The Arion could be music to your ears with its real family feel

THE Arion is a modern, airy pub on Kenilworth Road, Ainsdale, Southport writes Neville Grundy.

It has one large room, sub-divided into several separate areas, and a long conservatory on the front.

At the entrance, there is etched in the glass an image of Arion, a legendary ancient Greek musician, holding a lyre and being rescued by a dolphin.

It is furnished with standard pub chairs and tables, plus a few settees for those who prefer a “Friends” vibe.

The pub serves two or three real ales, with Marston’s Pedigree usually on, although it had run out when I visited; there were two guest ales, Marston’s Fever Pitch and Adnam’s Lighthouse, which were both in good condition.

As you’d expect, the bar stocks the usual range of other drinks.

Food is served every day at lunchtime and in the evening, with Sunday lunch offers; families are welcome and there is a children’s menu.

Also for the children, there is an outside play area, and for everyone else, beer gardens to both the front and rear. Inside, areas can be reserved for your private function.

There was muted piped music when I was there; Tuesday is quiz night, and Sky Sports are sometimes shown.

They like to hold fundraising events, and the notice board displayed several letters of thanks for the sums raised. There is a pool table in one corner. The pub offers free WiFi, is on Facebook and Twitter, and its website is thearion.co.uk. Sorry: no dogs. There is a car park and the 49 bus stops right outside.