The former Little Merton Pub, which was closed in 2012, will finally be re-opening its doors this week.

With a new name inspired by its canal-side location, The ‘Lock & Quay’ aims to provide quality ales produced at its on-site brewery, whilst continuing to act as a community HUB through its partnership with local organisation SAFE Regeneration. For too long, areas such as Bootle have been starved of choice when it comes to pubs, with big breweries monopolising many traditional community boozers. The Lock & Quay believes that local workers and residents are crying out for a place with more quality and choice, and they are delighted to fill that void.

With the continuing support of SAFE Regeneration, whose team of local workers restored the venue completely, the Lock & Quay will host an array of community events and activities such as sporting clubs, festivals and markets. The focus is all about keeping things local. Opened by Stamps Brewery, whose beer travels all of 100m from fermenter to pump, the team have recruited a strong local work force to carry out their ambition.

Acting as a well needed alternative for pub-goers, the Lock and Quay will offer 6-8 hand pulled cask ales as well as a huge range of craft beers on draught and from the fridge. Spirits and draughts will be ever-changing so as to showcase the best of what’s on offer right now. On the other side of the bar, entertainment such as open mic nights and quizzes will run throughout the week, with an emphasis being made on showcasing local musical talent.

We caught up with Jane Johnson, the Community Development Officer of SAFE Regeneration:

“All of the work SAFE does in this lovely community is done in partnership with others; we were able to purchase the pub with the support of a community pub business support programme, jointly funded by the Power to Change and the DCLG. The refurbishment is the result of lots of hard work from the team of local workers and volunteers and ongoing support from Liverpool organisation ‘Construction Impact Framework’ and the ‘Well Sefton’ programme has enabled our team to really enhance the offer of the pub and its locality, supporting some very successful ‘pop-up’ events including pub theatre & a beer festival, as well as commissioning a boat renovation project to create outdoor seating and a series of incredible canal-side artworks for patrons to enjoy! Working alongside like-minded organisations like Stamps Brewery, we hope to bring significant social, economic and environmental benefits to our community, through arts, culture and good beer!”

We are all delighted to announce that the pub will be opening its doors permanently at 3pm this Friday 15^th December, with live music from local acts throughout the evening. Be sure to show your support and pop along for a pint to celebrate!

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