Runcorn Bridge at sunset

Halton

Campaign for Real Ale

Campaign for Real Ale

Branch Pubs

The great British pub is often the heart of our local community, without them there is no where for folk to gather. This page provides a list of the real ale pubs in Halton and a list of pubs lost. The number of open pubs declines each year - if you value your local please use it whilst you can!!

Within Halton CAMRA Branch there are around 127 public houses of which about 31 (around a quarter) are known to serve real ale. It is from those 31 that the branch selects its choice pubs for inclusion in the annual Good Beer Guide. Pubs are only considered for selection if they have consistently good beer scorings from CAMRA members, thus you - scoring the beer you drink - regularly, directly influences this selection process.

See Beer Scoring for information on the beer scoring system.

This map shows the location of those pubs known to serve real ale. If any known to you are missing, please advise the GBG co-ordinator & Pubs Officer.

Halton Branch real ale pubs

  • Daresbury
    • Ring O Bells Telephone(01925) 740256 Chester Rd Daresbury WA4 4AJ

      Halton Branch PotY 2018.

      Located in the centre of Daresbury village, close to the church. Lewis Carroll (a once local resident) memorabilia features prominently. Take a bit of time out to visit the Lewis Carroll Centre in the nearby church.

      Very pleasant Chef & Brewer pub with a large garden. Food focused, but with reasonable range of real ales. 3 beers from the Greene King portfolio; usually the obligatory IPA and two changing seasonal beers. Large beer garden to the rear.

      Well behaved dogs are welcome.

      X30 Bus service now runs along the nearby A56, not through the village, the H10 stops on the pub's doorstep!

      Nearby is the Daresbury Laboratory science centre.

  • Hale
    • Childe of Hale Telephone(0151) 425 2954 6 Church End, Hale Hale L24 4AX

      Large well appointed pub bordering on Hale Park with separate bar and two eating areas. Popular for food but drinkers are also well catered for. Bowling green to rear of pub. 2 large screens for TV. There is a substantive outside seating space.

  • Moore
    • Red Lion Telephone(01925) 740101 119 Runcorn Road Moore WA4 6UD

      Pub refurbished Spring 2019 and refreshed October 2023. With beamed ceilings and a historic ambience, the pub is designed to appeal. Old bar area massively improved, offering a greater focus on food. Open plan but with distinct separated areas. Purpose built PIZZA area offering a great selection of fresh cooked food (in summer, weather permitting). Central to Moore village. Near to the canal and in a popular walking area.

  • Runcorn
    • Beechwood Telephone(01928) 564729 Beechwood Ave Runcorn WA7 2PZ

      Friendly community pub where visitors are welcomed. There is a sports focus with a pool table and two darts boards in one side of the pub. There is a raised seating area suitable for groups and families are welcomed. Two changing guest beers are from national brands. There is occasional live music. It is good to see a thriving Runcorn estate pub when so many others have closed.

    • Ferry Boat Telephone(01928) 583380 10 Church Street Runcorn WA7 1LR

      Large Wetherspoon outlet in Runcorn town centre opposite the main bus station. The 3 standard Wetherspoon Engines of Ruddles, Abbott & Sharp's but then another 3 to 4 on most nights with ever changing types and styles. Also Cider via a bag in a box process. Normal spacious layout with artwork depicting the heavy industry of yesteryear. The award winning Brindley Theatre is 200 yds away. Local history artwork on the walls.

    • Norton Arms Telephone(01928) 567642 125-127 Main Street Runcorn WA7 2AD

      Traditional, pleasant grade II pub in the centre of Halton Village. The building has existed since 1758.

      The beers are from the Greene King stable, on three handpumps. Also serves keg 'Craft beer'.

      Occasional live music and events are held with a monthly open mic night. The Laurel and Hardy appreciation society 'The Sons of the Desert' also meet here. A beer garden and function room are available for use and one of the few pubs in the area to keep its bowling green.

      Food is served from lunch time to early evening. Unfortunately, due to the age of the pub, disabled access is quite hard (but not impossible), as the main entrance is up a flight of stone steps.

      Throughout the year the pub runs various community centric events, such as: picnics; Full Moon dinners; Halloween weekend; vinyl nights; Cheese, wine and beer evenings; Christmas festive marquee; Octoberfest; wreath making and party nights as the mood suits! See Facebook and website for the current programme of activities.

