Derby Arms Rainford in St. Helens

Been to this pub many times over the years and it has been excellent. However in expecting the same service ( which was very good) was not match by the meal we had. Beef and ale pie was horrible, the meat was very tender But spoilt by the whole dish being far too unreasonable salty. Offered a quiet complaint to a waitress, who naturally apologised and said she would tell the chief. I do not think this was done nor did any of the management come to explain what the chief 'thought'. So if any meal is not immediately to your liking - make a complaint after the first mouthful, do not wait for the forth / sixth time of teasting to be convinced the meal is bad. One might assume the management has a different opinion, to deal with a disappointing meal. This may have been a one off experience but I'd be more cautious; I know people's individual teast differ but try taking spoons full of salt half dozen times and enjoy, most unlikely.

Lovely pub. Lovely homemade food. Lovely atmosphere. Staff were excellent. Went as a family. It's best to book as it does get busy.

Fab food, good menu, great service, the food was hot, tasty, good menu choice and specials, waitresses are always friendly, accommodating and efficient

Visited here today on recommendation for a family lunch and wasn’t disappointed. Service was faultless and food was fab! Best lasagne ever had eating out. All meals where great. Will definately be revisiting. Best pub in the area in my opinion.

Booked a table for 4 of us on bank holiday Monday. Cheerful staff on the phone. Pub busy but staff couldn’t do enough for us. Fantastic service, lots of choice on the menu and specials despite it being 5.30pm bank holiday Monday and it being busy: Four starters , four mains and a pudding and coffees. All lovely presented, great food and filling! Hence the one pudding. Will definitely visit again and bring family and friends.

Room too cold, so had to move - as did others. Food only ok, one was over cooked and other (salad) pathetic - lettuce and a bit of tomato, for £15, really! For the price paid, there are better places to eat in Rainford.

Fabulous food, staff very friendly and helpful. Dog friendly which is what takes us there every time.. would definitely recommend a visit. Our 3 dogs loved it also!!!

Been here a few times, you know the food is home cooked when it doesn't arrive at the table in 10 minutes! No bing bing here. Food was delicious and good portions, great service too. Well done team, see you again soon.

I have been going to The Derby Arms for years on and off since I was,18. The last time I sat in the room primarily used for diners I was with my family so it was a little emotional for me. The decor has changed but not the bricks and mortar. I don't consider myself to be 'local' anymore hence I could detect that the busy bar had a local edge to it. Not unfriendly, but the feeling that everyone knows everyone else. This is not necessarily a bad thing and everyone is kind and thoughtful which reflects the community itself. Over the years the food in the pub has gone from mediocre to outstanding depending on the chef in the kitchen. I know my mother would comment critically sometimes. However, I am delighted to report the that on this visit the service was brilliant and the food really superb. Front of house was really kind getting me a table as the resteraunt was heavily booked...and I can see why. Evening food is served from 5pm onwards and lunch is also available. The dining area is spotless and really comfortable with attentive staff who will bring drinks to your table. It's a very homely atmosphere. I wasn't visiting for a special occasion, I just popped in on my own but I was made to feel special. The food was just great, my 8oz sirloin spot on in terms of taste and how it was cooked. Really lovely. Now this is not a fair comparison, but stay with me. I had the misfortune to be reminded during to a chicken based fast food resteraunt in St. Helens how incredibly expensive it can be to 'eat out' and having to endure terrible food served with an air of disdane in an atmosphere of artificial, disposable detachment. Given the above experience, when I got the final bill from the Derby Arms which included two delightful drinks and two outstanding courses, wonderful atmosphere, caring service and other customers who said hello...only a real fool would even consider visiting the former place to eat. I guess, I am using this comparison to say, that at a time when we are having to make cuts and difficult choices, there are still places you can really enjoy, that serve peerless food and offer great value for money. I am delighted The Derby Arms still has its sparkle, its class and its soul. Thank you for bringing back happy memories and making a new one. Best wishes, Paul.

