The Lakeside Inn

Right, so The Lakeside Inn... it's got a cracking beer garden that basically spills right onto the beach. You can't get much closer to the sea without getting your feet wet! It's technically in the town centre, but feels a world away when you're sat outside with a pint. Google reviews are sitting pretty at 4.5 stars based on nearly a thousand reviews, so it's not just me who thinks it's decent.

It's more of a relaxed pub vibe than a cocktail bar, and they often have live music on at weekends, which can be a good laugh. They're happy to have dogs in the outdoor area too, which is always a bonus if you're walking the coast. It's a decent spot for a pint after a walk along the sands, or even just to watch the world go by for an hour or two.

The prices are what you'd expect for a pub in Southport – not dirt cheap, but not ripping you off either. They're closed Mondays and Tuesdays which seems a bit daft, but they're open from midday most other days. Give them a ring on 01704 544735 if you're unsure.

Just a heads up: the outdoor seating gets packed on sunny days, so get there early if you want a prime spot!