The Pumphouse, Liverpool

This was a pleasant surprise to me, despite visiting Liverpool many times in the past, I'd never called in here as the Greene King signage and the hoards of tourists had put me off. Whilst there were still quite a few tourist in, there was only one GK beer on the bar. The rest were from local breweries. My pint of Rock The Boat was in good nick and came with a 25p per pint CAMRA discount. I went up a floor and got a seat overlooking Albert Dock which was pleasant. I might have to call in here again at some point.

The Pumphouse is just about the best of the pubs/bars offering real ale in the Albert Dock. It is a Greene King pub that serves their IPA, but has multiple guest beers. On a Sunday afternoon visit, these were Big Bog Hinky Punk, Quagmire, Jack O'Lantern & Spring Bog & Titanic Plum Porter. Ciders were fruit ones from Lilley's - Strawberry Cider & Mango Cider. On a warm weekend, the pub was unsurprisingly mobbed, with most tables taken outside overlooking the docks. Inside was busy too, especially at the bar, where service wasn't the quickest despite a good number of staff. You'll get a CAMRA discount here if you're a member. But the beer quality can often be questionable.

An original part of Albert Docks,this building would have been used to pump water into the docks after a lockage to maintain water levels.It's a Greene King tied house on three levels,the main room has a low ceiling.The lower lounge has a flagstone floor,while the upper section does give decent views over the docks.In the tap room the two wall dumb waiters are a feature but the furniture is a mix of modern high tables by the bar and fitted benches elsewhere,with little natural light it feels a bit cramped. There are 9 handpumps but many were unused ,leaving a choice of Black Sheep Bitter,GK Old Speckled Hen,a house brew (no doubt GK rebadged) Alberts Dock Finest and Castle Rock Harvest Gold (NBSS 2.5).A low ABV selection of little merit,the corporate vibe also means there is really no good reason to visit here despite the good location.

chances are if you visit Liverpool you'll end up at the Albert Dock at some point - be aware this is the only place really resembling a pub in the immediate area. it's your typical Greene King McPub in converted harbour building in tourist trap location, you should already know what to expect. it's much better than it used to be with 10 handpumps serving a decent range these days. good luck getting served though especially if you're stuck behind people trying to order food. ('we don't serve from that menu until 11' - it was 10.55). i'm very surprised that Wetherspoons haven't opened up on the dock (yet) - they would make a killing here.

Something of a landmark, in an historic building with its tall chimney, this is also something of a tourist trap. A large and bustling pub on a couple of levels, with a heavy food trade and a very good and large range of beers (and Cask Marque accreditation). My only real complaint was that the music inside was far too loud and unnecessary, however escaping to the outside tables overlooking the dock was very pleasant indeed on a sunny afternoon. If you must go to Albert Dock, the place to aim for.