17 lost pubs that stood on Merseyside estates for generations

A vital part of our communities, Merseyside boasts hundreds of incredible pubs that have been part of our lives for years. For many of us, you can't beat a trip to your local after work or to celebrate an occasion - and if you're lucky, you don't have to travel far to get there.

In the post-war years in particular, a number of new housing estates were built in our region and with them came new residents, schools, churches and local pubs. A place where "everybody knew everybody," some estates had multiple pubs and their own pub crawls loved by locals.

These unique pubs served generations of drinkers as social hubs and were main places of entertainment for many growing estates, the ECHO previously reported. But over the last few decades, a number have started to disappear, being replaced by new houses, flats and shops, or even laying empty for some time.

Here, we take a look at just 17 lost pubs from Merseyside estates that served customers for generations. From ones at the heart of housing estates to pubs on the outskirts that attracted people from outside the area, they are bound to stir some memories.

This list isn't intended to be comprehensive, we've included a number of pubs from in and around estates across Merseyside and also asked for your suggestions on our Liverpool memories and history Facebook group. But we're sure there's plenty more to make the list.

17. The Dove and Olive

The enormous Dove and Olive pub was situated where Hale Road meets Dungeon Lane in Speke. As well as a bar, 'The Dovey' had a large lounge complete with a dance floor, and remained popular with private parties up until its closure.

The Dove and Olive was demolished following improvements to the airport in 2003. It was only a two minute walk from the original Liverpool Airport site, and at one time it was popular with residents and the occasional passenger arriving in the city.

16. The Bluebell

Now demolished, The Bluebell was situated on the junction of Prescot Road and Bluebell Lane in Huyton. Located a stone's throw away from where ex-footballer Steven Gerrard grew up, it was landmark on the busy road.

In its time, the pub also had its own bowling green. Today, the Bluebell health Centre now sits on the site.

15. The Tenterhook

The Tenterhook pub was situated in Tower Hill, Kirkby, near Ranshaw Court flats. Above shows the Tenterhook pub circa 1982 in an oil painting entitled "where's the party" by Steve Randall.

Many will remember heading to the pub for a drink through the years. The flats have since been demolished and it's now been years since customers headed to The Tenterhook.

14. Archers

The Archers in Mark Rake, Bromborough, opened in December 1957. A Tetley pub described in 1990 as a large estate pub, it had a modernised lounge with lots of mirrors and stainless steel.

It had a separate public bar with darts and pool. Closed by 2013, pub demolished and site redeveloped as residential.

13. The Oyster Catcher

The former Oyster Catcher, in Leasowe, Wirral, was a council estate pub that was at the heart of the local community for 55 years. It first opened its doors in 1961, nearly 40 years after the council had created new drainage systems, roads and housing on the estate.

It's fair to say that The Oyster Catcher always had a bit of a reputation but it soon became an important part of Leasowe life. The pubs closure was announced in 2016.

12. Seventh Vale

A well-remembered Belle Vale pub is Seventh Vale. For years, it was situated on Durford Walk.

Many will have memories of visiting the site in the 80s, 90s and 00s. Back in the 00s, customer wrote into the ECHO to commend the pub for its charity and fundraising work.

11. The Windmill

The Beechwood estate, originally known as the Ford estate, was built in the 1960s to house people moving from the North End of Birkenhead with the aim of providing a better standard of living. With its high-rise tower blocks, it was typical of council estate planning at the time.

Since then, the area has changed dramatically, with the demolition of tower blocks and the construction of new affordable homes by private developers. There were four pubs on the estate at one time - including The One O'Clock Gun, The Corsair, The Windmill and The Seven Styles - but all of them have shut down now.

10. The Phoenix

If you grew up on Cantril farm, you'll likely remember The Phoenix. The popular pub was situated on Boode Croft.

It would be a stop on the pub crawl around the estate. It's now been years since anyone enjoyed a pint there.

9. The Pegasus

One of two grand pub buildings that no longer survive, The Pegasus holds a special place in the hearts of many Speke-ites of a certain age. The Pegasus was situated on Hale Road where it meets Western Avenue

Known as 'The Peg,' it was a popular meeting place for many years. Sadly, it was demolished to make way for new buildings and hotels to serve Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

8. The Boffin

In Kirkby, The Boffin pub was located around Moorgate Road and Britonside Avenue, Southdene. It was also known as the Boffin Hotel.

In a description of the pub, The Merseyside Pub Guide said: "This sixties estate pub contains a nice large open bar side, plain but well cared for, with an LSTV at one end and a raised area with pool table at the other. " The site has since closed and been demolished.

7. The Hermitage Tavern

The Hermitage Tavern stood on Lilly Grove, just off Queens Drive, in Walton. The site closed in the mid-2010s and was closed for some years, before being demolished.

In 2021, the ECHO reported how proposals to build 28 new homes on the site of a former community pub had been approved by Liverpool Council.

6. Mill House

Formerly known as The Flying Saucer, Mill House was described in The Merseyside Pub Guide as "a classic 50s estate boozer". Situated on Alderwood Avenue, the Flying Saucer was the place many locals described having their first pint.

Although it was called The Flying Saucer for many years - with some suggesting it was given the name due to the mysterious objects that would often go flying across the room - it was later known as Mill House. Still sporting the Mill House signage but no longer a pub, the building is now a day nursery.

5. The Tugboat

A number of members on our Liverpool memories and history Facebook group suggested this pub. The Tugboat was located on Netherfield Road.

It is also believed to have been known as the Dee Bank. It was a popular match day haunt for Everton FC fans.

4. Barley Mow

This was another well known pub on the estate. The Barley Mow in Stockbridge Village was situated on Waterpark Drive.

In 2018, plans were announced that affordable housing would be built on the derelict site. Many will remember the pub as it is seen here.

3. The Cats Whiskers

The Cats Whiskers was another popular estate pub on Hartsbourne Avenue in Belle Vale. It's now been years since customers enjoyed a pint there, as the site has long been closed and now demolished.

The pub was open for years in the year. It also had a lounge side and a beer garden.

2. The Noah's Ark

The Noah's Ark pub/social club was situated on Ganworth Road, close to what used to be Speke's main shopping area known as The Parade. Despite its unremarkable appearance, 'The Noah's' was a popular place to socialise in the 1960s and beyond.

It officially closed its doors in the 2000s. The building itself still remains and is now home to Speke Baptist Church who bought the building in 2009.

1. The Brunel

The Brunel pub was located off Breck Road in the city. On its Facebook page, it previously described itself as a "local pub with friendly staff and good comfortable amenities."

But in 2021, the pub announced it was closing its doors for good. On its Facebook page, the team wrote: "The Brunel is no more. Sadly the pub was sold and will not operate as a pub anymore."