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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Olivia Williams

132 of Wirral's loved and lost pubs from down the years

These are some of the loved and lost pubs Wirral has had over the decades.

For many people there is nothing better than a nice pint in their local. It is a way of catching up with loved ones, winding down after a hard day of work and welcoming the weekend with a nice drink to relax.

However, some pubs will now only be a memory. All across Wirral there are pubs that lay derelict, have been demolished or have been given a new lease of life as something else entirely.

READ MORE: Family 'haunted forever' after seeing son shot dead in kitchen

We have had a look back at some of our forgotten pubs. Have we missed one? Let us know in the comments below.

Bebington Bar and Kitchen/The Chronicle, Church Road

The building was first coverted frim a shop to a pub in 2007. It was then refurbished, renamed to @No 6 and reopened in July 2018 only to be renamed again in September 2018 as the New Chronicle.

Owners of the pub then changed the name again in in February 2019 to Bebington Bar and Kitchen, but it was closed again by April 2019 and all furnishings and carpets removed. In July 2021, it was converted back to a furniture shop.

Brown Cow, Bromborough Road (Bebington)

The Brown Cow was on Brombrough Road, Bebington and built in the 1890s. But the pub was actually rebuilt in the 1950s. The pub finally closed in 2012 and was demolished and flats built on the site.

The George, Village Road (Bebington)

The George is now apartments (Google Streetview)

The George was in Village Road, Bebington and could have dated back to the 1700s. It closed in 2016 and was converted into apartments.

Corsair, Bidston Village Road (Bidston)

The pub was located on the corner of Bidston Village Road and Fender Way in Beechwood. The building has now been demolished and housing built on the site.

Argyle, Princes Pavement (Birkenhead)

This was a Higsons pub trading at least until the early 1990s. Selling Higsons and Boddingtons beers and described in 1990 as a very busy pub, which was adjacent to the market and shopping precinct.

It also had a fine display of old Argyle music hall posters. Closed and demolished in the mid 1990s.

Atlas Hotel, Grange Road (Birkenhead)

Birkenhead Market in 2003 (Jason Roberts/Reach Plc)

This pub dates back before 1888 and was bought by West Cheshire Brewery in 1897. It closed in 1973 and was demolished.

The site was within Birkenhead Market.

The Baker's Arms, Claughton Road (Birkenhead)

This was a former Birkenhead Brewery pub dating back before 1890. It closed on January 9, 1974.

Basement Bar and Bistro, Hamilton Square (Birkenhead)

The business closed in August 2017 and transferred to Sue's Bar just 100 yards away, on the opposite side of the road in Argyle Street. The whole building, including the basement was converted to residential flats.

Bierhaus, Price Street (Birkenhead)

The ground floor bar closed in February 2019 and was converted to a café in July 2021.

Carlton, Borough Road (Birkenhead)

The former Carlton pub on Borough Road, Birkenhead (Google Maps)

The Carlton was on Borough Road, Birkenhead and was an off-licence from the 1930s, becoming a pub in 1950. After it closed, Wirral Council approved a plan for the building to be converted into 14 flats.

Central Hotel, Clifton Crescent (Birkenhead)

This building was a hotel and opened on March 20, 1939. The hotel had a full pub licence and sold real ale from the bar at various times in the 1980s and 1990s.
It ceased trading on March 4, 2013 and was for sale but was damaged by a fire on February 25, 2016.

Comet Inn, Laird Street (Birkenhead)

The former Comet Inn which is now flats (Google Maps)

The Comet Inn was on Laird Street, Birkenhead and dated back to 1877. By 2010 the pub had closed and was soon turned into self-contained flats.

The Copperfield, Hamilton Street (Birkenhead)

Dating from at least 1877 the main building on the corner was the Hamilton Building which was the offices for a wine and spirit merchant, Barnett & Co. The entrance in Market Street was a pub known originally as Barnett's Vaults but later the Hamilton Vaults.

It was acquired by Robert Cain then bought by Yates' Castle Brewery in 1897. It changed its name to the Copperfield in the early 1960s. It was described in 1990 as a vibrant, lively pub, "popular with office types at lunchtime and youngish types at night".

It closed in 2010 and converted to residential use in 2013.

Crown and Cushion, Market Street (Birkenhead)

At one time this pub was known as the Crown and the Crown Vaults and dated back to at least 1850. It was a Bent’s brewery pub, bought by Bass and then leased to Higsons in 1920.

In 1990 it was described as a small comfortable pub in a good drinking area. It closed in 2014 and was converted to living accommodation.

Cygnet, Watson Street (Birkenhead)

This famous pub in Watson Street, Birkenhead - known for the bird design in green tiles on one side - was boarded up for over five years before becoming flats in 2014.

