Ainsdale’s first Beer & Pie Fest is heading into its final days, with visitors having until Saturday 18 July to complete the village trail and enter the draw for a £200 luxury hamper of local goods.
The week-long festival, which began on 11 July, has brought together eight independent pubs, bars, restaurants and shops across the village to showcase limited-edition pies, real ales, cocktails and sweet treats, with live music on both weekends.
Anyone can take part by picking up a trail card at any participating venue, collecting stamps at five different stops and handing in the completed card at their final venue before the festival closes on Saturday 18 July. The grand prize draw takes place on Sunday 19 July.
The festival is led by The Farmhouse Kitchen, the Ainsdale and Old Park Lane pie makers named Small Producer Champion at the British Pie Awards in Melton Mowbray in March. Terri Marshall of sister venue The Grazing Lounge also took the UK Dessert Pie Champion title at the same awards.
Rob Marshall of The Farmhouse Kitchen said: “As Southport’s only champion pie makers we are proud to work alongside fellow businesses in Ainsdale to host its first ever pie and beer festival. With live music both weekends and lots of activities in the village, thanks to Sefton Tourism for their support.”
The eight venues taking part are:
– The Farmhouse Kitchen – award-winning pies paired with real ale for the festival week
– The Mallard – homemade pies and real ales at the traditional village pub
– Dukes Wine Bar – a selection of real ales alongside its usual menu
– Dolce Vita – homemade Italian pies
– The Barr – pie-inspired cocktails and real ale at the family-run venue
– MeCycle – a range of dessert pies
– The Chocolate Box – pie-themed sweet treats
– The Wardrobe – pie-inspired gifts and items
The festival’s closing weekend coincides with the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, which runs from Thursday to Sunday and is expected to bring tens of thousands of visitors to the coast between Birkdale and Ainsdale.
Organisers say the event is about celebrating the village’s independent high street and encouraging people to shop, eat and drink locally. Trail cards are available in participating venues until Saturday.