Gin-spirational name needed for pub spirit
THE oldest pub in Southport is launching its own gin this week and it needs your help naming it.
The 200-year-old Cheshire Lines Inn in King Street already had 23 gins and decided its own brand is going to be rhubarb and ginger flavoured.
It’s being helped by Tricia Giles who created the successful Formby Gin in 2016 and who is also a neighbour and fan of the pub.
Danielle Hunt, pub manager, said: “Tricia helped us a lot and come over with all kinds of different flavours and we absolutely loved the rhubarb and ginger flavour so went with that.
“It’s a shimmer gin so shimmers when you shake it and then settles as a clear liquid. Quite nice for making cocktails.”
The choice to have its own gin was largely determined by customers.
Danielle said: “We already have our own famous quality, real ale called Chesh Ale and we sell a lot of gin so wanted to support the locals and give them what they want. We also use local suppliers.
“We’re putting out a competition on social media to name it so will be interesting to see what everyone comes back with.”
The pub has recently extended its licence to have the option to serve alcohol one hour early on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.It’s also been extended of a Sunday night by one hour from 12am to 1am.
Danielle said: “It’s just to give us the option, it doesn’t necessarily mean on all those days we’re going to be serving alcohol from earlier or later each and every week.”
“We do breakfasts for events such as the races so it would be nice to have the earlier option there.
“We have a lot of requests for private functions too so the option to serve an hour later on Sunday is good to have.”
She added: “We want to continue to be a thriving, community local pub. We have a lot of regulars and the local residents come in and enjoy our pub.
“Even the lady helping us with our gin is a neighbour.
“We get a lot of requests for private functions, the karaoke nights have grown in popularity. We’re a small pub with a big offering.”
To find out more about the Cheshire Lines and to join the competition to name its new gin, visit cheshirelinessouthport on Facebook or www. cheshirelinessouthport. com.