Visited here for my Mum's birthday for Sunday lunch with the family. Service was excellent, very attentive waitresses and friendly. The food was very reasonably priced and very tasty. We all had three courses, only criticism is that my husband and I had beef and it was over cooked, I would have preferred it pink, but apart from that it was really good. Nice traditional pub with great food.

Second recent visit for an afternoon pint but probably the last due to incessant foul language from customers in the bar. The staff seem happy with the situation as one of them joined them on their break!

Another superb lunch. Food, staff ambience, all excellent. If you haven't tried The Derby Arms in Rainford, you don't know what you're missing.

Casual dining with excellent home made food and excellent service. Only discovered this place recently and now visit several times a month. Always busy advisable to book. Staff very friendly and efficient. The food is good traditional English pub grub cooked with first class ingredients. Excellent value for money especially there set lunch. Would highly recommend.

Delicious lunch ! We chose the festive menu. There was ample food, vegetables were piping hot, turkey and trimmings were perfect. Great service too

Had a delicious meal last night. Food was very tasty and very good value for money. Staff very friendly. Can only recommend and will definitely go back.

We have been for lunch and the food is absolutely gorgeous and the staff are very helpful and so pleasant would definitely recommend Derby Arms to anyone and we will be going back very soon

Called in on the off chance on a Saturday afternoon and the place was heaving. The lunch menu is very reasonable and there was plenty of choice. We were served promptly by friendly staff and found a place for 4 even though we hadn't booked. I found the fish gougons a bit greasy, could have done with placing on absorbent paper before serving but tasted fine. I am most happy that I have finally found a place that realises that not every non-drinker wants to drink diet or full fat coke. I prefer lemonade and am much happier with diet lemonade - never found that in a pub before today so well done this landlord.

What a quaint traditional pub. Pleasantly surprised by the lovely interior. Really clean & comfortable throughout. Warm welcome from the staff. Every one of our 13 group was extremely happy with all our individual meals. The food was served altogether and was served hot even though they were very busy. Very affordable food and drink too. We had a lovely get together and plan to return in the near future. Thank you so much!

While visiting family I went for lunch with my Mum and Sister. We normally go to The Star Inn in Rainford but we arrived to find that they don’t do food on a Tuesday so the barman recommended trying The Derby (a pub none of us had been in). On walking into the Derby the first thing you notice is the delicious smell of food and the faces of smiling, friendly staff. The two main rooms were busy but still plenty of tables to choose from in the bar area. We were given our menus and the drinks order was taken almost immediately after sitting down. The menus (main menu, lunch menu, specials menu) offer a wide variety of meals to suit all budgets and tastes. I had the Spanish Tortilla topped with Brie and Red Onion Chutney served with salad and a side of chips to share. It was absolutely delicious and I particularly liked the Brie on top which I’ve never tried on a Tortilla. The chips were perfectly crispy. My mum had the Strips of Chicken Breast in a peppercorn sauce with chips, rice and veg. She throughly enjoyed her meal although the large portions (especially of chicken) proved to be too much for her so they kindly put the remainder in a foil container to take home. My sister had a very light lunch of Tomato and Bell Pepper soup (and shared my fries) which she said was the best she’d ever had and she loved the chips too. We were all extremely pleased with everything about the Derby including the beautifully kept and very clean ladies toilets. Highly recommended and we will definitely be returning.

Had a lunch with friends. Great fresh food. Despite being very busy the staff were fantastic. We never waited for drinks. They are very attentive and friendly.

What a gem , first visit and will be back .On arrival was greeted by very polite young girl, shown to our reserved table the menu is very good specials as well .I had chicken breast in BBQ sauce lovely salad no rocket thank god coleslaw and plenty of chips pipping hot husband had pork burger stuffed with black pudding & cheese again a great salad coleslaw an chips .We we’re so full but waited a while and decided to have desserts glad we did . So full. The staff very attentive and polite. The prices of food is really good , compared to some places we have been to. They have car park at the back is very convenient.

Never let down by the quality of food, service and atmosphere in this still traditional pub. Menu full of tempting specials. Glad to see local resourced meats, fresh vegetables and wait for it .... Real chips.

