About This Pub
You know, when I think about The Ferry Tavern, it's one of those places that just sticks in your mind as a real hidden gem in Warrington. Picture this: it's tucked away on its own little island between the River Mersey and the Sankey Canal, making it an absolute belter for anyone out for a walk or cycle on the Trans Pennine Trail. The beer garden is spot on, especially on a sunny day, and they've picked up awards for it being the best in the area – no surprise there with those stunning views. Inside, it's all cosy and welcoming, with a fire going in winter, and the staff are dead friendly, always up for a natter. The beers are top drawer too, consistently good and earning them loads of accolades over the years. But, to be fair, it's not without its downsides; they don't serve proper meals most of the time, just some hot pies or those occasional Foodie Friday events, so if you're peckish for more than a snack, you might need to plan ahead. And on busy days, like during events, things can get a bit queued up, which is understandable but can put a dampener on things. Overall, though, it's a cracking spot for a pint and a catch-up with mates – I'd definitely recommend giving it a go if you're in the area.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The stunning location right by the River Mersey and the Sankey Canal makes it a proper treat, especially for a pint in that award-winning beer garden with views to die for.
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Friendly staff and a welcoming vibe – it's like popping round to a mate's for a chat, with events like Foodie Friday adding a fun twist.
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Top-notch beers that are always in great condition, earning them spots in the Good Beer Guide and various awards – perfect for us beer enthusiasts.
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It's dog-friendly and a favourite stop for walkers and cyclists on the Trans Pennine Trail, so you can enjoy a relaxed stop-off with your four-legged friend.
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A cosy, historic feel inside, with a roaring fire in winter, making it a charming spot year-round.
Cons
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They don't do full meals regularly, just hot pies as bar snacks or pop-up events, which might leave you wanting if you're after a proper bite to eat.
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It can get busy, especially during events, leading to queues for drinks that might take a bit longer than you'd hope.
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Opening hours seem a tad limited on some days, with early closes, so it's worth checking ahead if you're planning a visit.
Contact Information
Station Rd, Penketh, Warrington WA5 2UJ
+441925791117
Pub
Opens at 12:00
Opening Hours
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday (Today) | 12:00 - 22:30 |
Wednesday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
Thursday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
Friday | 12:00 - 00:00 |
Saturday | 12:00 - 00:00 |
Sunday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
Recent Reviews
Beautiful spot for a bike ride when the sun shines, friendly vibe ,great views of the mersey estuary and on fridays at 5pm a choice of food from elsewhere. It was Greek for me , thoroughly enjoyed it and thinking about it the first time I've had sufolaki not on holiday. Oh and the beer was spot on too 👌
This pub was mentioned in the Manchester evening news some time ago. As its a nice sunny day we drove here to see for ourselves.
What a little gem of a place.
Lovely pub on the banks of the Mersey with loads of seating outside.
Inside, a nice clean environment with lots of history I'm sure.
Be careful of the overhead beams if you are tall though.
The 2 members of staff were very friendly, helpful and informative too.
Food is also offered but on this occasion we didn't eat.
Definitely worth the visit.
We went for the Foodie Friday. About 300 people there and was the burger week. The service at the tavern was great. A long queue outside the building (20 minutes for drinks) but was as fast as possible given the amount of people and the bar staff were really good.
However, the foodie Friday was done by an outsourced company (by Above and Beyond) and the service was AWFUL!!! I’m giving the tavern full makes for their service given the volume of people, but the take away company deserved 0. The staff and chefs were lovely and I do value their apologies and service but food order were over 2 hours wait and many people were coming to refund their food before even getting it, so i’m blaming this on the company rather than the pub itself. There was no system to the orders and people were getting annoyed and frustrated. It took 20 minutes for them to take my order AND there was ONLY 4 people in the queue before me each only ordering 2 burger each, never mind the fact that the wait was a huge pain.
Overall, the Tavern is great but if you do go for foodie Friday turn up AT THE EARLIEST TIME to get serviced (as it might take up to 2 hours to get your food).
Fantastic location on the bank of the Mersey. Excellent service and a great range of draught beers kept in great condition. Happy to sit outside with our puppy. I don't want to recommend this fantastic pub for totally selfish reasons.
Warrington’s oldest pubs
nestled uniquely between the River Mersey and the Sankey-St Helens Canal
The pub’s location along the Trans Pennine Trail makes it a popular stop for hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts. Its large beer garden is perfect for enjoying the serene riverside views, and the welcoming atmosphere ensures a memorable experience.
From the moment you step inside, the warm and welcoming ambiance transports you to a bygone era. The pub retains its traditional charm with rustic wooden interiors and vintage décor, while the friendly staff adds to the inviting atmosphere. The beer garden, overlooking the serene river, is undoubtedly the highlight—perfect for soaking up the sun on a lazy afternoon or enjoying a pint while watching the boats pass by.
The Ferry Tavern offers a perfect blend of history, hospitality, and natural beauty. For those seeking an authentic experience in Warrington with a beautiful river view, this hidden gem is a must-visit.
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