Attractive pub with a traditional feel is a worthy addition to city real ale scene
ABOUT three minute’s walk from Moorfields Station in Liverpool is the Denbigh Castle in Hackins Hey, a long narrow street that runs between Dale Street and Tithebarn Street and is a short walk away from the famous Cavern Quarter.
This pub closed in the 1970’s and was reopened as a bar firstly called Walters and then Jupiters, but new owners who took it over a couple of years ago have restored the original name and changed it back to being a real ale pub. They also own the Bridewell in Liverpool, a great quirky pub in a former police station.
An attractive exterior leads you to a pleasant interior that has a traditional pub feel with exposed brickwork and dark wood, plus a cellar bar that can be booked for special functions.
Five handpumps were serving four real ales and one real cider: Conwy Welsh Pride is always available, and the rest when I visited were Top Rope American Dragon, Cwrw Ial Limestone Cowboy, Kirkstall Three Swords and Lilley’s Woowoo Cider.
I tried all, including the cider, and found they were all in good condition.
Other drinks include rotating craft beers on tap, a further choice of beers from the fridge, and good selections of malt whiskies, gins, rums and wines (including Prosecco).
They have big screen TV sports, and the Wigan/St Helens rugby match was being shown when I entered. On the first Monday of the month, there is a wild poetry night, and the last Saturday features an 80’s night with a late bar - this is a ticket do. They may put on live music in the future.
They were awarded Pub of The Year at The Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards in 2021.
I spent a pleasant couple of hours here, and was made to feel very welcome while surrounded by a relaxed atmosphere and a pleasant buzz of conversation. I consider this to be a worthy addition to Liverpool’s real ale scene, especially in a part of Liverpool that already boasts a number of fine pubs.
They offer free WiFi, children and dogs are welcome, and they are on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Website: thedenbighcastle.co.uk.
The national CAMRA website is at: camra.org.uk. The Southport & West Lancs Branch website is at southport.camra.org. uk
ALTHOUGH not in season yet, the shops are still carrying Asparagus from abroad, and it marries up perfectly with other super green UK grown ingredients to make a really healthy risotto fit for an athlete! It’s highly packed with Iron and Vitamins giving your immune system a boost whilst promoting muscular repair. 2 tbsp Olive Oil
100g Asparagus Tips 4 sticks of Celery, chopped 100g Frozen Broad Beans 100g Frozen Peas
100g Spinach, chopped 250g Risotto Rice
2 Garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 medium white Onion, finely chopped
125ml Dry White Wine
900ml Hot Vegetable (or Chicken) Stock
100g Lancashire Cheese Seasoning
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy bottom pan and sweat the onion and finely chopped garlic. Add the rice and thoroughly mix to coat, stir in the wine and simmer.
Add celery along with the hot stock, one ladle at a time when required.
After ten minutes add the chopped spinach, peas, beans and asparagus. Gently cook over a very low heat for a further five minutes.
Remove from the heat and stir in the Lancashire cheese. Season the risotto to your taste and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Lesley co-owns Roberto’s
Italian on Southport’s Ocean
Plaza with husband Roberto, she has a BSc Hons in Nutrition & Health. For more of Lesley’s Recipes go to: Facebook.com/ robertossouthport / www. robertositalian.co.uk