I'd forgotten how delicious the food is here at the Derby Arms, as we haven't visited since the first lockdown. Three of us went last night, we all had different meals, each of us thoroughly enjoyed our food, in fact we didn't want the meals to end! The portions were very generous, the food is all freshly prepared and of a very high quality. The service we received was pleasant and efficient, with the feeling that everyone was glad to be getting back to 'normal', and to have customers back at this lovely friendly pub. We will continue to be regular customers.

Visited over Christmas period and was a little disappointed after reading the excellent reviews. Cosy pub nice atmosphere but the food was nothing special, over generous in portions and not cheap - £12 for a roast dinner. May try again but nowhere near the great value and tasty food at the Hopvine. Covid safe.

Another fabulous meal at the Derby Arms Rainford,always great, really lovely food and great staff, thank you X

Service was good food is delicious plenty of it piping hot best peppercorn sauce ever pub is very COVID safe and all staff are aware people coming without masks were given them definitely recommend

What an exceptional and remarkable place! The service is second to none. The food is by far the nicest, tastiest and most beautiful food! It’s so fresh and piping hot, you just cannot fault anything!! Hats off to them!!

Amazing service as always and the food is amazing 5 stars without a doubt. The staff are so attentive and look after all your requests.

The Derby has been in Rainford since i was a teen, since the refurbishment few years back it has been operating in a excellent way. Clean pub with great safety measures!

rose is a really good waitress, very nice, very polite really enjoyed the experience -flat earth mike

Called for a drink wasn’t asked for details wasn’t prompted to record my details by staff . Pubs desperate to stay open so come on do your bit !

First time i have been to The Derby Arms and it won't be the last, lovely pub and spacious interior, the staff are very friendly and see to your every need, there were ten of us for a bit of a get together after the restrictions due to Covid-19 and we couldn't have chosen a better place for it, the meals were piping hot and delicious and great portions as well, we will definitely be back

Family booking for my nephew birthday, Covid restrictions in place and cleaning scheduled in place, felt totally safe. Service was quick and friendly and food was super fresh and very tasty. Will be going back

Excellent food, service and cleanliness but £21.50 for a bottle of House White???? Oh dear!!! Excellent procedures for COVID 19 requirements

Lucky to have this as a local! Have eaten at the Derby numerous times. The food is always amazing with a good choice on the menu. Friends who haven’t been before commented on how nice it was and will return again. Staff are lovely, friendly and attentive. Gorgeous interior and nice outdoor seating area too. Cannot fault anything and would highly recommend!

My wife and I have visited on more than one occasion both for a lunch time, and evening meals. The food has always been first class. Reasonably priced and served at table by very courtous and friendly staff. Am looking forward to my next visit.

Second visit here first time before Xmas and returned again tonight great food again good drinks selection great relaxing atmosphere with lovely friendly caring staff top of my list of places to eat in the ST Helens area normally have to travel out of town to get decent food cannot fault this place I eat out all over the country through work and have eaten out in lots of countries due to work great to have this place to go to good honest home cooked food how it should be going top make a night out of it next time and get a taxi in

we booked on saturday for sunday lunch no problem all easily sorted, on arrival as usual shown to our seat drinks order taken and given menu, loads of lovely choice from sunday roast with a choice of four different meats, i decided on rump of lamb with blackpudding mash potato veg and gravy my partner had thai chicken with salad and couldnt complain about a thing, (aahhh) it was lovely as were the young ladies who waited on our table they were really pleasant happy and helpful ,, it was a pleasure to visit in spite of the thick fog outside making driving a bit of a pain but had no problem either the derby arms is spotlessly clean throughtout with a lovely outside sitting area (not today though bbrrr) and we look forward to more visits in the future

This is a real ole fashioned pub type with open burning log fire very friendly staff a large selection of drinks and great menu called in hear as seen the reviews, and we were not disappointed.As soon as we came in we were made welcome and shown to a table. For starters I had the black pudding and mash potato and my wife had the garlic bread with cheeseBoth where fantastic and lots of flavour and then I had the Sunday roast with an extra meat and my wife had the fish and chips. And again the plates where very generous portions, and we both could not eat it all. The staff kept coming around to see if we needed anything. This is one of are top places to eat from now on and we will be recommending it to all are family and friends.This pub also welcomes dog owners in who have been walking and children also .