Free Library, Hinson Street (Birkenhead)

The Free Library pub stood on Hinson Street in Birkenhead town centre and was demolished as part of works for the approach roads to the Birkenhead tunnel.

Glass Barrel, Market Street/Albion Street (Birkenhead)

The former Glass Barrel pub on Market Street/Albion Street, Birkenhead (Google Maps)

The Glass Barrel pub was on Market Street/Albion Street, Birkenhead dating back to 1850. It closed in the 1990s and it is now business centre Enterprise House.

Grange Hotel, Grange Road (Birkenhead)

This building dated back to at least 1850 and was listed in Bagshaw’s Directory of 1850. It closed on July 27, 1982 and was demolished.

A McDonald's is now in its place.

Hamiltons, Grange Road (Birkenhead)

This building was the former Midland Bank premises converted to a pub in late 1992. Described as a pleasant pub with plants hanging from the high ceiling but with loud music and selling Cains Bitter and Tetley Bitter at a premium price. Closed and later became a cafe then a restaurant.

Happy Valley Hotel, Borough Road (Birkenhead)

The Happy Valley pub was on Borough Road, Birkenhead dating back to 1864 but closed in the 1980s and was later demolished.

John Laird, Claughton Road (Birkenhead)

Livingstone, Livingstone Street (Birkenhead)

The pub was on Livingstone Street, Birkenhead, and opened on 1962 and closed in 2002. It was demolished in 2010.

Mersey Arms, Neptune Street (Birkenhead)

The former Mersey Arms pub on Neptune Street, Birkenhead. (Ian Cooper)

This pub stood in Neptune Street, Birkenhead and had been operating since the mid-1800s. But it was boarded up by 2009 and has remained derelict since.

Milton, Milton Pavement (Birkenhead)

The former Milton pub building on Milton Pavement, Birkenhead, in 2009. (Google)

Milton's, close to Birkenhead bus station and the Pyramids, used to be a John Smith's pub. The building has also been used as a cafe-bar and a restaurant.

That area of Milton Pavements has now been demolished as part of Wirral Council's plan's for the Birkenhead regeneration.

Moodz Bar, Charing Cross (Birkenhead)

Moodz Bar closed around 2018.

New Dock Hotel, Stanley Road (Birkenhead)

The New Dock Hotel in the North End, near to Birkenhead North train station, had a tough reputation reflected in its nickname. It was also known as the Queens Buildings in the 1930s and was demolished by 2010

North Star Hotel, Cleveland Street (Birkenhead)

Originally the Star Hotel operating from at least 1878 and it changed name to North Star Hotel in 1940. It was described in 1990 as a friendly main road pub with bar and lounge.

Observatory, Oxton Road (Birkenhead)

The Observatory was on Oxton Road and had been a pub since 1860. After closing in the 2000s, the building was turned into a newsagents.

Old English Gentleman, Cleveland Street (Birkenhead)

This was a West Cheshire Brewery pub dating back to at least 1850 when it was listed in Bagshaw’s Directory, before becoming a Peter Walker pub.

It was described in 1990 as a two roomed street corner local serving Tetley Mild and Bitter by handpump. After closure it became a café.

Pacific Hotel, Price Street (Birkenhead)

The pub building on Price Street, Birkenhead, operated from 1878 to around 2009 and was then put up for sale in 2012. In 2013 Wirral Council approved the conversion of the upper floors into flats and planning permission was granted for the ground floor to become flats in 2020.

Pier Hotel, Hamilton Square (Birkenhead)

Pier Hotel - Birkenhead (Image: garstonian/Flickr)

The Birkenhead landmark stands out with its bright green facade which was kept when the pub was turned into offices in the 90s. The crest of the Birkenhead Brewery can still be seen on the outside of the building on the corner of Canning Street and Bridge Street.

Recession Bar, Oxton Road (Birkenhead)

This pub was closed between November 2014 and January 2015.

Rising Sun, Laird Street (Birkenhead)

The former Rising Sun pub in Laird Street, Birkenhead (Google Maps)

The Rising Sun was on Laird Street in Birkenhead and dated back to the early 1890s. Wirral Council granted planning permission for flats on the site after the pub's closure and the building was demolished.

The Rose & Shamrock, Laird Street (Birkenhead)

The Rose & Shamrock was on Laird Street, Birkenhead. According to Wirral Council planning documents, an application for a change of use from a public house to a takeaway was submitted in 2014, but it was later demolished.

Royal Duke Hotel, Corporation Road (Birkenhead)

Dating back to at least 1866 as the Duke's Head Hotel, changed it's name by 1877. It was a Birkenhead brewery pub selling Whitbread beers until it closed by 1975.

