Evans · Political football_ But first, a visit to Belfast. You don't want to meet The Beast ## [A Couple In Town](http://merseypub.blogspot.com/2026/05/a-couple-in-town.html) _2026-05-01 · Unknown · Merseyside Pub Guide_ No survey today but as I'm in town maybe a tick or two. I started in the Scholar : I assume this one is aimed at students. In any case, it is a pleasant spacious place with a small bar area at the front and a larger space behind with long tables for dining and a stage at the far end. At two on a Friday there were just two of us drinking lager in the bar area, and no one at all in the big room.… ## [A Wirral Wander](http://merseypub.blogspot.com/2026/04/a-wirral-wander.html) _2026-04-23 · Unknown · Merseyside Pub Guide_ On a sunny Thursday I took three trains to Upton from where it was an easy walk of a mile and a half to my first target, the Wirral Hundred : I think this pub was built in the 1970s, an unusual decade for pub construction, but I could be completely wrong. Anyway, inside it is very pleasantly decorated, one open room partly split into two halves. If it is older than the 70s it will have been… ## [Generate Viral Hot Takes (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/7rKUNXcT10SV) _2026-04-23 · **Sponsored**_ Get platform-optimized hot takes and rebuttals to spark debate and engagement ## [Out In The Countryside](http://merseypub.blogspot.com/2026/04/out-in-countryside.html) _2026-04-16 · Unknown · Merseyside Pub Guide_ Not intended to be a full blown pub survey today, but a couple of long overdue visits in a rural part of Merseyside were beckoning. A train to Garswood, where I noticed the Railway wasn't open yet, and then a very pleasant ride through the sunny fields in a minibus took me to the village of King's Moss. The 157 does a remarkable three point turn in the street right by my first objective, the… ## [Around St Helens](http://merseypub.blogspot.com/2026/04/around-st-helens.html) _2026-04-11 · Unknown · Merseyside Pub Guide_ Avoiding the city centre on Grand National day I headed away, to St Helens for a long walk. I marched eastwards in the blustery wind to a long standing target never visited before. Would it be open this time? The Church Inn : Yes, it is. Inside the old building I found a pleasant pub knocked through but retaining separation between the areas. It was nicely decorated, and clean and tidy inside. I… ## [Hoylake](http://merseypub.blogspot.com/2026/04/hoylake.html) _2026-04-02 · Unknown · Merseyside Pub Guide_ I wasn't intending to do a survey this week but I was reading Retired Martin's excellent blog this morning and he had a link to the National Bass Directory web site which includes a list of pubs serving Bass. I was startled to find there a pub in Hoylake which I'd never even heard of. Time for a trip to Wirral. And so, in to Twelve Sixty : This pleasant shop conversion is a very well done spacious… ## [New In Town](http://merseypub.blogspot.com/2026/03/new-in-town.html) _2026-03-28 · Unknown · Merseyside Pub Guide_ I was watching the Great British Pub Crawl on YouTube yesterday and he was visiting Liverpool. It was somewhat galling to see him do three or four pubs I've never been in. So, despite my medical difficulties (Have I mentioned my dodgy back?) I headed into town to correct the omissions. I started at the Queens Arms : This one only opened eight days ago so I can be excused for not having ticked it… ## [New Ones In The Sunshine](http://merseypub.blogspot.com/2026/03/new-ones-in-sunshine.html) _2026-03-14 · Unknown · Merseyside Pub Guide_ On another beautifully sunny, if somewhat chilly, day I headed out to Ainsdale where there are some cafe/bar type places I need to visit. I started with two almost next door to each other, first the Tipsy Toucan : A small shop conversion, pleasant inside but perhaps a little too green. I'm not sure how much of that was for the upcoming St Patrick's Day. Unfortunately the cooler was broken, so no… ## [2026 Book](http://merseypub.blogspot.com/2026/03/2026-book.html) _2026-03-13 · Unknown · Merseyside Pub Guide_ The Merseyside Pub Guide 2026 is now on sale. The sixteenth edition of my book lists 2,104 pubs of which I have visited 1,601, and it is updated to 9th March. You can order a copy direct from the printers by clicking here , or it is available from Amazon and other popular distributors. ## [Stadia And A Milestone](http://merseypub.blogspot.com/2026/03/stadia-and-milestone.html) _2026-03-05 · Unknown · Merseyside Pub Guide_ Not a proper research trip today, in fact I wasn't planning on going out at all. But, checking my stats yesterday I noticed I've done 1,599 Merseyside pubs in total. As the new edition of the book will be ready soon I decided I needed at least one more tick before I publish. So, on a warm sunny Thursday afternoon I headed to Bramley Moore Dock for a visit to Everton's new stadium. I had to have my… ## [Bright New Brighton](http://merseypub.blogspot.com/2026/02/bright-new-brighton.html) _2026-02-28 · Unknown · Merseyside Pub Guide_ I left home in