The Best Pubs
in
St. Helens

Tucked away just off the main drag, The Turks Head is a proper old-school gem that’s earned its reputation as one of the UK’s best pubs. With a cracking selection of real ales, a lively garden perfect for sunny afternoons, and a menu that delivers everything from juicy burgers to legendary Sunday roasts, it’s a welcoming spot for everyone. Dog-friendly, packed with live music and sports, and with prices that won’t break the bank, this is the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again.

You’ll find a proper local’s haven here, a place where the cask ale selection is the best around and the beer garden is a sunny afternoon dream. The bar is always quick, the crowd is friendly and settled, and there’s a huge TV for sports alongside a brilliant Northern Soul vibe. Dog friendly, wheelchair accessible, and with converted keg seats out back, it’s a pub that just keeps getting better and better.

Hidden down quiet country lanes, The Masons Arms is a true hidden gem worth seeking out for its fantastic selection of real ales and IPAs. The sprawling beer garden features sheltered lodges and a wood burner, making it a perfect stop for walkers and their dogs all year round. Inside, the cosy bar is filled with local rugby memorabilia and a roaring fire, while the big screen draws a lively, intelligent crowd for the big matches. With no food except legendary Friday pork pies, this is a pure, unpretentious drinking pub that’s highly recommended.

Head to The Stanley Arms for a proper midweek treat that feels like a well kept secret, tucked just far enough from the main roads to offer a genuine escape. The menu strikes a brilliant balance between comforting classics and clever specials, all served with care, while the drinks list gives you the freedom to enjoy a pint, a glass of wine, or a cocktail without any fuss. With outdoor seating, a welcoming vibe for groups, and prices that leave you feeling you’ve had the better end of the deal, it’s a reliably excellent local that’s earned its loyal following.

Step into The Wheatsheaf and you’re walking into a true local treasure, where the old world charm and a delightfully sloping floor set the stage for some of the most generous, home cooked food around. The menu is a celebration of proper British grub, from expertly done steaks and rich ale pies to a mixed grill that’s practically a feast for two, all served with a warmth that makes you feel instantly at home. With a fantastic selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, a lively beer garden for sunny days, and live music that fills the air, this dog friendly spot is perfect for groups, sports fans, and anyone who loves a hearty meal in a pub with genuine character.

Originally built in 1892, The Abbey is a modern, characterful family pub that perfectly blends heritage with a lively, welcoming spirit. You can enjoy award-winning Joseph Holt beers, a fantastic gin and rum menu, or a great wine inside the stunning surroundings, or take a seat in the large beer garden to watch live sports on outdoor TVs. The menu is wonderfully varied, offering everything from hearty pub classics and burgers to vegan options and a Full English breakfast served daily. With plenty of space for groups, a dog-friendly policy, and a true local feel, this is the perfect spot for a relaxed meal or a lively afternoon watching the match.

For nearly two centuries, the Bottle & Glass Inn has been a beloved countryside retreat in Rainford, welcoming thirsty visitors with open arms and a hearty menu. Whether you’re settling into the sunny beer garden with a pint, a glass of wine, or a perfectly mixed cocktail, this dog friendly spot is ideal for groups and families alike. Just a short drive from Knowsley Safari and St Helens town centre, it’s the perfect place to gather for a relaxed meal, a refreshing drink, and time well spent.

Set beside the stunning Carr Mill Dam, The Dam Bar is a vibrant spot that’s been crowned the best beer garden in the area two years running. With a fantastic selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, plus live music and sports on the TVs, there’s always something to enjoy whether you’re inside or out by the water. It’s a welcoming, dog friendly place perfect for groups, and the views of the powerboat racing are absolutely thrilling.

If you’re after a cracking spot for a proper family meal or a lively sports day out, the Grapes Hotel is an absolute winner. The famous carvery is a true showstopper, offering succulent meats and mountains of fresh veg at a price that feels like a steal, while the packed fixtures list means you can catch all the big matches with a pint in hand. With a welcoming beer garden, a full menu of beers, wines, and cocktails, and a genuinely friendly team that makes every visit feel special, it’s the perfect place to gather a group and settle in for a brilliant time.

The Gerard Arms is the ultimate local for catching every major sporting moment, from footy and rugby to F1 and darts, all while enjoying a fantastic selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. The beer garden is a brilliant spot for soaking up the sun with your four legged friend, and the menu is packed with incredible value deals, like two mains from just £15.45 or a burger and a pint for £9.95 on Wednesdays. With friendly service, honest pricing, and a welcoming space for groups, this is the kind of place where every visit feels like exactly what you needed.