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Cheshire’s Ferry Tavern: Island Pub Boasts Stunning Waterside Views and Wildlife Spotting
Nestled on its own island between the River Mersey and the St Helen’s Canal in Penketh, near Warrington, Cheshire, The Ferry Tavern offers a unique pub experience with breathtaking waterfront scenery. This award-winning cask ale establishment is renowned for its expansive beer garden, making it a popular destination to enjoy picturesque surroundings, especially on sunny days. Visitors to this distinctive Cheshire pub with river views may even be fortunate enough to spot seals or porpoises in the adjacent waters, adding to its charm as a remarkable waterfront pub.
The Ferry Tavern in Penketh, Cheshire, offers stunning pub garden vistas from its island location between the River Mersey and St Helen’s Canal.
This singular pub, situated on its own island, presents arguably one of the most enviable settings, particularly when the weather is favourable. Its position between the River Mersey and the Sankey St Helen’s Canal provides exceptional views and a tranquil escape. The Ferry Tavern’s extensive beer garden, furnished with ample benches, becomes a haven for patrons eager to soak up the attractive landscape on bright days.
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The pub is a favoured spot when the sun is shining.
Andy and Jade Mulholland have managed The Ferry Tavern for two decades.
A Pub Steeped in History
The island on which the pub stands was created at Fiddlers Ferry following the Sankey Canal’s inauguration in 1762, a period that marked the industrial revolution’s commencement. Coincidentally, the pub commenced trading in the same year, serving refreshments to travellers for over 260 years.
Family-Run Establishment
For the past 20 years, The Ferry Tavern has been under the stewardship of Andy Mulholland and his wife, Jade. Jade’s connection to the pub extends back to her childhood, as her parents assumed management of the premises in 1992.
Award-Winning Ales and Recognition
In 2023, their dedication was recognised when they were honoured as CAMRA’s Pub of the Year for North Cheshire. The Ferry Tavern has consistently been recommended in the CAMRA guide for a quarter of a century, acknowledging its quality and appeal.
Cask Ales and “Foodie Fridays”
This local venue is celebrated for its diverse selection of rotating cask ales, typically featuring seven to eight options available, with pints priced at £4. Beyond beverages, the pub attracts food lovers with “Foodie Fridays.” These weekly events showcase various street food vendors offering diverse cuisines, from pizza and fish and chips to Greek mezze and dim sum.
Popularity and Sunny Weather
Landlord Andy Mulholland notes the pub has been particularly busy during recent weeks of favourable weather and anticipates even greater visitor numbers as Easter approaches.
Andy humorously describes the pub’s popularity: “It’s like a solar-powered pub! Good weather equates to good business. Being riverside, it feels like you could be anywhere when the sun is out.”
The Ferry Tavern has received numerous accolades.
The pub’s beer garden is a major attraction.
Expansive Beer Garden and Winter Charm
“During summer,” Andy elaborates, “we set out 20 benches, and patrons also sit along the riverbank; we can accommodate hundreds in the garden. On a hot, sunny day, it’s filled.”
He contrasts this with the quieter winter months: “In winter, we are somewhat secluded because it’s a walk from the car park over the canal, perhaps less appealing in colder months – though we do have open fires inside.”
Wildlife Encounters at the Waterfront Pub
Andy, 47, and Jade, 42, are parents to Charlie, 11, and Jack, 4. Their children, along with many customers, enjoy the occasional seal sighting by the river, although Andy cautions that seal appearances are not guaranteed.
Andy explains: “Seals do venture down the estuary; the Mersey’s increasing cleanliness has led to more frequent visits. They generally appear with the incoming tides.”
“They might stay around for days. The first time we saw a seal, it remained for several days and became quite an attraction, drawing many visitors.”
He continues, “Porpoises are less common, but any sighting usually results in social media videos; we are often tagged. It’s excellent for our business.”
Island Status Confirmed
Addressing queries about the pub’s island status, Andy asserts: “You must cross water to reach us! Whether canal or river, we are certainly on an island!”
Seals are sometimes observed in the river near the pub.
The Ferry Tavern enjoys an ideal riverside position.
Self-Sufficient Island Amenities
“We operate without mains gas or water; we use a septic tank and Calor Gas, further confirming our island location!”
Access and Location
Access to the pub involves a narrow lane to a car park, followed by a short walk over a level crossing and a bridge across the canal.
Trans Pennine Trail Stop
The Ferry Tavern is also a popular rest stop for cyclists and walkers using the Trans Pennine Trail, which runs nearby.
Heritage and Historical Significance
Since taking over in 2005 from Jade’s parents, Andy and Jade’s interest in the pub’s heritage has led them to research its history, tracing licensees back to 1762.
Andy adds, “The history is remarkable. This location was once the primary River Mersey crossing, and it’s named ‘The Ferry’ because the original licensee in 1762 was the ferryman.”
“Opening in the same year as the canal, it was strategically placed for the cargo activity and thirsty workers at this unloading point.”
“Local lore suggests Oliver Cromwell crossed here and stayed at a riverside inn, believed to be this very site based on available information.”
GlastonFerry Music Festival
The pub hosts its own music festival, GlastonFerry, in July, with another event planned for September, adding to its attractions.
Sunset Views
Visitors who time their visit appropriately at this distinctive pub might also be rewarded with spectacular sunset views across the expansive horizon.