The Cock & Rabbit, Southport

The Cock & Rabbit. Picture courtesy
of the Southport Visiter.

Longer ago than I care to remember, the Rabbit on Manchester Road was a Bass house, known for serving the best Bass, then a legendary pint, in town. Unfortunately in more recent years it has known varied fortunes with long periods of being closed. When the pub company decided to sell it, it was bought by a small Merseyside pub group, AtWill Pubs who renamed it the Cock and Rabbit, refurbished it to a good standard and restored the real ale.

I've always thought the outside of this pub very attractive, if neglected in recent years. Traditional-style etched glass proclaiming the new name has been installed in the windows. Inside there are wall bench seats, wooden tables and chairs, and both the front of the bar and the shelving behind consist of warm wood. The overall effect is of an established, traditional pub, and the outside drinking area to the front has been popular in the recent sunshine.

On my recent visits, they were serving two beers from Southport's Craft Brewery, Gold Crafty and Ale Crafty; these particular beers have a natural haze and I found both very drinkable. They were also serving Thatchers Cheddar Valley Cider. The real ale range changes and previous offerings have included beers from Liverpool Organic Brewery, Deliverance and Thwaites Wainwright.

Regular events during the week include dominoes night on Mondays, a cheese and cracker night on Wednesdays, a pub quiz on Thursdays and live singers on Fridays. They have Sky and BT Sports and provide free WiFi for customers. Dogs and children are welcome, provided both are well-behaved. There is also a retro-style jukebox.

The Cock and Rabbit is at 69 Manchester Road, Southport, PR9 9BN. Tel: 01704 500270. They are also on Facebook. It is a short walk from Lord Street and is on the 49 bus route. There is street parking nearby. Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 11.30-11.00; Friday and Saturday 11.30 to midnight; Sunday 12.00 to 10.30.

It is good to see another local pub saved from possible redevelopment. I was impressed with the enthusiasm of the team there to make it work as a valued local in the community.

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.