Cask - award-winning Liverpool micropub

Cask in Stoneycroft

To Liverpool this week to visit Liverpool CAMRA's Pub of the Year for 2016: Cask, a micropub in Stoneycroft, was opened in July 2015 in a former corner shop. It is a single-roomed bar, lightly decorated with interesting items on the walls; large windows make it light and airy. Proprietors Ian and Michelle welcome customers, many by name, and they estimate that about 80% live locally: Cask is clearly becoming part of the community.

The beers are constantly changing and when my friend and I arrived, they were: Tiny Rebel One Inch Punch, Offbeat Hinkey Herkulean Hopper, Blackjack Pokies and Skinners Penny Come Quick Stout. I thought I knew my beer, but some were new to me. Two ran out while we were there and were replaced by Shiny Mandaria Pale and Offbeat Kooky Gold, with Salopian Far Side and Liverpool Organic Bier Head lined up next. At weekends, the number of beers on offer goes up to five. Between the two of us, we tried most of these, and all were very drinkable. They prefer to buy beers from smaller breweries, both local and from across the country.

They stock two changing ciders - on the day they were Rosie's Triple D Cider and Orchard Pig Explorer - plus a range of continental beers and a selection of wines. While we were there, a group of young women came in to share a bottle of Prosecco, so it's not just real ale types who like the place.

Cask offers the following: oversized glasses to guarantee a full measure; third of a pint glasses; try before you buy; and two pint carry-outs. Children are allowed with well-behaved parents, but no dogs. No food, other than snacks such as crisps.

There was a friendly and relaxed atmosphere with people coming and going during the afternoon: we certainly enjoyed the couple of hours we spent there.

Cask is at: 438 Queens Drive West Derby, Liverpool, L13 0AR. Tel: 07747 034499. No car park, but buses (60, 81 and 81A) pass frequently; coming from the Bootle direction, get off just after the Jolly Miller pub on your left. Opening hours: Monday closed; Tuesday to Friday 4.00pm to 9.30pm; Satruday and Sunday 2.00pm to 9.30pm.

This is part of a series of articles that I am writing for the CAMRA column in our local paper, the Southport Visiter. Previous reviews are here.