The Ferry Tavern in Penketh, Warrington has been open since 1762 and has been the perfect spot for punters to enjoy a pint in the sunshine – and spot seals and porpoises
The Ferry Tavern in Penketh, Warrington, isn’t just your average local – it’s a pub with a view that’s become a hotspot for wildlife enthusiasts looking to enjoy a pint in the sun while watching seals and even porpoises play in the nearby waters.
Nestled on an island strip created at Fiddlers Ferry with the opening of the Sankey Canal in 1762, the first canal of the industrial age, The Ferry Tavern has been quenching the thirst of travellers for a whopping 250 years. With its stunning location and expansive outdoor seating, the pub has become famous for its aquatic neighbours.
Regular sightings of seals frolicking in the shallows and occasional visits from porpoises add to the charm of this award-winning establishment, which scooped the title of best community pub back in 2020 and is a staple in the CAMRA guide for its selection of craft ales.
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Landlords Andy and Jade, along with their children Charlie and Jack, call this picturesque spot home. Jade has deep roots in the pub, having grown up there since her parents took over in 1992.
Speaking to Manchester Evening News last year, Andy expressed his appreciation for their unique setting: “It’s a lovely spot, you take it for granted sometimes the view that we have here. The river has gotten cleaner over the years, and now we get seals, and even porpoises.”
For young Charlie, the idea of leaving this idyllic life is unthinkable, as he adores watching the seals in the river. Andy reflects on their life away from the hustle and bustle: “Living where we live it’s all our son Charlie has ever known and the thought of ever leaving breaks his heart – he loves to watch the seals in the river. It’s away from the main road, and just a really nice way to live.”
The popular canal path, a hotspot for cyclists and walkers on the Trans Pennine trail, runs right by a charming pub that beckons them to take a refreshing break. Since taking over in 2005, Jade and Andy have delved into the pub’s past, unravelling its history and identifying every licensee back to 1762.
Andy shared: “The history is incredible here. This used to be the main crossing for the River Mersey, and it’s called The Ferry because the original licensee in 1762 was the ferryman.
“It opened the same year as the canal so it was obviously someone business savvy as it would have been a hive of activity for cargo unloading down here with lots of thirsty workers.”
Far from just being a hit with the owners, the pub has garnered glowing reviews from locals on TripAdvisor, solidifying its status as a treasured gem. One patron enthused: “This pub is an absolute gem of a place. A lovely olde worlde pub with a warm friendly atmosphere. The fish and chips and selection of Real Ales are to die for.”
Another regular commented: “We often walk there and back to experience the great ambience. We have visited for thirty years and have never tired of it.”
For those seeking out top-notch pubs, the CAMRA historical pubs archive comes highly recommended. In search of pint-perfect spots, The Mirror recently took on the delightful experience of visiting two three-star rated pubs nestled in one of the UK’s picturesque inn havens.