Heatons Bridge Inn

Right, Heatons Bridge Inn... I know it well. It's on Heatons Bridge Road in Ormskirk, but it's technically still Southport, see? Good spot if you're after a proper local pub. Not one of those fancy wine bars, just a decent old-fashioned boozer. They've got a solid 4.3 rating from over 400 reviews on Google, which is a pretty good sign.

It's a good place to settle in for an afternoon, especially if the weather's decent and you can nab a spot in their outdoor seating area. They are dog-friendly, which is always a plus for me since I walk my Lab, Digby, most days. It's got a pretty relaxed atmosphere, usually a mix of locals and people passing through. Expect a bit of chatter and maybe the footy on the telly.

They're open every day from 12pm to 11pm, so pretty consistent hours. Price-wise, it's what I'd call "mid-range" – you're not going to break the bank, but it's not the cheapest pint in town either. They do pub grub, nothing too adventurous, but just right for soaking up the beer.

Give them a ring on 01704 840549 if you're planning on going at peak times, especially on a weekend, just to make sure they've got space.