If you fancy something a bit different to the hustle and bustle of the city centre then why not try a visit to Lark Lane which is only a short bus or train journey from the centre. “The Lane” as it is known by the locals is located to the south of the city centre and links Sefton Park with Aigburth Road.

The Lane is full of independent outlets and workshops offering locally produced artwork, jewellery and a variety of other unique gifts. The Lane also hosts numerous takeaways and restaurants serving cuisine from all over the world.

There are of course bars and pubs selling Real Ale.

Hop on the number 82 bus from Liverpool ONE bus station or take the Northern Line Southwards and alight at St Michael’s Station. If you are really adventurous you could hire one of the City Bikes. Access is also available on 82 bus and the train from the South end of city.

Lark Lane is linier so the walk can start from either end the Lane.

Clicking on the pub in the map below also provides a link to it on whatpub where you can further infomation.

Starting from Aigburth Road the first Real Ale outlet is Bistro Rhubarb, on your left selling breakfasts and other meals during the day. Usually two beers on from a variety of breweries.

Directly opposite is the Lodge (formally the Masonic) and now a gastro pub describing itself as a “kick ass neighbourhood pub”. Live music on Sunday and Monday with a quiz every Wednesday. If it’s sunny then try the beer garden, which they claim is the best beer garden in South Liverpool.

A short stroll further along on the left is the Listed Albert Public House (Listing No 1084204) built in 1870’s for the brewer Robert Cain. Usually shows live sport and also has a beer garden. Has a number of hand pulls with two changing beers.

A few steps away also on the left hand side of the Lane is the independently owned Que Pasa Cantina, which used to be a Mexican restaurant but now concentrates on being just a bar. There is an outside patio to the rear. Opens at 3:00pm Monday to Thursday Two changing beers so you will always get a surprise when you see what’s on.

If you are still thirsty then walk back to Aigburth Road (or cycle) and walk southwards for 10 minutes. On the left hand side at 278 Aigburth Road you will come across Liverpool’s newest micro pub The Little Taproom and distillery whose concept is to stock beers and spirits from small, independent beers and distillers with the emphasis on Local.

If you are still thirsty then continue southwards for 5 minutes’ walk and head for Aigburth Vale. (number 82 bus or City Bike). Alight just after the entrance to Sefton Park and the junction of Jericho Lane and on the corner of Aigburth Road and Ashfield Road you will see the Old Bank. This is situated in a Grade II Listed Building which originally used to be the Bank of Liverpool. Shows football matches and hosts Irish music nights. Four hand pulls with ever changing beers from everywhere

When visiting these pubs please remember to submit your beer scores via CAMRA’s online pub guide, www.whatpub.com. These scores will help us choose pubs for inclusion in the Good Beer Guide.

Graham Murray February 2020.