When you think of Halton, perhaps you don’t immediately think of quality pubs and pleasant environments in which to have a drink. It is true that there is still a “Greenall Whitley” legacy in some parts of Halton, and the Campaign for Real Ale has been working hard to encourage more pubs to stock cask ale and attract customers.

The fringes of Halton contain some attractive pubs where cask ale, good food and a pleasing environment can be found. The Wellington in Hale, Ring O Bells in Daresbury and Red Lion in Moore leap to mind.

Halton is changing - the Weston area of Runcorn is a mini oasis. The Royal Oak has recently been refurbished under new stewardship. Terry and Sharron have a commitment to serve cask ales and usually 2 are available. On a recent visit I enjoyed a superb pint of Caledonian Autumn Red. A real cider was also available. The Round House always has a real ale available. Not far away, the Prospect, a Halton CAMRA Pub of The Year has a deserved reputation for home cooking – especially the Sunday lunches! However the pub also hosts many community events, has a real fire and importantly a good selection of real ales. Adnams Broadside, a full flavour real ale is one of the regular beers.

The Old Town area has struggled for quality pubs that serve real ale, but the Ferry Boat (Wetherspoons) is a beacon! Not far to go to the Lion in Greenway Road where 2 changing guest beers and a real cider are served. Also not far to the Norton Arms in Halton Village where 4 changing guest beers are served in a very historic pub set beneath Halton Castle. Moving North of the Mersey, central Widnes was a real ale desert but there has been a renaissance!

A crawl of real ale pubs could be held in venues including the Premier (Wetherspoons), Derby, Grapes and the Kingsway Hotel. These are very traditional type pubs. On a recent visit a superb pint of Pedigree was on offer from the new management at the Grapes.

Away from central Widnes, food and a good selection of real ales from Ember Inns can be found at the Four Topped Oak. The Church View similarly has a wide and varying selection and has been subject to a recent refurbishment. Amongst the real ales available on a recent visit was an excellent pint of Timothy Taylor Boltmaker. The Eight Towers whilst offering food also serves up to 6 real ales mostly from the Ringwood, Banks and Wychwood breweries.

We all moan when pubs close – but the truth is we need to use them and enjoy them if they are to stay open. Certainly in Halton I think you will be very pleasantly surprised