Brewery bus tour, 4 breweries, 12 beers, 1 pizza, 1 bus

If you’re considering a way to experience Liverpool beyond its iconic Beatles landmarks, this brewery bus tour might be just what you’re after. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on the glowing reviews and detailed info, it’s clear that this half-day adventure offers a fun mix of local beer, tasty food, and easy transportation.

What really catches our eye are the variety of beers you’ll get to sample—up to 12 different brews—and the relaxed, guided atmosphere that makes it suitable whether you’re a seasoned beer lover or just curious to learn more. Plus, the all-inclusive nature—from brewery visits to a pizza and photos—means you’re getting a well-rounded experience without hidden extras.

On the flip side, a point worth noting is the lack of a restroom on the bus, which might be inconvenient for some. Still, if you’re prepared and eager to explore Liverpool’s local brewing scene, this tour seems like a solid choice. It’s especially well-suited for those who enjoy a casual, social outing with a dash of education, and it caters well to small groups, making for a more intimate vibe.

This tour would appeal most to travelers who want to combine tasting local beer with a bit of sightseeing and social fun—perfect for friends, couples, or even small groups of beer enthusiasts. If you’re after a structured, engaging way to explore Liverpool’s craft scene without hassle, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Local favorites: The tour focuses on breweries loved by Liverpool residents, giving a more authentic taste of the city’s craft scene.
• Convenient transport: The bus makes moving from brewery to brewery smooth and stress-free, so you can focus on enjoying the experience.
• Diverse beer selection: Up to 12 beers, from lagers and ales to stouts and ciders, ensuring plenty of variety.
• Food included: One pizza per person helps soak up the alcohol and adds to the relaxed vibe.
• Behind-the-scenes access: Tours of breweries give you insight into how these beers are made, not just tastings.
• Memories captured: You’ll leave with photos, a keepsake lanyard, and some fun stories.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start Point: The Shankly Hotel

The tour begins at The Shankly Hotel, located centrally in Liverpool, making it easy to access via public transit. From this point, the group boards a private bus, ready for a four-hour journey into Liverpool’s craft beer world.

Brewery Stops and Beers

Throughout the tour, you’ll visit four breweries—each offering a behind-the-scenes look at their brewing process. Expect to sample 4 to 5 beers at each stop, with a focus on variety. That could mean trying lagers, ales, stouts, and ciders, giving you a well-rounded introduction to different styles.

The reviews highlight that these are often microbreweries off the beaten track, meaning you’re likely to discover some hidden gems you wouldn’t stumble upon alone. One reviewer said, “Visited some great micro breweries off the beaten track. Well organized tour sampling some fab beers,” which speaks to the curated nature of these visits.

Food and Atmosphere

The highlight for many is the pizza stop, a chance to enjoy some comfort food and, importantly, help manage the effects of alcohol. The pizza is described as “substantial” and works well to soak up the beers, which is especially helpful if you’re not used to drinking multiple brews.

The atmosphere tends to be lively and social. As one reviewer mentioned, “It was a fun and social tour, and I’m glad we learned some interesting facts about the beers and Liverpool,” which hints that guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience more engaging.

The Final Stop: Love Lane Brewery

The tour concludes at Love Lane Brewery, where you’ll have the option to be dropped off or stay a while. The last stop often features a relaxed setting to chat, enjoy your favorite beer one last time, and take some photos.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Expert Guides and Behind-the-Scenes Access

Guides like Darren are praised for being informative and friendly. They bring knowledge that enhances your understanding of beer styles and brewing techniques. The behind-the-scenes tours of breweries provide a rare peek into the local beer culture—something that makes this tour more than just a tasting session.

Authentic, Local Experience

The focus on local breweries means you’re experiencing Liverpool’s real craft beer scene, not just touristy spots. Several reviews mention how the tour takes you “off the beaten track,” introducing you to places that only locals really know.

Value for Money

At around $96 per person, the tour offers a lot: multiple breweries, 12+ beers, a pizza, photos, and a keepsake. Considering that many breweries charge for tastings separately, and that transport and food are included, it’s a reasonably priced way to spend an afternoon.

Practical Considerations

The tour lasts approximately four hours, which is a good chunk of time but still allows for a relaxed pace. The group size is limited to 14, making it intimate enough for meaningful conversations and personalized attention.

One practical note is the lack of a restroom onboard the bus, so plan accordingly—maybe hit the facilities before departure.

How Good Is the Value?

When you think about the cost—around $96—you’re getting a curated experience with expert guides, brewery access, and a variety of beers, plus a meal. If you’re into beer or curious about Liverpool’s local brewing scene, this kind of all-in-one package saves you the hassle of organizing transport, multiple tastings, and food separately.

Many reviews highlight how well-organized and enjoyable the tour is, which is important if you want a hassle-free experience that still feels personal. The added bonus of photos and keepsakes makes it feel like a memorable day rather than just a casual pub crawl.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for adventurous beer lovers who want to explore Liverpool’s local breweries without the fuss of planning. It’s perfect if you’re interested in learning more about brewing, tasting a variety of beers, and enjoying a relaxed social setting.

It also suits small groups or couples looking for a semi-structured, fun activity that combines sightseeing with beer tasting. If you’re traveling solo and enjoy meeting new people, the small group size (~14 travelers) encourages interaction.

However, if you prefer a more independent experience or aren’t a fan of beer, this might not be your best fit. Also, if you need restroom facilities on the bus, be prepared for some inconvenience.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for people unfamiliar with beer?
Yes. The tour is designed to be fun and educational, with guides explaining different beer styles and brewing processes, making it accessible whether you’re a novice or a connoisseur.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately four hours, from start at The Shankly Hotel to the final brewery. It’s a good length for a relaxed afternoon without feeling rushed.

Are the beer tastings included in the price?
Yes, you get to sample between 10 and 12 beers, with multiple tastings at each brewery, all included in the ticket price.

What food is provided?
One substantial pizza per person, perfect for soaking up some of the alcohol and maintaining energy throughout the tour.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, a private bus transports you between breweries, making the tour comfortable and stress-free.

Can I be dropped off at my hotel after the tour?
You can choose to be dropped back at the original meeting point or at the last brewery, Love Lane Brewery.

Is there a restroom on the bus?
No, there isn’t. It’s best to plan ahead and use facilities before boarding.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a laid-back, engaging way to explore Liverpool’s craft beer scene, this brewery bus tour offers a lot of value. The combination of small-group access, behind-the-scenes brewery visits, and a variety of beers makes it stand out from typical pub crawls. Plus, the inclusion of food and photos adds a nice touch to the overall experience.

It’s particularly well-suited for those who enjoy tasting local brews and want to learn more about how they’re made—all without the stress of navigating the city on your own. While it’s not perfect for everyone—particularly if you need restroom access or aren’t into beer—it remains a memorable, friendly way to spend an afternoon in Liverpool.

Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just curious to sample the city’s local flavors, this tour can give you a new appreciation for Liverpool’s brewing culture—plus, it’s a great story to tell when you get home.