The venue was beautiful no matter which way you looked at it
11:30, 16 Aug 2025Updated 11:39, 16 Aug 2025
Christopher is the Echo’s Senior Life reporter covering restaurants, bars, shopping, events, concerts, and shows around Merseyside. Alongside his current role, Christopher led Liverpool’s Eurovision Song Contest 2023 coverage as its dedicated reporter. Christopher joined the Echo in 2022 after years of freelance writing focusing on pop culture and entertainment.
The pub exceeded all of my expectations (Image: InYourArea)
A stunning gastropub perched neatly on a hill overlooking the River Mersey is a dream come true for sunseekers chasing a cold pint. I rarely venture to Wirral for anything let alone a drink but this charming venue drenched in classic design has won me over.
Eastham Ferry Hotel dates back nearly two centuries and lies surrounded by gorgeous greenery and River Mersey and Otterspool views. The building was built in 1846 near the old Eastham Ferry and next to the abandoned site of a Victorian zoo, which is now part of Eastham Country Park.
The building closed in November 2022 by the previous owners and was left to ruin. Today, the pub has been revitalised with a large investment transforming the worn interiors into a beautiful drinking and dining space – a place to ring about.
In a bid to lap up the August heatwave in a presumably lesser travelled destination, I took to my heels and paid Wirral a visit. I pulled up to the hotel’s car park full of patrons but luckily one was leaving as I arrived. The view was plucked straight from a summertime cliche, with kids running on the hills, people enjoying ice cream at the parlour to the right, and the sun glistening over the River Mersey.
The venue offers afternoon tea, Sunday roasts and regular events
We popped into the pub before finding our bearings for a drink and a bite to eat. The warm greeting from the lady at the desk set the tone for what would be a friendly group of staff who were attentive throughout our visit.
The hotel interiors ooze in elegance, with crystal chandeliers, cosy seating areas and snugs, and lowering windows that stretch almost from floor to ceiling. There are ornate mouldings, framed artwork, and eye-catching details all over the venue so there’s plenty for the eye to wander around. The venue is grand without alienating the everyday bloke who simply fancies popping in for a pint.
We opted for a selection of small plates and stole a seat in the garden to lap up the sun. There’s space for a few hundred people on picnic benches and a vast quantity in general if you’re willing to stand. There isn’t a bad seat in the house thanks to the hilltop location and gorgeous surroundings.
The views were quite impressive from every standing(Image: christopher megrath)
Children were happily bouncing away on the castle tucked in the garden’s corner, which was accompanied by wooden climbing frames, rocking horses, and swings. Picnic tables are set closer to the action for parents who want to keep a watchful eye while still relaxing.
The menu offers all of your pub classics but we chose three plates for £16 each: crispy pork belly, mixed seafood, meatballs, falafels, and two portions of halloumi fries. The food was fantastic and the generous portions were just what we wanted. I was also amused by the balsamic and buffalo sauce options available on the condiment table – not a sight you typically see in a pub but one I took full advantage of.
Eastham Ferry Hotel’s selection of small plates, demanding the full table(Image: christopher megrath)
The staff members delivered our six plate platter with the same warm and friendly smile as the lady at the front desk, who actually caught our attention again later. After noticing our gluttonous lunchtime selection, she laughed and said: “That’s my ideal meal, that.”
The down-to-earth atmosphere backed against great views and hefty food was just what the doctor ordered. We sat there and enjoyed our time in the sun. Thanks to the venue’s sheer size, you can enjoy your own space while appreciating the background murmur of others, which is just enough to add to the atmosphere without feeling overwhelmed by it.
The pub exceeded all of my expectations (Image: InYourArea)
Eastham Ferry Hotel has a little bit of everything for every guest and left us throughout satisfied. Despite a packed car park, it felt like sneaking off to your own secret haven among along the river and tucked away behind the trees where no one else was allowed.
I had nothing to fault and would be quick to return. I suggest everyone pays the pub a visit at least once, if only to admire the views and setting.