      Halton CAMRA pub of the year 2020 and 2024.

    • Prospect Inn Telephone(01928) 620711 70 Weston Rd Runcorn WA7 4LD

      On the outskirts of Weston village, this two roomed pub prides itself on serving both quality beer and food.

      Dementia aware coffee mornings held on Mondays at 10am. refreshment, chat, games and a light lunch - booking essential.

    • Queen of Hearts Telephone(01928) 352353 Jack Search Way Runcorn WA7 6SA

      Marston's Heritage pub opened October 2018.

      Socialising space serving the local community offering a wide selection of drinks and traditional pub food. Attentive staff with friendly service and value for money.

      Sunday day bingo. Monday to Friday meal deals. Friday night - DJ, Karoke, cash games. Open mic night last Monday of the Month. Poker night every Tuesday. All BT sport matches shown. Customer loyalty card.

      See website and Facebook.

    • Round House Telephone(01928) 770879 121-123 Heath Rd South, Weston Village Runcorn WA7 4RP

      Single bar pub that attracts a varied age group and clientele.The Manager prides himself on his beer quality and has achieved the Cask Marque award.

    • Society Tap Rooms (STR) Telephone(01928) 775628 33 Ashridge St Runcorn WA7 1HU

      The taproom now operates under the combined title of 'The Butchers bar & kitchen' - a nod to the former use of the building and the butchers tiles they uncovered during renovation. Society Ltd remains the name of the overall site itself as it looks to branch out into multiple uses. New event space for live events and hire etc to support other businesses and the local community.

      The bar has been relocated and redesigned. Locally produced beers regularly feature on the cask and font menu. The entrance is around the back under the railway arches.

      It has a good "vibe" and feeling and the age ranges are vast giving a safe feeling and "buzz". Regular events are posted on the Facebook page including Vinyl Nights, Giggle Shack etc. so check it out.

    • Ten Lock Flight Telephone(01928) 352094 1 Crosville Way Runcorn WA7 5BD

      Family friendly Marston's pub. Situated off the A533 Daresbury Expressway and overlooking the historic Bridgewater canal. Could be difficult to find if walking.

  • Sutton Weaver
    • Sutton Quays Tap (a working name) Unit 2a, Clifton Road Sutton Weaver WA7 3EH

      Tap room of the Little Crosby brewery Rock the Boat which is the new home of the Big Bog and Strawberry Fields beer brands. Taking over the premises from Chapter Brewing in July 2024, this is destined to become the tap for all three brands as Big Bog and Strawberry Fields return to production.

      Keep a watch on their Facebook page and that of Halton CAMRA for up to the minute news.

      Street food available some weekends as advertised on Facebook.

  • Widnes
    • Church View Telephone(0151) 424 3296 38 Lunts Heath Rd Widnes WA8 5RY

      Although the emphasis is on food in this smartly refurbished pub it does however serve up to 6 real ales which can include Cheshire beers (although often 'Coming Soon'). There are seating areas outside the front and rear of the pub. Live sports are shown on TV and Greene King "season ticket" savings are available on certain beers. Cask Marque accredited. CAMRA discount is available.

    • Crown Inn Telephone(0151) 424 4077 104 Birchfield Rd Widnes WA8 7TE

      Popular pub close to Victoria Park. The pub dates back to the 1840s and has a focus on food. A bar area is complemented by raised seating areas. Live entertainment is hosted, large groups can be accommodated and regular quiz nights are held. Occasional events are put on including a successful beer festival.

    • Dandelion Tavern Telephone(0151) 909 5255 427 Cronton Rd Widnes WA8 5QG

      A great selection of craft beers and in the colder months, they introduce a darker cask ale, or sometimes two, as they have four handpumps. Titanic Cherry porter has been seen, alongside the 2 regular cask ales. They also stock keg and bottled craft beers.

      There is a happy hour from 12-7pm Mon-Fri, when the cask ales are sold for £3 a pint!

      The pub does a community coffee morning on the last Thursday in every month 10am-12pm.

      They do a mobile phone speed quiz every other Tuesday from 08.30-10.30pm.

      Pie & pint night £12.95 on Tuesdays.

      Fish & Fizz every Friday from 12pm!

      This pub has a lovely feel to it, and the beer tastes good.

