The Grapevine

The Grapevine is a proper Churchtown institution. It's been here for donkeys' years, and you'll always find someone you know in there. It's more of a wine bar and bistro than a pub, so don't expect a rowdy atmosphere or footy on the telly. Think more relaxed chat and a decent bottle of red. They do small plates of food too – the tapas are alright, nothing amazing, but solid enough for a light bite.

It's definitely got a more local vibe than the bars in town, which can be rammed with tourists and weekenders. The Grapevine is a bit more grown-up and chilled. It gets a 4.5-star rating from over 150 reviews online, which tells you something – people generally like it, and it's consistent. It’s open until 11 PM most nights, but worth checking as it varies.

Price-wise, it's not the cheapest pint in Southport, but it's not outrageous either. Expect to pay a bit more for the wine selection. It's a good option if you want a civilised evening without the hassle of going into the centre of town. I’ve seen a few dogs in there before, so I reckon they’re welcome, but maybe give them a ring on 01704 228055 to double-check if you're bringing your pooch.