Had lunch here today, with my husband and dad. The lunchtime special is great value, and the food is delicious! Third time this week that I've eaten here, at different times of the day, so that speaks volumes. There is a lovely ambience in the pub, and the staff can't do enough for you, they are so pleasant and helpful. I've never had a bad meal here. We'll all be returning, and I've reccomended friends and family to give it a try.

I would highly recommend this pub I had the roast dinner and my partner has the gammon. Excellent homemade chips and roast dinner everything was could from fresh. The staff wgere very friendly. We found this pub on a ride out I am glad we found this.

Went on the off-chance for lunch brilliant food, service, and atmosphere and you must try sticky toffee pudding with custard

Been coming to this pub for about 5 years even had our wedding here. Visited on 31st October..for evening meal.. two choices one which came not as described on menu ..second meal under cooked .. staff acknowledged our complaint and changed meals accordingly. Second choices still poor .. disappointed as this is our local and has always been up to now consistently good ..

We were out for an evening meal with friends and this restaurant was recommended by them. The write ups were good too so we booked a table. The menu is good with lots of different choices and a specials board most nights. My friend and I had the pate, her husband had the homemade mushroom soup and my husband had battered halloumi with salad as our starters. We (all 4 of us) opted for the pan fried lamb with black pudding, all served with fresh veg. It didn't disappoint. I have to say the food was delicious and the portion sizes generous. We had no room for dessert but there were some lovely ones on the menu. Bread and butter pudding, cheesecake etc. We had a lovely evening, in a lovely setting.

I visited here for my birthday meal with Family. It was great for a big group and pub grub! Food was lovely and big portions! We had a lovely time

Just managed to get a early table, good selection of lunch menu, fairly busy but nice atmosphere, food served quick by friendly waitress, reasonably priced and quite tasty.

Came here mid afternoon, it was fairly busy and the food was nice. Service could do with a smile but overall was good food and was out fast. 👍

My wife and I had lunch on Wednesday at this pub/restaurant with some friends.We enjoyed the food very much, we all had fish and chips which was delicous, in fact we were all so full that we could not manage a sweet which was a shame as I wanted to try the bread and butter pudding. Overall the meal was good value with the addition of a pint of Wainwright's bitter thrown in. This is a typical pub with a nice relaxed atmosphere with good service from a couple of young ladies serving,we will definitely go back.

Never tire of visiting this restaurant. Visited with a friend, she had chicken curry then chocolate brownie for dessert. I had my usual burger cooked to perfection with real home cooked chips, with the most delicious fresh strawberry cheesecake for dessert. The food in this restaurant is consistently outstanding. Fresh, tasty, hot and beautifully presented. To top the food are the staff. Absolutely the most friendly and accommodating team ever. They obviously enjoy their jobs and are always, without exception, really lovely.

Arrived early after booking a table staff were great very welcoming food was excellent we both had the roast lunches me pork partner beef loads of meat veg was delicious drinks a tad expensive but would definitely recommend and return service was impeccable loved it

Called in the Derby Arms last week for lunch. Nice clean friendly pub. Our orders were soon taken and we really enjoyed the freshly cooked food. Would definitely recommend.

As a fairly local lad, I have only ever really attended this pub for a drink. On this one occassion however, I attended after being suit fitted for my best friend's wedding and we took his dad and the father-in-law to be for some lunch as they're getting on a bit.

Great pub, cosy and oddly worldly, great food and atmosphere. Doeskin feel like the usual chain place. Much nicer

Had an excellent meal last Saturday night.. food couldn’t be faulted and neither could the service. Bit cramped in the restaurant as there’s not a lot of room but it was ok. So specials bar for “doubles” which makes it expensive if your in there for the night.

A group of 15, everyone’s food came out together and was piping hot, delicious and the portion sizes are amazing! Can’t wait to come back!

visited the derby arms for my mums birthday.