Royal Hotel (also known as Dolphin, formerly Iron Horse, Sailors Home), Cathcart Street (Birkenhead)

This was a Birkenhead brewery purchased the pub in 1874, originally known as the Iron House, changed name to the Sailor's Home and then to the Dolphin by 1892. It later changed to the Royal Hotel before it was closed. Converted to residential flats in 2012.

Schooner (also known as Weighbridge), Brook Street (Birkenhead)

The Schooner was built in the early 60s on the site previously occupied by the Crown and Anchor (also known at some stage as the Archers). Operating since at least 1964, it changed name to the Weighbridge serving Tetley beers until it closed on February 7, 1982 and was demolished.

Shamrock, Price Street (Birkenhead)

This building dated back to 1877. It was described in 1980 as a friendly local with wall-to-wall photos of Liverpool FC players It was demolished about 2013.

Sports Bar, (formerly Tobago, Heisenberg, Mr Whites), Argyle Street (Birkenhead)

This small modern bar near Hamilton Square opened in early 2010s and changed name several times. The pub did not have its licence renewed in September 2020 because of antisocial behaviour of customers.

The premises were converted back to retail use during 2022.

Turleys, Borough Road (Birkenhead)

Turleys was on Borough Road in Birkenhead and according to minutes of a 2004 Wirral council cabinet meeting, the building was bought by the authority and later demolished.

Vale Hotel, Oxton Road (Birkenhead)

The old Vale pub is now flats (Google Maps)

This pub was on Oxton Road, Birkenhead and closed between 2010 and 2011. According to Wirral Council planning documents, the derelict building changed its use to become self-contained flats in 2017.

Warwick Arms, Westbourne Road (Birkenhead)

This was a pub since at least 1877 and closed in January 2020 and converted to flats.

Westbourne Hotel, Westbourne Road (Birkenhead)

The Westbourne Hotel is now flats (Google Streetview)

This pub was on Oxton Road, Birkenhead and closed between 2010 and 2011. According to Wirral Council planning documents, the derelict building changed its use to become self-contained flats in 2017.

Wheatsheaf Hotel, Corporation Road (Birkenhead)

Dating back to at least 1864. A Peter Walker pub, described in 1980 as a basic town pub serving Tetley Mild and Bitter, closed in 1981 because of poor trade with contraction of the docks. Converted to light engineering workshop in March 1982.

Windsor Castle, Oxton Road (Birkenhead)

This was Yates's Castle Brewery pub dating from 1881. Described in 1980 as a comfortable friendly town local selling Wilsons Bitter and Mild. It closed in 2019.

Woodside Hotel (Birkenhead)

The famous Birkenhead pub near Woodside Ferry terminal was gutted by a fire in August 2008 - the second in two months - causing the roof to collapse. What was left of the building was later demolished and the land was later used as a car park.

Archers, Mark Rake (Bromborough)

Opened in December 1957, a Tetley pub described in 1990 as a large estate pub, modernised lounge with lots of mirrors and stainless steeland. It had a separate public bar with darts and pool. Closed by 2013, pub demolished and site redeveloped as residential.

Knockaloe Bar & Restaurant, Bridle Road (Eastham)

Formerly the Associated Octel Social Club, in 2006 the 'OC' became a pub open to all attracting a wide variety of drinkers. There were extensive sports facilities, function and meeting rooms, plus a patio area.

The upstairs games rooms had two full size billiard tables, pool and darts. The OC Club changed its name to the Knockaloe Bar and Restaurant. It closed by January 2020 and sold for housing development.

Avenue, Bidston Avenue (Claughton)

This pub was built in 1953 on the bombed out site of the former Avenue Cinema by Birkenhead Brewery and named the Avenue.

It was closed and bought by Atwill pubs, refurbished and reopened as the Open Arms in 2012, but closed in May 2015 and demolished in May 2017 for residential development.

Glyder Hotel (also known as Eastham Country Club), Hooton Mount, Eastham Village Road (Eastham)

This pub was operated between 1972 and 1992. Building now used as offices.

Brighton, Brighton Street (Wallasey)

This pub was opened in 1882. Owned by Thomas Montgomery in 1893, possibly selling beer from nearby Grosvenor Brewery in the 1890s, and later by the Chester Lion Brewery.

It was sold by Thomas Montgomery to Bents Brewery in 1902 and later a Yates's Castle Brewery pub, described in 1980 as a large gothic type building. It has been closed since at least 2010.

Kings Arms, Liscard Road (Egremont)

This pub dated back to at least 1850 and had significant alterations in 1932, described in 1990 as Whitbreadified with a separate room for pool tables.

