'Real family pub' has been selling pints for 200 years

One of north Liverpool's most historic pubs is going strong at the heart of its community.

Unmissable at the end of Walton Vale where it meets Warbreck Moor is The Black Bull, a longstanding establishment dating back two centuries and still very much loved by regulars.

The area has seen lots of new bars and restaurants open in recent years, but The Black Bull sits as a striking throwback to the golden age of old-school pubs.

Debbie Mack, who previously oversaw venues in Norris Green and Kensington, is The Black Bull's publican. She arrived at the venue during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Busy street lined with pubs where 'everyone becomes mates' just minutes from the Grand National

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She told the ECHO: "I've been with the company for around 20 years. They asked if I wanted to come here and I said 'Yeah, go on then'. I love it here. When I arrived it was all table service and we had to adapt. We didn't struggle as much as others because we were able to open our outdoor drinking area and people could still come in."

One of the biggest draws for Debbie was the "colourful" clientele of locals and passers-by which she describes as a unique cast of characters. She said: "We get busy for the likes of the Grand National but all year round we've got a real good set of hardcore regulars who are in from 10am. We know everyone who comes in. It's like a little family unit. Ever since The Vale got all the other little pubs dotted around we get a lot of passing trade too."

Across the street sits The Tiny Tavern and The Cove bar which cater to younger crowds while further along is The Windsor - another traditional pub. Debbie added: "There's something on the Vale for everyone. We