    • Four Topped Oak Telephone(0151) 257 8031 2 Hough Green Rd Widnes WA8 4PE

      Pleasant, well decorated open plan pub. Emphasis on food but drinkers still well catered for. The pub operator is Ember Inns. Sometimes serves interesting regional real ales. Has gas and coal fires. Several distinct seating areas leading to a quiet and relaxed ambience.

    • Horse & Jockey Telephone(0151) 420 2966 18 Birchfield Rd Widnes WA8 7SU

      Comfortable and well appointed traditional pub that may be small in size but has a big welcome. It has a good size outside garden with two large covered areas for outside drinking. The pub adjoins Victoria Park and is a good spot to relax whilst visiting the parks attractions.

    • Premier Telephone(0151) 422 4920 93-99 Albert Rd Widnes WA8 6JS

      This former cinema is just on the edge of the shopping area, The pub has a pleasant atmosphere and a changing clientele depending on the time of day. The cinema opened in 1915 and closed in the 1960's. Some original features remain (though well hidden). The Sgt Mottershead VC statue appeal was launched here.

      A growing community spirit along with a growing selection of quality real ale choice.

    • Ring O'Bells Telephone(0151) 513 0909 Pit Lane Widnes WA8 9HU

      Busy pub at the centre of the urban village. Live music Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Busy restaurant and bar snacks. 3 handpumps, Weetwood Cheshire Cat usually available. Also Merlin (Arclid) beers are often available.

    • Tavern Telephone(0151) 424 5994 288 Upton Lane Widnes WA8 9AF

      Very pleasantly appointed pub with smart and comfortable seating areas. The popular food menu attracts much of the clientele. There are two function rooms that can be made into one large room accomodating up to 80 people. this family run pub features regular live entertainment, quiz nights and dining experience evenings.

    • Unicorn Telephone(0151) 495 1304 405 Cronton Rd Widnes WA8 5QF

      Traditional comfortable multi roomed pub with local photographs.

      Real fires are complimented by friendly staff and a pleasant ambience. A children's play area and outside seating are added facilities. The carved wooden bar is striking. Thwaites Wainwright and Timothy Taylor Landlord are favoured cask beers and sometimes a third handpump is used. Extensive menu of home made food.

      At quiet times the pub may occasionally close.

    • Widnes Rugby Union Football Club Telephone(0151) 424 2575 Heath Road Widnes WA8 7NU

      Real Ale served occasionally during rugby season (Sept to May). Saturday opening is 4pm during the closed season.

      Large 180 seater Function Room, with an Air conditioning system. Ample Parking, Disabled Facilities.

    • Woodlands Telephone(0151) 424 8480 465 Liverpool Rd Widnes WA8 7XU

      Situated a stones throw away from Hough Green Station, The Woodlands is smartly appointed with an open plan style. The pub has a relaxed feel with distinctive seating areas. There is a choice of formal or informal dining but those wanting a drink are also welcomed throughout.

      There is a state of the art function room is upstairs. The pub has regular live events (tribute acts) and stuff for the kids, like Mickey Mouse, Spiderman etc. dressing up in their respective costumes.

      There is a makeshift bar outside, (but no real ale), in the large beer garden, which has a beer marquee for private hire and a little aviary containing birds & rabbits. Also outside there is a a separate and secure children's play area. This has outside loos and access is through the pub only.

      The pub is a family run business and this is reflected in its family friendly feel. The kitchens source local ingredients and their green credentials are stressed. They have a restaurant with a members discount loyalty scheme.

      They are supportive of the local community, holding a bonfire night exhibition. A local women's institute club hold monthly meetings there and Wednesdays have a Monthly Golden Years Afternoon - two course lunch and bingo. See Facebook for details of the entertainment.

Pubs accepting membership vouchers

  • Runcorn
  • Widnes
    • Premier 93-99 Albert Rd Widnes WA8 6JS

Pubs offering membership discounts

 

Halton Branch pubs which have closed

Closed pubs are ones which are no longer trading that have not (yet) been changed to a different use. There is therefore some possibility that they could reopen, however there is a real possibility that they could become the object of undesirable planning applications.

Halton Branch pubs which have gone

Gone pubs are fond memories which have been erased through demolition or conversion to a different use. They are gone forever and are a portend for other under-used pubs - so please use your local or lose it!