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Whether you're after a proper pint of cask ale, quality pub grub with river views, or a cosy village local with character, Birkenhead and Oxton deliver some of the Wirral's finest drinking establishments. From traditional pubs to sports lounges, here is our guide.
1. Gallagher's Traditional Pub
This pub, located in Chester Street and fairly close to Hamilton Square, received a Pub of Excellence Award in the Wirral CAMRA Pub of the Year Competition 2024, cementing its reputation among real ale enthusiasts.
Built around 1826, it was possibly trading as the Prince of Denmark into the 1850s before changing name to the Hamlet by 1860. Today, Gallaghers is a traditional pub specialising in cask ales, craft beers and premium lagers, with an events room to hire, an all-year-round beer garden, and freshly made pizzas, burgers and more.
The outside area at the rear has a retractable roof, whilst the mural on the side wall commemorates the sinking of HMS Birkenhead and the Birkenhead Drill. The pub even once had a barber shop inside it, owned by the Gallagher family, but had to be taken out due to the success of the business.
It's open from 12 pm to 11 pm Monday to Thursday and Sunday, and from 11:30 am to midnight on Friday and Saturday.
2. The Refreshment Rooms
Hailed by Wirral locals as one of Birkenhead's top spots for a drink, you can't beat this waterfront pub and restaurant based in Rock Ferry.
The pub reopened in June 2012 and was a former Admiral pub. It was lovingly renamed to its original name, The Refreshment Rooms. It was the original Refreshment Rooms for the cross-Mersey ferry in the 1880s.
The pub has retained many of its original features and decor, but has a lot of history and local influence built into it. It has a chandelier from the Cunard building, light fittings from the Adelphi Hotel and Lewis’s of Liverpool, and a solid mahogany bar top which once sat in the science block of Wirral Grammar School.
The restaurant and pub is renowned for its food. On the main menu, you can find a range of pub classics with a bit of a kick, such as Chef’s Spiced Chilli Con Carné. Or, you can opt for the over 60's menu for seniors, which is available Monday to Wednesday, focusing on old-style and traditional dishes. Courses range from £12 to £18.90, depending on whether you want one, two, or three.
There is even a £10 Thursday menu and offers throughout the week. It's open Monday to Friday 12 pm to 9 pm and on the weekend 9 am to 9 pm.
3. Shrewsbury Arms (The Shrew)
In the heart of Oxton Village on Claughton Firs is the well-known Shrewsbury Arms, nicknamed The Shrew. It may be a Greene King, but the pub is highly regarded as being cosy, with wooden accents and an impressive selection of cask ales.
Because it is part of a chain, the pub often has offers on food and drink, with select drinks and food being cheap throughout the week, subject to conditions. However, what locals love is the sweet beer garden at the back of the pub and the entertainment it provides. There is a quiz night every Monday and always something to do when seasonal events come around. The menu is filled with pub classics from small plates to fish and chips, to burgers, grills, and typical side dishes you'd find at a Greene King.
It is open 11:30 am to 11 pm Monday to Thursday and Sunday, and from 11:30 am to midnight on Friday and Saturday.
4. The Queen's Arms
The Queen's Arms describes itself as a "proper pub", and that's exactly what it is. This cute pub is located on Storeton Road. It dates back to the 1850s and started as a hotel. The pub is a popular spot to relax and enjoy a bite to eat. It prides itself on its huge selection of wines, cask ales, spirits, and fresh food.
They use local produce for their dishes, which are full of pub classics. There are also ciabattas, with the beef and peppercorn ciabatta being a favourite, and other wraps and burgers available for those who like familiar favourites.
For drinking and hanging out, it is a great place to unwind, as there is live sports on the weekdays and weekends, and every Monday, there is a quiz night.
This pub is open from 11 am to 11 pm Monday to Saturday and 11 am to 10 pm on Sunday.
5. The Swinging Arm
The Swinging Arm in Birkenhead is located on Church Street. The focus here is on live music, with the venue having two stages for live performance. It features more than 10 beer taps and a large range of German & Belgian imported beers.
The live music is free and is on four to five times a week. On Thursdays, there is a Smartphone Speed Quiz, and on Monday night there is a Jam Night, hosted by Blackbeard & Co.
It is open Monday to Wednesday from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM, Thursday from 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM, Friday and Saturday from 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
6. The Garrick Snug
This tiny former Birkenhead Brewery pub dating to 1892 features a 1930s frontage, stained-glass lobby and curved bar. Described as a historically stunning little Irish pub in the centre of Birkenhead, reviewers praise it for serving one of the best pints of Guinness in years, often with live Irish music. Located just off the shopping centre on St John's Street, it's a very old one-roomed pub with a wonderful atmosphere, just a ten-minute walk from Birkenhead Central or Conway Park train stations.
It may be small, but it is always busy and is often characterised by its karaoke, a bit like Cooper's in Liverpool! However, it is the place if you want an old Irish pub feel, but be warned there is not a lot of space.
This pub is open from 12 pm to 11 pm every day.
7. Blowers Sports Lounge
Reopening as a sports lounge back in March 2026, Blowers is another gem on Market Street in Birkenhead. Described as a sports bar, this lounge still has a pub-like feel, showing live sports on multiple screens and hosting live music, DJs, and karaoke each weekend. It's a lively venue serving food and drinks, but is mainly known for its darts, pool, and live sport.
The bar has multiple taps, including Madri and Coors, and hosts a quiz each Sunday.
Blowers is open Monday to Thursday 12 pm to midnight, 12 pm to 2 am on Friday and Saturday, and 12 pm to midnight on Sunday.
