The Shrewsbury Arms, Oxton, Prenton

A well supported locals pub with a mix of drinkers and diners on my Wednesday lunchtime visit. The pub had a main front lounge and bar to the rear, original large oak ceiling beams were noticeable in this area and date from 1847 when the building was built. Other features were stained glass panels and Barley twist newel posts and spindles leading down to a small dining area. Four ales on handpump, GK Abbot, Hardy and Hansons Kimberley Bitter, Old Speckled Hen and Bonkers Conkers from Westgate Brewery Bury St Edmunds, which was excellent. There was also a good sized patio area out the front of the pub.

An attractive pub, well presented in the John Barras style. Popular with family groups at the time of my visit, a Bank Holiday Monday, with a few young lads spilling out into the garden, which is above street level. There are four hand pumps, but disappointingly the choice of real ale was limited to just Caledonian Flying Scotsman and Wells Bombardier. Flying Scotsman is the best beer that Caley brew, when it is well kept, which it was here. At £3.22 a pint it's a little cheaper than the Oxton just along the road, but if you're planning on visiting the Cock & Pullet (£2.40 a pint), there's not much point walking to this one too, unless you need the exercise.

Official site of The Shrewsbury Arms - www.johnbarras.com

Official site of The Shrewsbury Arms - www.johnbarras.com

A traditional pub serving up to 4 real ales. Has set back areas within the pub to sit. Nice beer garden out front.

Now open again as a John Barras pub