An iconic Southport beer bar and bottle shop is recognising its 12th birthday this week, with everyone invited to join in the celebrations.
Tap and Bottles, in Cambridge Arcade in Southport town centre, will reach the dozen mark with a special event on Thursday (6th August 2026).
Southport’s original craft ale venue was opened by Julian Burgess in the summer of 2014 and has twice been named as Merseyside CAMRA Pub Of The Year.
In 2016 their growing popularity meant Julian expanded the bar area into the neighbouring unit.
The venue will be open throughout the day on Thursday for anyone who wants to call in.
The party will begin from 7pm onwards, with free entry, and live music from local musicians including Rich Simcock, Ray Noone, Jim Holmes and Dave Hirst.
People will also be able to play beer skittles, while enjoying beers specially ordered in from two carefully selected breweries, two of Julian’s personal favourites.
He said: “We’ve got the birthday beers!
“Unsurprisingly and in a blatant display of self-indulgence the two featured breweries will include – no surprises – Kernel Brewery and Torrside Brewing.
“Kernel Brewery, from Bermondsey in south London, really got me into craft beer but they’ve transcended that and are still one of the best in the country!
“They were one of the original craft beer breweries. Lots of craft breweries have sold out but over the years Kernel have stayed fiercely independent and true to their principles.
“I got into Torrside, which is based in the Peak District, because of my love of smoked beer. I stayed because they unapologetically plough the furrow for less popular styles and really weird stuff!
“This Thursday you could be enjoying some of them, skittles in hand, listening to some chilled out music!”
Hospitality businesses have faced many challenges in recent years.
Tap and Bottles’ continued ability to thrive, partly thanks to its loyal regulars, is something to be proud of.
Julian said: “Reaching 12 years is definitely a milestone worth celebrating!
“Just being able to keep going is an achievement.
“Our customers say they love Tap and Bottles because it’s like a little oasis for them. They can sit in here and feel like they could be anywhere. It’s a very friendly and welcoming place, either inside the bar, or on the benches inside the arcade.
“We pride ourselves on our top quality British beers, that’s our unique selling point, as well as our wide range, and how often we change what’s available and bring in new beers for people to try.
“Some craft ale venues now focus mainly on hazy IPAs and not much else, while others are strong on European beers.
“We have a good selection of British real ales and lagers. They’re all very different, including historical recipe stouts, which I love; stouts; English trappist beer, and lots more besides.
“We have four casks and 20 beers on tap at any one time, as well as bottles available in our fridges.
“We offer lots of Gluten Free and non-alcoholic beers too.
“New England IPAs didn’t exist when we started. There’s lots more fruit-flavoured beers around now.
“I put a huge amount of effort into changing our offering on a regular basis; on keeping up with the beers that people are interested in; and maintaining good links with local breweries.
“I have seen some changes over the past 12 years. The biggest thing to get through was the Covid pandemic. We adapted quickly during that time and kept our customers going through doing deliveries; I’m glad we got through those days.
“I was sorry when we lost The Hungry Monk from the arcade.
“But I’m excited to see the new Baan Coastal Thai restaurant opening soon, it looks fantastic inside.
“The BHS building redevelopment has been going on for around four years now but that will make a difference when that’s finally finished, it should help to attract more new businesses into the arcade.”
● Tap & Bottles is at 19 Cambridge Walks, Chapel Street, Southport.
● Email: [email protected] or call: 01704544322 or Follow them on Facebook: (20+) Facebook
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