The Ferry Boat — Pub in Runcorn

The Ferry Boat is a traditional pub on Church Street in Runcorn Town Centre. The location provides a classic atmosphere for the area. The Ferry Boat is known for its award-winning children’s meals and is a CAMRA-acclaimed real ale pub. Locals and visitors frequent The Ferry Boat for everything from a casual lunch to evening drinks, often enjoying the outdoor seating with TV access. It’s a well-established part of the Runcorn community.

About The Venue

The Ferry Boat dates back to 1178, originally serving as the point of departure for a Mersey ferry service. The current building operates as a pub, retaining connections to that historic river crossing legacy. The pub’s decor reflects a traditional British pub style, with historic signage and wooden furnishings. The interior is brightly lit, and the atmosphere is typically lively and energetic. The pub has step-free access, wheelchair access, and accessible toilets. The venue has a high-energy feel, with TVs and frequent customer turnover.

Typical Experiences

The Ferry Boat offers a pub experience, serving real ale and craft spritzes, with its Spice Bag being a popular choice. The venue is suitable for groups and families, with award-winning children’s meals available. Customers can order via an app-based system, though queues are common, especially during peak hours. The Ferry Boat is open late, making it a good choice for evening and weekend visits and is known for its CAMRA-acclaimed quality of beer.

Notable Features

  • Historic ferry heritage and name origin
  • Award-winning children's meals
  • CAMRA-acclaimed real ale quality in 280 pubs
  • Historic river crossing legacy
  • Frequent cleanliness issues
  • Outdoor seating with TV access
  • Vegetarian and vegan food options

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Information about this venue is based on publicly available sources and may be incomplete. Last updated in June 2026.