Lord Nelson, Trafalgar Road (Egremont)

The Nelson Hotel dated back to at least 1860, A Bent’s (from 1967 Bass) brewery pub, changed its name to the Lord Nelson in 1996. The pub in late 2021. There were plans to transform the pub into a convenience store.

Shepherd's Rest, Darlington Street (Egremont)

This pub was described in 1980 as a popular modern pub serving Whitbread Special Cask Bitter by handpump. The pub closed by 2012 and demolished.

Sandon Arms, Milner Road (Heswall)

The Bar & Courtyard previously The Slak on Milner Road in Heswall before it was demolished (Google Street View)

Heswall Bar & Courtyard – formerly the Sandon Arms and The Slak – on Milner Road, Heswall closed in 2014. It was later demolished and new homes built on the land.

Blue Anchor, Market Street (Hoylake)

The former Blue Anchor pub in Hoylake is now a co-op (Google)

Opened in 1970 to replace the old Anchor pub in front of the new pub. Blue It was a Higsons pub and described in 1990 as a very comfortable pub with a nautical theme plus a room for meeting.

The pub closed in 2016 and the building was converted to a supermarket by 2019.

Punch Bowl, Market Street (Hoylake)

This pub opened in 1936 behind the old Punch Bowl which was demolished. It closed by 2014.

Trappist House, Market Street (Hoylake)

Trappist House, a Belgian inspired bistro in Hoylake (Trappist House)

Opened in July 2020, this pub was a Belgian inspired brasserie with a range of Belgian keg and bottled beers. It also sold Belgian-French food. The business stopped trading in October 2021.

Leasowe Hotel (formerly Travellers Rest), Reeds Lane (Moreton)

The site of the former Leasowe hotel which is now housing (Google Streetview)

The Leasowe Hotel - formerly the Travellers Rest - used to be on Reeds Lane. It closed around 2004/2005 and shortly after Wirral Council approved plans for the pub to be demolished and the site was turned into a housing complex.

The Stanley Hotel, King's Gap (Hoylake)

The pub, on Hoylake's Kings Gap, opened in the 1860s but was closed - and later demolished - around 2001.

Oyster Catcher (also known as Brambles), Twickenham Drive (Leasowe)

The Oyster Catcher opened in Leasowe in 1961 and the final pint was pulled at the pub – by then rebranded as Brambles – in autumn 2016.

The Twickenham Drive pub was a place where many outsiders feared to tread, but to regulars it was an important part of Leasowe life that brought residents of the estate together. The site has since become a Heron Foods shop

Beer Keg (formerly White Lounge), Wallasey Road (Liscard)

This was a bar/pub in s row of shops, which closed in 2019 and converted back to retail use by mid 2022.

Vineyard, Seaview Road (Liscard)

Fire crews were called out to a blaze at the Vineyard Pub in Liscard in the early hours of Saturday, April 24. One person living in the flat above the pub was said to have escaped by the time rescue teams arrived. The blaze, believed to have started on the ground floor, quickly took hold and spread to the flat above. (Andrew Teebay/Liverpool Echo)

This pub was severely damaged by a fire in April 2020. Merseyside Police said at the time it was reported two men smashed the window of the pub and set it on fire before running away towards Edinburgh Road.

A neighbour told an ECHO reporter that the place had been 'petrol bombed'. It has not opened since.

Millhouse, Millhouse Lane (Moreton)

The pub lay in a residential area on Millhouse Lane, in Moreton and was demolished in 2018 to make way for apartments.

Morton Arms, Pasture Road (Moreton)

The former site of the Morton Arms which is now a plumping firm (Google Streetview)

The pub is on Pasture Road near to Moreton train station and opened in 1961. It closed in 2014 and the building is now home to a plumbing firm.

Plough Inn, Hoylake Road (Moreton)

Once found on Hoylake Road, a stone's throw away from Moreton Cross, the pub closed in 2010. It was demolished soon after its closure and the site of this pub is now home to Tesco Express.

Coach & Horses, Bridge Street (Neston)

This pub dated back to at least 1822 when it was listed in Pigot's Directory, also listed in Pigot's 1828 to 29 and Bagshaw's Directory of 1850. It was also mentioned in Sulley’s 1889 ‘The Hundred of Wirral’ as one of the 11 fully licensed pubs in Neston.

It was described in 1980 as having fine etched 'Birkenhead Brewery' windows, with cosy open fires and selling Whitbread Special Cask Bitter. In the 1990 it was described by pubgoers as having an old fashioned bar and snug at the front and a new lounge at the rear.

It closed early 2007 and is now a Greek restaurant.

