The Lakeside Inn - the smallest pub

The Lakeside Inn on Southport Promenade

A five minute walk from Lord Street, Southport, will bring you to the Lakeside Inn on the Promenade. This former boathouse right on the Marine Lake held the record for being Britain's smallest pub, and has a certificate from the Guinness Book of Records to prove it. It is a single-roomed bar with windows overlooking the Marine Lake, comfortable seating around the walls, a brass-fronted bar, and mirrors on two of the walls that give a more spacious impression. There are outside drinking areas to the front and the side of the pub, and a balcony to the rear giving good views across the lake. In summer, they have an attractive floral display in hanging baskets.

The real ales: Wainwright is usually on, with changing guest beers, which when I called in was Jennings Cumberland; on a previous visit, there were two beers from Wigan's Wily Fox brewery. In the summer months, they may go up to three or four real ales. A real cider, Weston's Old Rosie, is always available on handpump. They have a wine list, and tea and coffee are available. Hand raised pork pies and bar snacks constitute the food offering. There is a Happy Hour with reductions on certain drinks from Mondays to Thursdays from 5.00 to 8.00 pm.

The pub is a few minutes' walk from the Southport Theatre and Convention Centre, and artists performing there have been known to drop in for a drink. There is a TV for sport and sometimes music from a radio. They have held beer festivals in the autumn, with the real ales served on the rear balcony.

Parking near the pub is restricted, although if you scout around you can find free street parking a fairly short walk away. It is about half a mile to the railway station. Opening hours are 12.00 to 11.00 pm, except Sunday 12.00 to 10.30 pm. Children are permitted only in the front and side outdoor areas. The Lakeside Inn has its own Facebook page. Phone: 01704 544121.

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.