Homebrew Tap, Liverpool

The micropub explosion in this part of the world can trace its origins back to this place which became the first micropub in Merseyside when it opened in October 2013. The pub doesn't stray far from the original micropub concept, occupying a single room, shop converted unit in a small row of retail premises in the centre of Crosby. The room has a nice old parquet floor throughout and a small, simple servery in the rear left corner. The front windows were partly obscured by a huge 'CAMRA Pub of the Year 2014 & 2015' banner, which perhaps best reflects how well the venture has been received. There is a fixed bench under the front window with standard chairs serving numerous small tables through the rest of the room. A blackboard to one side of the bar lists the various drink options and there are a few nice brewery signs on the bar back. The walls throughout have been liberally decorated, in marked contrast to some of the decor in other local micropubs, with items of interest including some evocative old beer trays, framed pump clips and beer mats from old local breweries, a pub mirror, some nice contemporary paintings depicting local scenes, a map of Sefton, some black and white photos, a painting of some Belgian beer bottles and some information about the eponymous extinct bird. The toilets here seemed a notch up from the usual micropub set-up and the gents had an excellent framed beer mat collection for Shag Lager (Sample quote: 'What a night - ten Shags and I'm still standing!'). The bar supports a row of handpulls which were dispensing Oakham Bishops Farewell, Hawkshead Hop Black, Tiny Rebel Beat Box, Ilkley Pale and Black Jack You Bet - a solid selection from some revered breweries and my pint of the Beat Box was in tip top condition, underlining why this place has proven so popular with CAMRA. A couple of real cider options were also available along with selected bottled beers. There is no doubting that this place has bedded in much better than some of its newer peers and had a good pubby feel even on a relatively quiet mid week afternoon visit. I thought the beer selection was thoughtfully put together and well kept and it was nice and easy to settle down and relax although I imagine it's a different story at busy periods. Probably the pick of the local micropubs, this place should be applauded for all it has done to revive the ale scene in the area.

Inconspicuous micropub housed in rather undistinguished arcade of shops. I didn't really take much note of the interior because the place was very busy and had a real buzz of conversation. Managed to find a spot on one of the small tables with a group of locals who were very friendly and made several useful suggestions of other places to visit in the area. Four real ales from the five handpumps, including two from Marble - Bitter and Pint (£2.80). Well worth seeking out.