Lodestar, Brook Street (Neston)

This pub opened in 1997 as a Wetherspoons. It was sold to another operator before being closed in 2007.

Albion Hotel, Albion Street (New Brighton)

The site of the former Albion pub which is now flats (Google Streetview)

Based on the New Brighton Street of the same name, the pub was built in the 1830s. It was a popular pub with John Smiths brewery taking over in the 1980s.

It closed in the 2000s and a planning application was made to Wirral Council in 2006 to turn it into flats. This was approved.

Belgravia Hotel, Marine Park Mansions, 9-16 Wellington Road (New Brighton)

This was a hotel dating back to the 30s with a full pub licence and selling Wilsons beers in the 1970s to 1980s. It closed for some time after 2004 and converted to residential flats.

Grand Hotel (also known as Anchorage, formerly Marine Hotel, Royal Marine Hotel), Marine Promenade (New Brighton)

The Marine Hotel dates back to at least 1845 and became the Royal Marine hotel by 1864. It changed its name to the Grand Hotel in 1930 and later was also known as the Anchorage.

In the 80s it was a free house serving Wilsons. It closed in 1996 following a fire and the building was demolished.

Hotel Victoria (formerly Victoria Hotel), Victoria Road (New Brighton)

The original Hotel Victoria was founded in 1837 and replaced with the landmark yellow and red brick building in 1896. The adjacent Assembly Rooms later became part of the hotel.

It was on one of the highest spots in New Brighton, affording spectacular views of the River Mersey. It closed its doors suddenly in 2004 and the buildings were later demolished and replaced with flats.

Traveller's Rest (also known as Lacy's Bar), Marine Promenade (New Brighton)

This pub opened in 1878 on Union Terrace, which is Marine Promenade on the corner with Rowson Street. It was Bent’s Brewery pub and taken over by Bass in 1967.

It has been closed since at least 2013 and the site was acquired by Wetherspoons who owned and operated the next door pub, the Master Mariner. An application to demolish was refused but a later plan to extend the Master Mariner and merge it into the Travellers Rest/Lacy's Bar was approved.

However, during the extension work, the building was deemed to be unsafe and was demolished in December 2022. Work then started on the site to build an extension to the Master Mariner next door, but in March this year a spokesperson for Wetherspoons confirmed to end the redevelopment for good and put the site up for sale.

Little Brighton (also known as Little Ginny, formerly Chequers Inn), Rowson Street (New Brighton)

The Rowson Street pub - known as the Ginny or Little Ginny - dates from the 1840s and closed in 2012.

In 2015 residents called for the pub's frontage to be retained after housing plans for the site were revealed. However it wasn't and the site is now a modern style flats.

Master Mariner, Union Terrace, Marine Promenade (New Brighton)

Work ongoing on the expansion of the Master Mariner pub in New Brighton which has now been stopped (Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)

The Master Mariner in New Brighton, Wirral, had been the subject of a £3 million revamp which included expanding into the adjoining Lacy’s Bar. The pub originally opened in 2013 on the site of the former RJs and the Playas Lounge nightclubs.

In March 2022 the seaside bar and restaurant closed as work began on the transformation. Work was set to be completed in August of the same year but the pub chain announced that its doors had to remain closed while works continued, with no date given when people could return.

But a spokesperson for Wetherspoons confirmed the development will not be taken any further, with the original project behind schedule and left incomplete. The move is said to be a “commercial decision” with the building and land being put up for sale.

Nags Head, Rake Lane (New Brighton)

The site of the Nags Head pub which is now a housing development (Google Streetview)

This Wallasey pub was on Rake Lane, Wallasey. It opened in the 70s but closed in 2013 and then was demolished. The site is now home to a block of flats.

Queens Royal (also known as Stage Door Tap), Marine Promenade (New Brighton)

The Queen's Royal Hotel in New Brighton before it closed (Google Street View)

The Queen’s closed in 2019 and at the time a spokesperson told the ECHO: "After 15 years of serving our loyal customers we have decided to put the business up for sale.

"It is with a heavy heart that we have made this decision and on behalf of all the staff and directors we thank you for all your loyal custom and helping to make it the community hub that it is known to be.

"Once again, many thanks for you custom."

Wirral Council refused planning permission a number of years ago for the site to be demolished and have a hotel built in its place.

Royal Ferry Hotel (also known as Chelsea Reach, formerly Royal Hotel), Victoria Road (now Victoria Parade) (New Brighton)

This pub was Built in 1850- and was an Argyle Brewery pub, transferred to Birkenhead Brewery. It was also known as the Royal Hotel and for a while Mason's Royal Ferry Hotel.

It changed name to the Chelsea Reach in 1971, then to Club Royale in 1996. But sadly closed in 2010 and converted to flats.

