By Sophie Swain
An independent micropub in Southport has been awarded with CAMRA pub of the year for 2024.
The Grasshopper located at 70 Sandon Road in Hillside is run by a husband and wife team, Katherine Harvey, 36 and Phillip Harvey, 38.
The award-winning pub specialises in real ales and craft ciders, with a constant rotation for customers to try new things.
The Grasshopper won the North Merseyside and West Lancashire category for ‘excellent’ and ‘good quality beer’.
Katherine said: “We’re so happy with the achievement.
“We’ve both worked so hard so it’s nice to be recognised.”
Their beers were scored by CAMRA members, with people visiting for secret tasting sessions.
Phillip is the primary owner. Katherine explained how he puts in a lot of work behind the scenes.
He is in charge of making sure there is constant variation in the pub. “It’s important that we import the newest and best quality beers,” said Katherine.
However, the duo were not just awarded for their beers, they also received the title due to how much they do for the local community.
“We had an auction and raised £1,300 for Maggie’s Cancer Care,” Katherine explained.
“It was for one of our regulars who passed away.”
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With many regular customers, the micropub prides itself on its friendly and inviting atmosphere.
“What I love about it is that people can come here alone but always come out with a friend,” Katherine said.
“There’s always someone to talk to. It’s what makes it such a good job.”
The duo held a party on Monday 19th August to celebrate the achievement, with members from CAMRA and regulars invited to enjoy it with them.
The Grasshopper has also won Cider Pub Of the Year for the past four years.
They hold their annual ‘Sausage and Cider’ festival at the end of the month, running from Friday 30th August to Sunday 1st September 2024.
There will be live music, over thirty ciders and eight sausages to enjoy.
The Grasshopper is open every day. They are open on Monday to Thursday, 4 pm to 10:30 pm, Friday from 3 pm to 10:30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 2 pm to 10:30 pm.
To find out more you can visit their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/grasshopperhillside/?locale=en_GB
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