Less than an hour’s drive from Halifax, The Ferry Tavern pub is a real destination day out.
Dating back to 1762, it’s set on its own island and surrounded by water – found on an island strip forged at Fiddlers Ferry when the Sankey Canal was first opened.
Called The Ferry due to the original licensee being the ferryman, where the pub stands today was once the main crossing for the River Mersey.
For the past 250 years, it has been a beacon of hospitality to thirsty travellers seeking refreshment – including, rumour has it, Oliver Cromwell.
Just as popular today as it ever was – particularly now that outdoor beer gardens in the UK have reopened – it’s been packed in recent weeks with drinkers keen to sit on the river and watch the wildlife.
Run by the same family for nearly twenty years now, The Ferry Tavern has won awards for both its tasty ales and big-hearted community spirit.
First taken on by the new landlady’s parents in 1992, today the daily operations of the place are overseen by Jade Mulholland and her husband Andy.
With plenty of seating, gorgeous views and a rather unique position, it’s understandably become a popular choice now that beer gardens are allowed to reopen.
And with the added bonus of spotting porpoises and seals from your table, who wouldn’t want to pay it a visit?
Equipped with a fantastic kitchen, the Mulholland’s are holding off for further easing of restrictions in May to bring back their food offering.
For now, they’re only serving weekend drinks whilst they ease back into everything – with week day openings announced ad hoc depending on the weather forecast.
Set on the Trans Pennine trail, it’s an ideal stop off point for walkers and cyclists.
Visitors arriving by car can park on the other side of the canal, and then use the bridge over the water to access the pub.
Booking in advance is essential, with dates currently open until 16th May.
Feature image – The Ferry Tavern.