Alice's Place (also known as Letters), New Chester Road (New Ferry)

Dating from at least 1891, the Letters Inn was a Yates's Castle Brewery pub, later it was a Bents then Bass selling Bass beers in the 1980s. It closed around June 2016.

Farmers Arm's, New Chester Road (New Ferry)

This was a Birkenhead Brewery pub listed in Bagshaw's Directory of 1850. It became a Peter Walker and later a Tetley pub operating into the 90s. It closed and was converted into an Indian restaurant.

Great Eastern Hotel, New Ferry Road (New Ferry)

The New Ferry pub dates back to 1878 stocking beers from the Birkenhead brewery.

The lounge area of the pub was like a museum to the ship it was named after. It closed in 2007 and was demolished in 2010 to make way for housing.

New Pier Vaults (also known as Little House, formerly New Ferry Hotel), New Chester Road (New Ferry)

This pub dated back from at least 1891 and was a West Cheshire Brewery pub. It then changed hands into a Whitbread pub into the 80s. It was also known as the Little House, but closed and was demolished by 2006.

Shillings Cafe Bar, New Chester Road (New Ferry)

Shillings Cafe Bar opened around 2009 in a former branch of NatWest Bank (previously Westminster Bank) but closed by August 2019.

It became a shop in July 2022.

Traveller's Rest, New Ferry Road (New Ferry)

Dating back to at least 1891, the pub was leased to West Cheshire Brewery by 1896.

It was sold to the brewery in 1920. The pub closed its doors by 2004. The building was extended and converted for residential use.

Wirral Hotel, Bebington Road (New Ferry)

The building dates back to around 1864. However, the pub did not reopen after the covid lockdown and signs outside the property said it was sold.

Buccaneer, Sixth Avenue, Ford Precinct (Beechwood)

The pub opened in May 1972, but was later demolished. The year it was knocked down is unknown.

Fender (formerly Seven Stiles), Upton Road (Noctorum)

The Seven Stiles, on Upton Road, Noctorum, was also known as the Fender. It closed in 2013 and the building is now a children's day nursery.

One O'Clock Gun, Holgate Close (Beechwood)

In 2016 a housing trust announced plans to build affordable housing on the former site of the One O'Clock Gun on Bidston Drive Green, Beechwood. It was named for the cannon once fired from the river wall at Morpeth Dock, Birkenhead, to give ships a time check.

Windmill, Fourth Avenue (Beechwood)

Wirral Council leased the site on Fourth Avenue/Deeside Close, Beechwood to Enterprise Inns in 1970. The pub was demolished after being damaged in a fire and the land was sold for housing in 2016.

Talbot Bar & Restaurant, Riverhill Hotel, Talbot Road (Oxton)

This was a hotel with a bar and restaurant. On June 12, 2020 the pub announced the business was closed.

Pensby Hotel, Ridgewood Drive (Pensby)

The Ridgewood Drive pub was demolished in 2016 after a bitter battle between Wirral Council planners and the Government.

A proposal to bulldoze the local landmark and erect a 60-bedroom care home in its place was rejected the council in 2015, but the decision was later overturned on appeal. The Pensby also made headlines in 2013 after a 538-plant cannabis farm was discovered upstairs. It re-opened under new management in 2014 but closed after just 10 months.

Eagle Arms, Rankin Street (Poulton)

The former Eagle Arms which was turned back into two houses after the pub closed (Google Streetview)

The pub was on Rankin Street, Poulton and operated as a pub from 1866 until it closed in 2009. It was then turned back into two houses after Wirral Council approved planning permission in that same year

Dell, Prenton Hall Road (Prenton)

The Dell operated since at least 1964, but closed in July 2019 for demolition and redevelopment for residential use.

Abbotsford, New Chester Road (Rock Ferry)

This Rock Ferry pub on the New Chester Road opened in 1967 and served pints for nearly 30 years before closing in the 1990s. The building was demolished in 2013 and the site was redeveloped for housing.

Fairfield (also known as Cock & Donkey), Old Chester Road (Rock Ferry)

This pub dated back to 1860, acquired by Threlfalls. In 2014 it was refurbished and reopened in December 2014 with a central bar serving two rooms decorated with photographs of the local area.

Sadly the pub closed on April 22, 2018 and converted to residential use.

La Banque, Borough Road (Seacombe)

La Banque was on Borough Road, Seacombe and closed in the 2000s and then later demolished. Wirral Council approved plans for houses on the site and they have since been built.

Lairds Sports Club, St Peters Road (Rock Ferry)

This pub closed by January 2018 and the building was demolished in December 2018.

