The Lock and Quay in Bootle, Liverpool, is a real haven for those looking to get out in the sunshine and have a beer or two in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere
A “unique” community pub has won the hearts of locals and has now been named one of the UK’s top pub.
Nestled by the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, The Lock and Quay in Bootle has provided a warm welcome for over a decade, through all weathers. During the ECHO’s recent trip there, reporter Dan Haygarth found a bustling scene on a sunny Friday afternoon as workers from the nearby industrial estate filled the place to enjoy a pint in the sunshine.
The local has got it all for an idyllic day in the sun – an expansive beer garden that wraps around its L-shaped structure, complete with outdoor bars, plentiful seating, a food truck, and even a marquee.
Step inside to find a snug embrace from a roaring open fireplace, perfect as the weather turns cooler. The interior oozes character, adorned with art, guitars, and a Bootle FC scarf above the bar highlighting local pride. It’s also well equipped for hosting events with its generous outdoor space.
First opening as The Little Merton, it passed into the hands of SAFE Regeneration charity in 2014, which operates from the adjoining former St Mary’s School. Originally acquired for a single fundraising occasion, under the charity’s stewardship, it’s now flourishing and bills itself as Liverpool’s sole microbrew pub.
SAFE still oversees the daily management, and any profits are funnelled back into initiatives that revitalize Bootle. Jane Dawe, director of SAFE regeneration collaborations, submitted the pub’s name for the respected PubAid’s Community Pub Award.
Jane’s confidence was justified when The Lock and Quay in Bootle received the Community Support Hero award at the Hero Awards, held at the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday, March 4. The awards commend licensees making a positive impact on their communities and venues known for their neighbourhood contributions – attributes that Jane believes The Lock and Quay exemplifies perfectly.
Jane said: “The Lock and Quay on Bootle canal-side is the Liverpool City Region’s only community-owned pub, with over 300 stakeholder members, and which this year celebrates 10 years since local charity SAFE Regeneration answered a call from local people to ‘do something – that was the last place we had to be together.
“Now it’s a bustling hub where folks gather to play music, paddle canoes, sing, debate, connect and nurture ideas. Our expansive gardens host monthly community festivals – there’s something for everyone.
“The Lock is unique – we’re not a community centre, but we are the heart of our community. Being a finalist in these awards means the world to our small, dedicated team – especially in our anniversary year.”
The Lock and Quay isn’t just a watering hole for the locals; it’s the beating heart of the community – providing jobs, supporting local initiatives, and pouring pints from nearby breweries like SAFE, Stamps, and The Republic of Liverpool Brewery.
Their cask ales are the pub’s bestsellers, with an irresistible price tag of £3.30 per pint, making them a firm favourite among patrons.
Liz Bromilow, the proud manager of this beloved Bootle establishment, has been vocal about her pivotal role in the pub’s operations and its importance to the community in conversations with the ECHO. The 43-year-old said: “SAFE re-opened it as a pop-up for an event and called it the Lock and Quay. But it didn’t ever pop down, because the community started using it straight away.
“My family has a pub in Waterloo called Stamps, and we have a brewery based in SAFE. The charity approached us and asked if we knew anyone who wanted to take over this venue because they weren’t using this outside space.
“I wanted to come in myself and make sure the beer garden was getting used and that it was all a bit more organised – because they weren’t expecting it to be as used as it was. Immediately, the local community got involved – they clearly needed it.
“Pubs are so integral to communities – for some of the guys here, they might be the only people they speak to all day. People forget that side of it – all they see is the drinking, but there’s a lot more to a pub – so much more.”