Two Merseyside venues are vying for accolades in the Great British Pub Awards15:41, 18 Jun 2026Updated 15:41, 18 Jun 2026Daniel Gillbanks and David Scowcroft, owners of The Dog & Collar on Hope Street in Liverpool(Image: Liverpool Echo)A Liverpool city centre venue is in the running to be named the “best town pub” in Britain. The Great British Pub Awards have announced this year’s finalists across 18 categories which include titles like “best community pub”, “best country pub” and “best town pub”.The awards honour hardworking teams across the country for delivering great settings, customer services and places for people, communities and pets to feel at home. Only two Merseyside venues have been named finalists in more than 100 entries. The Dog & Collar on Liverpool’s Hope Street is vying for the title of “best town pub” after opening just over a year ago.Since opening in February 2025, the Georgian Quarter pub has built a reputation for its cosy taproom snugs, open fires and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The venue is led by 32-year-old Daniel Gillbanks, from Aigburth, who runs Group Road Trip Hospitality alongside business partner David Scowcroft. Together, they are behind The Dog & Collar, PINS on Duke Street and Almost Famous on Parr Street.Daniel Gillbanks and David Scowcroft, owners of The Dog & Collar on Hope Street in Liverpool(Image: Liverpool Echo)On receiving the nomination, a spokesperson told the ECHO: “To be shortlisted just 16 months after opening is a huge moment for everyone at the Dog & Collar. It feels like real recognition for the work the team has put in since day one.”Being considered in the Best Town Pub category means a lot to us. It reflects everything we have tried to build here. We wanted to create a pub for everyone, but more than that, we wanted to show what else a pub could be in Liverpool city centre, and it is gratifying to see that ambition recognised on a national stage.”The process from here is a rigorous one. It includes an unannounced visit from the judging panel and interviews with members of the team which only adds to how meaningful it would be to win. More than anything though, this shortlisting is a reflection of how hard the team have worked to get us to this point, and we couldn’t be prouder of them.”The second Merseyside nomination goes to Bootle’s Lock & Quay, which hopes to take home the “best community pub” award. Tucked away beside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, the pub has been welcoming patrons for more than 10 years, come rain or shine.The Lock & Quay in Bootle, with Liz Bromilow and Ben Ashcroft pictured(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)Originally named The Little Merton, the pub was acquired by the charity SAFE Regeneration – which operates from the adjacent old St Mary’s School building – back in 2014.Initially, the charity planned to use the site just for a one-off fundraising event. Fast forward to today, and the Lock & Quay still stands proud, billing itself as Liverpool’s only microbrew pub.The Lock & Quay has received a number of awards specifically for its community feel, including At the Hero Awards the PubAid’s Community Pub Hero Awards.Both venues will learn whether they are victorious on Wednesday, September 23 during a ceremony in the First Direct Bank Arena in Leeds.
Liverpool venue in running to be ‘best town pub’ in Britain
