The latest edition of the Campaign for Real Ale's Good Beer Guide for 2027 includes two pubs in Runcorn and one in neighbouring Widnes, a welcome nod to the quality of local real ale and pub culture. The entries highlight established venues that remain popular with residents and visitors.
Local pubs recognised for quality, character and community
The three venues listed in the national guide are the Ferry Boat and the Norton Arms in Runcorn, plus the Premier in Widnes. The recognition reflects both the beer ranges offered and the role these pubs play in their communities — from live music and quizzes to sporting screenings and heritage links.
- Ferry Boat — located on Church Street, opposite Runcorn Old Town bus station, noted for its rotating selection of guest ales alongside regular cask beers.
- Norton Arms — a Grade II-listed pub on Main Street, marking its 13th consecutive year in the guide; described as a comfortable two-room host with events and a bowling green.
- Premier (Widnes) — on Albert Road; formerly a cinema and bottling plant, now a Wetherspoon site with changing guest beers and local historical connections.
The guide is CAMRA’s flagship publication and is widely used by beer enthusiasts and visitors planning pub outings. For locals, the entries underline that Runcorn's pub scene still attracts national attention despite changes in the sector over recent years.
What the guide says about each venue
The Good Beer Guide describes the Norton Arms as a "pleasant two-room pub" offering quieter seating away from a bar area that also shows sports — and notes the pub's history of local CAMRA awards and community events such as open-mic nights and live music. The Ferry Boat is listed for its broad guest-ale selection and its convenient town-centre position close to the Brindley Theatre. The Premier is recognised for occupying a converted cinema and bottling works and for serving a variety of guest beers alongside its regular taps.
"Pleasant two-room pub"
That short description of the Norton Arms captures the sort of unflashy charm CAMRA often rewards: pubs that combine good beer with a dependable atmosphere and regular local custom.
| Pub | Address | Notes from the guide |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry Boat | 10 Church Street, Runcorn, WA7 1LR | Large town-centre pub with a range of guest ales and regular beers. |
| Norton Arms | 2 Main Street, Runcorn, WA7 2AD | Grade II-listed; 13th consecutive year in the guide; events and bowling green. |
| Premier (Widnes) | 93-99 Albert Road, Widnes, WA8 6JS | Former cinema and bottling plant; rotating guest beers; local historical links. |
Why this matters to Runcorn
Pubs named in the Good Beer Guide often see a boost in interest from enthusiasts and visitors, which can help local trade. For regulars, the recognition is a reminder of venues that have sustained quality across changing times. The Norton Arms’ long run in the guide — more than a decade — is particularly notable: it points to consistent delivery that keeps people coming back.
At a time when the hospitality sector faces cost pressures and shifting customer habits, national recognition can support footfall and local pride. It also reinforces the role of pubs as social hubs: the guide highlights not only beer quality but also atmosphere, events and links to local history.
The Good Beer Guide 2027 is available to buy from CAMRA’s shop for anyone who wants to explore recommended pubs further.
For local readers, these listings offer a handy short-list of reliable places to meet friends, watch a match or sample a changing range of ales without travelling far from Runcorn.
