This Formby pub has reopened with a piece of Liverpool brewing history

A popular micro pub in Formby has reopened with a refreshed look, new management and a little bit of Liverpool brewing history on the bar.

The Tin Shed is now under the stewardship of Ade O’Dowd and Jackie Walsh who have vowed to keep it simple with great real ales, good wine and a real community atmosphere.

And they have brought a touch of history to the bar with four historic beer pumps rescued from the Philharmonic theatre more than three decades ago.

The pumps bear the stamp of the famous Higson’s Brewery which was formed in 1780 in Dale Street and made beer until 1990. It is an iconic logo and just one of a few special new touches the couple have introduced.

Ade, the former landlord of The Old Bank pub in Waterloo’s South Road, said:

“About 30 years ago I was told that the pumps were being taken out of the Philharmonic and that if I wanted them I had about an hour to go and claim them.

“I rushed over and bought four for £50 each. I took them with me when I left the Old Bank, and I am so pleased to be able to have them back in use again here at the Tin Shed.

“They’re a real conversation starter as they are red and some people think they are for Liverpool. But they aren’t!”

Ade and Jackie opened the new look Tin Shed last month, just in time for the Formby Live festival in the grounds of the nearby swimming pool.

They have introduced a reading and board games corner, and added some quirky wall art and a huge picture of the Liverpool waterfront to the pub in the heart of Formby village, which first opened in 2020.

A local business has added some smart new artwork to the massive front windows and inside one wall is adorned with clips from scores of independent beer makers.

The couple are determined to retain the atmosphere of the micro pub, while putting their own stamp on the bar. There is still no TV or sport being shown, and they have been welcoming old regulars as well as some new faces since opening the doors a few weeks ago. They hope to keep prices competitive, with cask ales under 5% charged at less than £5 for a pint.

Jackie said: “We want it to be a simple micro pub with real ales, a nice wine selection, bottled beers and ciders, as well as cider on tap.

“We used to come to the Tin Shed for a drink and we hope we can establish a good reputation for our beers and create a lovely place for people of all ages to come, relax and enjoy a nice drink and company.”

There is some outdoor pavement seating for people to enjoy a drink while they watch the world go by.

Local craft beer will be on offer where possible. They are currently serving a Colbier, brewed in Bootle. But on the whole, they couple are keen to make sure they are serving what they hope drinkers will enjoy.

Ade added: “I am fascinated by the brewing process. All beers are lovely, but some are better than others. We want to serve the best beers which we know will appeal to people.”

You will find the Tin Shed at 60 Brows Lane, Formby. The pub is family and pet friendly.

Opening hours are:

Wednesday and Thursday: 2.30pm to 9.00pm (last orders 8.30pm)

Friday and Saturday: 2.00pm to 10.00pm (last orders 9.30pm)

Sunday: 2.00pm to 9.00pm (last orders 8.30pm)

Follow The Tin Shed on Instagram here.

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