Gallaghers, Birkenhead

Just a couple of minutes walk from Birkenhead Hamilton Square station (and therefore just a couple of minutes and a couple of quid from any of Liverpool’s central train stations) is this interesting combination of pub and barbers shop. The place doesn’t look all that much from the outside (in fact, you would be much better served turning round 180 degrees for the fine view of Liverpool’s skyline across the Mersey), but inside is a fine traditional pub with dark wood floor and half panelled walls. Entry is to a lower level seating area under the front window which leads to a larger mid section with a few more tables and chairs and high stools along a drinking ledge opposite the servery which is on the right hand wall underneath a high skylight. The room is packed with military artefacts with loads of pictures, photos, cigarette cards, coats of arms, belts and model ships as well as a most impressive collection of military hats on high shelves around the room and drums behind the bar. A large picture with accompanying text tells us about the Birkenhead Drill whereby the soldiers on the HMS Birkenhead stood fast as the ship sank allowing the women and children to escape in the lifeboats and thereby giving rise to the “women and children first” protocol. Beyond the bar is a second room, screened behind a nice wood panelled partitioning wall, which houses a proper barbers shop, with rates noted on a board outside. A few customers were taking advantage of the service during my stay, pint still in hand. Beyond is a corridor which leads out to a surprisingly large garden. The pub was named Merseyside CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2011, beating all of those fine pubs on the other side of the river. The beers available on my visit were Phoenix Wobbly Bob, Liverpool Organic Best Bitter (£2.75), Off Beat Kooky Gold, Salopian Hop Twister and Brimsgate Trapper’s Hat, with a permanent real cider as well which was Rosie’s Wicked Wasp. My pint of the Liverpool Organic Best Bitter was absolutely spot-on and certain proof that their awards were for the beer rather than any quirky charm. Lots of CAMRA magazines from around the country could be found on a table near the bar, underneath a well stocked book swap. This is a fine pub with excellent beer, friendly staff and a relaxed atmosphere and it is well worth making the short trip over the river for, perhaps on one of those bad-hair days.

The front part of this new establishment is an old-fashioned side street local, with traditional wooden furniture and walls full of pictures of ships and other (mostly) nautical memorabilia. Nothing unusual about the small patio beer garden at the back either. However, what really is different is the proper barber's 'shop' located between the two. Six handpumps dispensing some splendid beers from Ossett and other Northern breweries, with my pint of Brimstage Trapper's Hat (£2.40) being outstanding. Also offers a farmhouse cider. I thought that the atmosphere was excellent and you could easily see how it had quickly become the local Camra branch's pub of the year. Overall, well worth making a detour to visit. (NB - Review dates from September 2011.)