Recently visited the Derby Arms in Rainford and greeted by very friendly staff on arrival. Spacious areas to eat, good choices of food and reasonable priced drinks. We had a ham and chicken pie with all the trimmings and it was gorgeous. This place is well worth a visit highly recommended.

We had a very enjoyable lunch here. The menu was varied with a good selection of dishes to choose from. The food was really nice and well presented and the service was very efficient. We will certainly go there again.

11 came here for my sons birthday and the food was fabulous. Kids meals really good value and the adults meals good value for money and good portions. Staff very polite. Little play area for the kids. All had a lovely time and will definitely be back.

Dog friendly and comfy and the staff were very affable. Whilst the main menu was fairly uninspiring, we did opt for a couple of specials which, to be fair were very reasonable. They have several cask ales and a beer garden and it’s obviously popular with the locals. Might not rush back for the food but otherwise worth a revisit.

Great food, great service, lovely and cosy place. Good choice of beers. I'd recommend this place to anyone

A group of about 30 spent the day in the beer garden at The Derby on Good Friday. It's a great pub, has a lovely atmosphere and offers a great selection of beers and gins. The great weather on the day helped but The Derby offers a very pleasant day out with friends.

my wife phoned to book a table for 730 on the sat night the lady on the phone was so helpful we arrived about 1hr before and had drinks outside i went in to the bar and the staff were so helpfull nad fast service when we went in for our meai we were given plenty of time to make our minds up before we ordered the starts came and they were so nice and well presented and good value for money the mains then arrived again were very good my freind had fish and chips and he said it was the best he had ever had everone in our group of 4 had a really good meal and a lovely time thank you so much to all the staff for making our visit enjoyable

Lovely food in very pleasant surroundings served by helpful friendly staff. Our food was freshly cooked and as we dined from the special lunch menu very reasonably priced too.

As far as pub food goes it’s what you want and expect. Nice friendly staff The menu has good options and cooked well. Pub grub as it should be

Always a good meal but need more choice for Veggies. Very pleasant and always a good pint too. recommended.

Today 14 of us met up for a lunchtime meal and catch up. There is a good size car park at the rear but it’s stairs access at the rear.

Great food and lovely staff. Bread and Butter pudding is one of he best we have tasted. the fish gorgons are equally as tasty.

Lovely establishment with a very warm welcome. We were directed to our table and was allowed time to peruse the menu. The portions are very large and extremely tasty Well Recommended

Lovely cosy pub, great for an evening with friends. TV had sport on but volume down so wasn’t intrusive to conversation. Array of beers/ciders was ok but could have been better. Great friendly staff.

Good experience all round at Derby Arms. Four members of our family dined here today. All our meals were delicious, from steak, fish and chips, to tender roast beef, and tasty desserts! Food was locally sourced which is good to know. Service was great too. Will definitely be back in future.

Heard lots of mixed reviews but we decided to go and make our own minds up. Not disappointed. Food and service was excellent. Definate go again. Portions are large so I wouldn't have a starter and main course next time.

Its not the first time my family and I have been here, the staff are just lovely and friendly, but the food is amazing too, homeade chips to die for and beer battered onion rings, and who would think a toasted sandwich could taste so amazing, last time I was there I ordered their fish also cooked lovely, so pleased to have such a lovely pub close to where I live x

Called in last night after hearing good reviews. Wasnt disappointed.

This is one of our local pubs and we have been here lots of times. We have never had a bad meal the food is always amazing especially the steak pie . The bar has a fantastic range of gins & the staff are great

The Derby, always provides great service and exquisite food.

A group of about 20 of us (including children) visited a few days before Christmas. The pub was busy, as you would expect, but we were able to find space and have a lovely afternoon and evening. The service was great and The Derby are always willing to accommodate you if possible. This is my personal favourite of the pubs in Rainford and, although we didn't have anything other than chips on this visit, the food is always very good.

I go here quite a lot . There fixed price menu is excellent,served between 12-5 weekdays and Saturdays ,lots of choice. Staff are brilliant ,great atmosphere,Sunday lunch is excellent too .really worth a visit.

We popped in for a drink over Christmas, the food looked delicious, so much that we have booked for the weekend, the portions looked huge....looking forward to going!