drizzle but by the time my second train emerged from the tunnel in Birkenhead I was startled to see bright sunshine and blue sky. I began a survey of New Brighton in the Seahorse : This Hungry Horse place was very busy at one o'clock, in fact the guardian of the entrance was dubious about letting me in, but there was one free table in the bar area so she relented. The two barmaids… ## [Frozen Thursday](http://merseypub.blogspot.com/2026/02/frozen-thursday.html) _2026-02-19 · Unknown · Merseyside Pub Guide_ I am finding it really difficult to organise a cluster of four or five 'required' pubs at the moment, so once again I found myself wandering randomly in Liverpool, although I did have a couple of potential targets in mind. At the top of Bold Street is a place that has been in the guide forever but has never been ticked. So, in to Cafe Tabac : Not really a bar, definitely more of a restaurant, but… ## [Eccleston](http://merseypub.blogspot.com/2026/02/eccleston.html) _2026-02-14 · Unknown · Merseyside Pub Guide_ A few days of rain had changed to chilly sunshine so I headed off by train and bus to Eccleston. A moment of concern as I turned the corner to see an area of wasteland surrounded by temporary fencing - I have previously gone to pubs which have been demolished without my knowledge - But I soon realised that the pub I was looking for was still intact next door to the building site, phew! On checking… ## [A Thursday Wander in Town](http://merseypub.blogspot.com/2026/02/a-thursday-wander-in-town.html) _2026-02-05 · Unknown · Merseyside Pub Guide_ I took a random wander around the, er, what is it called? The entertainment district? Ropewalks? Anyway, on a cold windy and wet Thursday afternoon most places were closed. Eventually I found Merchant : On entering I spotted a counter where someone was ordering a pizza. For a moment I thought this might not count as a pub but looking the other way I could see a proper bar counter. I soon selected… ## [Some Nostalgia in Kirkby](http://merseypub.blogspot.com/2026/01/some-nostalgia-in-kirkby.html) _2026-01-31 · Unknown · Merseyside Pub Guide_ Back in 2016 I assisted as a local guide on a Historic England research visit to Merseyside looking particularly at post war pubs. On their list was the Peacock in Kirkby. I recall that the researchers were a little nervous about going in, but I persuaded them we would be OK - I had an ulterior motive, as I had never been there before. We had no problems despite the two visitors nosing around and… ## [To L8](http://merseypub.blogspot.com/2026/01/to-l8.html) _2026-01-17 · Unknown · Merseyside Pub Guide_ Today's mission was expected to be mainly pictures of former pubs, and I might end up not getting many drinks if I'm too late (To L8, see what I did there?) for ones that have closed down, but we'll see... I began by heading briefly north from Edge Hill station to check out the Durning Arms (Last visited 2023) where I was disappointed to find it is now a supermarket: Next, southwards past the… ## [Everton At Home](http://merseypub.blogspot.com/2026/01/everton-at-home.html) _2026-01-10 · Unknown · Merseyside Pub Guide_ On a cold and gloriously sunny Saturday I headed out early. Everton kick off at 12:15, so I think it is time to collect a few ticks by the ground. I started in central Liverpool, though, at what used to be Jurgen's and is now Moody Blues : This half basement place has "crossed Stanley Park" since I visited Jurgen's in 2020 and is now decorated with Everton and music themes. At fifteen minutes to… ## [Waterloo](http://merseypub.blogspot.com/2026/01/waterloo.html) _2026-01-03 · Unknown · Merseyside Pub Guide_ I started the year on a bitterly cold Saturday afternoon, can I begin with a line from a well known Christmas song? The wind goes right through you, it's no place for the old. I was heading for Waterloo; as I ran through my pre-flight checklist this morning I discovered the existence of some bars of which I wasn't aware. Could we be in for some new ones? I started at Always & Sometimes : This… ## [2025](http://merseypub.blogspot.com/2025/12/2025.html) _2025-12-31 · Unknown · Merseyside Pub Guide_ I recently created some software which analyses my pub database and reports on statistics, so let's have a look... In 2025 I logged 258 pub visits. This does not include pubs I regularly drink in, because I don't record them in the database. Of those 258 visits, 206 were "required" (I.E. I hadn't been there in the preceding five years), just over the target of 200. A remarkable 68 of those were to… ## [Huyton](http://merseypub.blogspot.com/2025/12/huyton.html) _2025-12-20 · Unknown · Merseyside Pub Guide_ Not a proper survey today, but I can't resist a few local ticks with my shopping. I started in the Old Bank : This is a classic boozer in both interior style and atmosphere, but it's not actually very old - opened in about 2012 I think. Sadly, I learned from the Echo that it is to close down soon, this holiday season being their last hurrah. The people of Stockbridge Village and Page Moss will…