Grasshopper, Hillside, Southport

One of two micropubs in a parade of shops around 5 minutes walk from Hillside station, this was always the better one of the two when we visited. However, I'd not been back for 8 years before Saturday afternoon's visit. In that time, they appear to have taken over an adjoining premises, as I only recall the original room on the right-hand side. Ownership also appears to have changed. I found the landlord to be quite miserable, even telling one of our party off for daring to spill some beer on the floor. The landlady was much more cheery and regulars seemed to be in good spirits including one elderly gent who spent an eternity in the disabled toilet only to re-appear as Santa Claus for some kind of community event taking place outside the pub. As intimated, the pub is now two rooms. The original bar is on the right-hand side with extra seating in the left-hand side. There is also an outdoor area to the rear. The beer range appears to have improved since we were last here. There were 6 cask ales, including the house beer Grasshopper Gold from Bank Top. The other 5 were Wigan Brewhouse Slider, Black Edge Oatmeal Chocolate Stout, Tatton Hurricane, Peerless Winter Gold & Brew York Schooner Matata. I tried 4 of the beers and all were in excellent condition. I particularly enjoyed the Black Edge & Brew York ones. Ciders listed were Kentish Pip Forager, Snail's Bank Mango Cider & Dry Another Way, Lilley's Crazy Goat & Dorset Nectar Top o'the Hill. The craft beer was Tiny Rebel Shake It Off. Beers are listed on the realalefinder app. Although, I did notice that the cider list was out of date. Apparently, they also accept the CAMRA 50p off vouchers but we didn't try that. This is still one of the best, if not the best pub in the Southport area.

A splendid, but aren't they all? micropub on the outskirts of Southport, formerly a bank then a couple of shops this one has two rooms side by side. The counter and tiny servery are located in one back corner of the right hand room, biggish by micro pub standards this room is furnished mainly with tall tables and stools. The five pulls dispense local beers with a few from further afield, the clip collection has examples from Salopian (Hop Twister was on that day and excellent) Nepture, Red Star, Titanic, Melwood, Three Tuns, and Lancaster. There are some interesting lighting options as well. Behind is the access to a unisex toilet and a door leading out to a pleasant drinking yard with cut down barrel furniture. The left hand room has a drinking shelf, more decoration and low tables and chairs alongside a couple of armchairs, more seating is available at the front pavement.

This is a very friendly and very good micropub. A small room, obviously, and it has 5 handpumps, of which 4 were dispensing local breweries and one being Titanic Plum Porter on this visit. A friendly owner(?) was happy to discuss all things real ale. Recommended.