The meal was for 24 people, we had a room to ourselves and was a great success. The food was well prepared and presented. Hot and tasty. The staff were excellent and service first class. Of special not was the attention paid to members who had dietary issues. Gluten Free was no problem and great lengths were gone to to ensure the individual was catered for.

We attended in a large group of around 13 and everything went smoothly. The food was great and the staff friendly and efficient. The prices are very fair, and they don't compromise quality. The only (minor) issue was a single starter ended up on the wrong tab out of 3 tabs we had running. The staff quickly rectified the situation.

excellent meal , fitted our group into the snug at short notice , meals excellent , service spot on . atmosphere in the pub spot on , décor excellent and overall a very friendly pub. would recommend for any event .

Visited Sunday (yesterday) for a meal with 17 family members including three young children. Couldn't fault the eagerness of the young staff to ensure we had a good time. They were well organised and made a great fuss of the children. Food was good quality pub food. All arrived in a timely way with children's meals with adult starters as asked for. Nice range of beers on the pumps too. Happy to recommend.

Brilliant. 8 of us came here to celebrate my dad's 70th birthday as it is one of his favourite places. It did not disappoint. Service from all the staff was excellent and very friendly and despite being busy, they did not appear to be overwhelmed at all. The food was excellent, Home made chips were perfect, All meals were piping hot and portions were BIG. Huge credit to the chefs. Can not recommend this place enough.

First visit to the Derby Arms for many years. Chose the light lunch option and so glad we did. The potions were extremely generous and equally delicious and the service was excellent.

Found this pub by accident, but what a gem. Have only been 4 times at the moment but will keep going back. Food and service is excellent. Took friends the last time and they want to go back. Recommend it to everyone

Booked seating in the restaurant for 14 of us for Sunday Lunch a couple of weeks ago. The service and food where top notch. There was a mix of ages from 5 to adults all very happy with the food. The staff where helpful and had a very happy atitude. Could not find any faults here will be back again.

Fantastic fantastic. Great little village pub. Food is great. Lovley gardens and out side eating and drinking. One of my favourites.

I eat out quite a bit and have had many good and bad experiences. The pub is a great place, plenty of selection and a few draught real ales.

Had a delicious meal today. Friendly attentive staff. This was our first visit but it definitely will not be our last.

Great food. Fabulous staff. Great chef and kitchen staff. Well looked after at this pub. All good is freshly cooked.

The food here is always lovely with a good selection on the set menu on a Sunday which is usually when we go. They do a great salt and pepper chicken to start which I have had more than once. Good selection of gins and a relaxed cosy feel to the place, the only reason I haven’t given five stars is sometimes the service for drinks is a little slow and the attentiveness of floor staff could be better with check backs on meals. Over all though lovely place, the manager has done a great job!

Went with my partner and two friends on Bank Holiday Monday. Service very good and friendly. I had a lovely bacon, black pudding and duck salad. Loads of the three main ingredients . My partner had the tortilla, which she also enjoyed. Our friends were also pleases with their choices. Good value and food so would definitely go again.

Great food, dogs allowed, good atmosphere on quiz night, very friendly staff, beer garden great. Good selection of Gins and wine

Went for lunch yersterday excellent hot beef sandwich and great chips service was great nothing was a problem

We have eaten here lots. Lovely cosy independent pub serving great food from a varied menu. All food is fresh and ordered daily , nothing frozen. Service also excellent. All girls are polite and very helpful x

Absolutely beautiful sunday lunch . Very reasonably priced and top quality food and service . Waitress service to take orders for drinks and food . All staff are very attentive . Great range of cask beers and gins . Well done Derby Arms . Best food for miles .

Called in with a friend last minute decision, and had a lovely meal. The portions are generous and the food delicious.

Fab food, good service, nice beer, happy days. Try the fish and chips medium, loads of food and very tasty

the last time we dined here although the meal was fine we found the staff to lacking, ask for a desert menu, off she went , didnt come back,, asked for the bill and eventually had to go and find someone myself to pay, sadly this was our last visit to the derby arms