Lifeboat (JD Wetherspoon), Liverpool

The Lifeboat is a branch of Wetherspoon's that I had not previously heard about. But I was surprisingly impressed. It is located just out of the town centre, but a reasonable walk from the station. It was busy on our Wednesday afternoon visit and we somehow conspired to miss the orderly queue that had been formed at the bar. I never quite understand how these form in branches of Wetherspoon's. But perhaps its the nature of the clientele, who are mostly placing food orders. The usual 'spoon's beers were on - Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best & Sharp's Doom Bar. Guests were Oakham JHB, Loddon Bamboozle, Moorhouse's Pendle Witches Brew & Exmoor Beast. 4 handpulls were clipped with ciders, their corresponding boxes being in the fridge behind - Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon, Cock Eyed Pear Mania, Broadoak Moonshine & Weston's Old Rosie. Decent place that is probably the best pub I have found yet in Formby.

The Lifeboat is a new outlet from last summer and according to the Liverpool Echo and What Pub is housed in the former Conservative Club. Apparently there was a minor dispute over what they should call this but at least none of the options were politicians, although the Eric Pickles with a suitably unflattering sign would have been amusing. Inside it's a large roughly square room with the bar on the right and the open kitchen behind it. Being a new outlet fixtures and fittings are better than average and there is also some exposed brickwork rather than wood panels. There seemed to be more people in to eat than anything else. The twelve hand pumps had the JDW Trio Of Doom doubled, three ales from the not so recent festival, Hambleton Stallion Amber, Pheasantry Mikado Mild and Red Star Samba. I went for the Red Star Samba then as it had started raining also had a Mikado Mild both at £2.49 and in good nick. Although not as good for beer choice as the Southport ones I reckon this is still worth a 7.

A large new Wethers. Open plan with the pub a large barn-like thing. A large (for Wetherspoons) beer garden is to the rear. As you might expect pictures of RNLI lifeboat stuff adorn the walls. 12 handpumps on the bar in 2 banks of 6. 11 of these were different ales. Its a pleasant enough Wethers and a welcome addition for those hard up millionaires who live in the area.