The Crown, Birkdale, Southport

The Crown in Birkdale

As it had been a long time since I visited the Crown in Birkdale, I recently decided to call in. I found it quite different from how I remembered; it has at some point been refurbished into what I'd describe as a café bar style. Although this is not a traditional pub interior, I thought it was quite a pleasant environment for a pint. A single bar serves a long L-shaped room; darts and pool are tucked away at one end, and in another corner dogs are allowed. Although this is largely a food-oriented pub and children are welcome, there were still quite a few customers there just to have a drink.

The Crown recently gained a new licensee, and she and her staff were friendly and welcoming. The pub has two regular real ales, Wells Bombadier and Wainwright, with a third changing handpump which was serving Wychwood Hobgoblin when I was there. I found that all three were in good condition.

I hadn't gone there for the food, but it was popular judging by the number of meals being served. The varied menu includes special offers such as 2 meals for £8, £1 childrens' meals, and breakfast available until midday.

There are televisions around the pub which were tuned to football when I called in but, thankfully, with the sound low. They intend to reinstate the popular Monday quiz nights in the near future, and a Hallowe'en party is planned. There is free wi-fi for customers. Southport is fortunate in retaining some good pubs in residential areas, and this is one of them; weather permitting, you can enjoy your pint in the beer garden.

The Crown is at 304 Liverpool Road, Birkdale, Southport, PR8 3BZ; tel: 01704 569149. Buses stop just outside, and there is a car park. They are on Facebook, and the pub's website is here.

This is one of a series of articles that I write for the CAMRA column in our local papers, the Southport Visiter and the Ormskirk Advertiser. Previous reviews are here.