Railway Hotel, St Pauls Road (Rock Ferry)

This pub dated back to at least 1850 when it was listed in Bagshaw's Directory. It sadly closed and converted to a shop.

Rock Station, Highfield Road (Rock Ferry)

Wirral's planning committee approved plans in 2019 to demolish the old Rock Station pub on Highfield Road, Rock Ferry and build 25 self-contained flats on the site. The pub closed in January 2019.

Royal Rock Hotel, Bedford Road (Rock Ferry)

The building was built around 1805 and listed in Bagshaw's Directory of 1850. It incorporated the Royal Rock Tap/Rock Ferry Tap and was owned by Yates's Castle Brewery.

It closed in the early 70s and was demolished in 1975. The site is now a wooded area.

Royal Standard Hotel, New Chester Road (Rock Ferry)

The Royal Standard Hotel dated back to at least 1850 when it was listed in Bagshaw's Directory, an Argyle Brewery pub transferred to Birkenhead Brewery in 1866.

It closed and was demolished by 2000.

Star Hotel, New Chester Road (Rock Ferry)

Dating from at least the 1850 (when it was listed in Bagshaw's Directory) until the 1970s. The building was still clearly identifiable as a pub in 2018, but now being used as shops.

Bee (also known as O'Shea's), Birkenhead Road (Seacombe)

Once The Bee changed its name to O'Sheas in 1996 and the building is on Birkenhead Road, Seacombe It had pulled its last pint by 2010 and is now a newsagent.

Bird in Hand, Oakdale Road (Seacombe)

The pub opened in 1865 as an Argyle Brewery pub, but later became a Birkenhead Brewery. It closed in 2013 and the pub was demolished and land developed as housing.

Swan Hotel/Blazing Stump, Dock Road (Seacombe)

The Swan Hotel opened in 1878 as a West Cheshire Brewery pub and became a Whitbread pub in the 80s. At one time it was named the Royal Swan, in the later years it changed name to the Blazing Stump and before closure became a night club known as Bonkers.

The date of closure is unknown, but thought to be late 1980s or early 1990s.

Dale Inn, Poulton Road (Seacombe)

The Dale pub was in Oakdale Road, Seacombe before its demolition. Another Dale Inn on Poulton Road was also demolished and is now the site of Seacombe's Tesco Express.

Great Float Hotel, Wheatland Lane (Seacombe)

The Great Float Hotel was an Argyle Brewery pub transferred to Birkenhead Brewery and dated back to at least 1864, selling Whitbread beer in the 80s.

It closed in the early 2000s and was destroyed by a fire in November 2012 and demolished shortly after.

Leasowe Castle, Demesne Street (Seacombe)

This pub opened from 1879 and was acquired by Spraggs (Higsons). It was closed by 2014.

Marine Hotel (also known as Brassey's), Birkenhead Road (Seacombe)

The pub dated back to at least 1850 and was a Birkenhead Brewery pub in what was believed to be two fisherman's cottages.

It closed in December 1991 and was later demolished.

Prince Alfred Hotel, Church Road (Seacombe)

This opened in 1891 and was a West Cheshire Brewery pub. It chaned to a Whitbread pub in the early 80s but was acquired by Boddingtons.

It closed by 2014 and converted to residential use.

Seacombe Ferry, Victoria Place (Seacombe)

The pub that stood by the ferry terminal dates back to the 1500s where an ale house would have stood in or around that area. Sadly, the pub was closed by 2001 and has now been demolished.

Alexandra Hotel, Victoria Road (Tranmere)

Built in 1863 as an Anchor Brewery freehold pub. It then transferred to Birkenhead Brewery in 1866.

It closed in late in 2004 and was converted to flats.

Black Horse, Church Road (Tranmere)

The former Black Horse which was sold to become housing (Google Streetview)

The pub was on Church Road, Tranmere and the original pub on the site dated back to 1757. It was rebuilt on the site in the 1930s but closed its doors in February 2018. In 2019, Wirral Council approved its change of use to self-contained flats.

Britannia Hotel (formerly Britannia Vaults), Old Chester Road (Tranmere)

This pub dates back from at least 1860 and described in 1980 as a large old town pub serving Tetley Bitter and Mild by handpump.

It traded into late 90s and was demolished in March 2002 and site redeveloped as housing.

Crooked Billet Hotel, Old Chester Road (Tranmere)

The Crooked Billet was on Old Chester Road, Tranmere. After it closed, it was demolished by developers and housing was built on the site.

Golden Fleece (also known as Lucan's Inn; Josie Ryan's, formerly Fleece), Old Chester Road (Tranmere)

The pub operated from at least 1850 when it was listed in Bagshaw's Directory. It later became a Peter Walker pub described in 1990 as a busy two roomed local "full of character".

Trading continued through the 90s and was later known as Lucan's Inn and then Josie Ryan's before closure and demolition.

Harp, (also known as Prince William), Old Chester Road (Birkenhead)

Former Harp pub is now a shop (Google Streetview)

The Harp on Old Chester Road, Birkenhead, was renamed the Prince William in 2003. It closed in 2007 and is now a newsagent.

Lord Raglan, New Chester Road (Birkenhead)

The former Lord Raglan Hotel, which is now a restaurant (Google Streetview)

The pub on the New Chester Road in Tranmere dates back to 1860 and was serving pints until October 2017. The pub closed and it was later turned into a restaurant.

Manor Arms (formerly Manor Hotel), Union Street (Tranmere)

It dated back to at least 1870 and was a Yates's Brewery pub (later John Smiths) serving John Smiths beers into the 80s.

It closed in 2005 and is now a private club.

Queens Arms (also known as Yard), Hinderton Road (now 1 Green Lane) (Tranmere)

This building was built in the 1880/1890s to replace the nearby Queens Arms pub, demolished for road construction. It was sometimes named the Hinderton.

The name was changed briefly in the 90s to Katie O'Donnell's and then to the Yard in 2003. It closed by 2010 and now a small supermarket with the entrance in Green Lane which for many years was the main entrance to the pub.

Royal Castle Hotel (also known as Revolver, Hotel California, Mr Davidson's Bar), New Chester Road (Birkenhead)

The much-loved music venue near the Birkenhead tunnel - a favourite haunt of Cammell Laird workers when it was the Royal Castle - closed in 2018.

The Royal Castle pub became the Hotel California in the summer of 2004. The inside of the building has been stripped out in preparation for its demolition.

A fire ripped though the derelict building in late 2019.

Tranmere Park Hotel, Church Road (Tranmere)

Church Road, Tranmere has lost many a famous old pub name over the years - and the Tranmere Park is another of them. It was trading as a pub since the 1800s but has since closed and the building demolished.

Victoria Lodge, Victoria Road (Tranmere)

The site of the former Victoria Lodge Hotel in Tranmere, Wirral (Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)

The Victoria Lodge - and its Albert Bar - was on Victoria Road, Tranmere and was originally two cottages. It became a pub in 1864 and closed in 2015. It was put up for sale, but feel into disrepair and was later demolished.

The site has become neglected and neighbours have previously told the ECHO they are tormented with "endless problems" from flytipping to fires.

Pool Inn, Poulton Bridge Road (Wallasey)

The former site of the Pool Inn which is still empty land (Google Streetview)

The pub, on the fringes of Wallasey close to the M53 and Dock Road, closed in 2010 and was later demolished, leaving a piece of land that is still empty today.

Ship Inn, Breck Road (Wallasey)

The Ship Inn was on Breck Road, Wallasey and dated back to 1822. It closed in 2016 and permission was approved for its demolition, which has recently taken place.

According to planning documents, the developer intends to build six town houses on the site

Twenty Row Inn, Leasowe Road (Wallasey)

The Lidl on Leasowe Road which was the site of The Twenty Row pub (Google Streetview)

There was a pub on this site from as early as 1800 and you'll now know this site on Leasowe Road as Lidl - but it used to be the Twenty Row pub.

Hilbre, Banks Road (West Kirby)

The Hilbre pub on Banks Road, West Kirby. (The Friends of Hilbre Court Pub)

The pub opened in 1970 and was known as Hilbre Court. It closed in 2016 and was transformed into an Italian restaurant.

Customers of the pub at the time successfully lobbied Wirral Council to agree to list the pub as an Asset of Community Value, designed to protect it from being demolished or converted to another use without planning permission.

Ring O'Bells, Village Road (West Kirby)

The mock Tudor style pub dates back to 1810. It briefly changed name to the Loch Fyne in the 90s but reverted to its original name by 2012.

Owners Stange & Co purchased the Ring O'Bells in West Kirby from Greene King in 2020, only for the Covid-19 pandemic to hit.

Plans to refurbish the pub were put on hold during lockdown, but Syrange & Co confirmed work will start this spring and the pub is due to reopen later in the year.

Pelican Hotel, Houghton Road (Woodchurch)

The pub opened in November 1957 as a West Cheshire Brewery. It was later closed and demolished.

Stirrup, Arrowe Park Road (Woodchurch)

The Stirrup pub on Arrowe Park Road (Google StreetView)

The Stirrup was a popular pub on Arrowe Park Road, Upton, but it closed just before Christmas 2018. Wirral Council approved plans for homes to be built on the site and the derelict pub was demolished.

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