Community, Coast, and Character: The Pinewoods of Formby
Tucked between the golden sands of Formby Beach and the famous National Trust Pinewoods lies a true gem of a pub — The Pinewoods.
Loved by locals and a welcome stop for visitors, this is the kind of place that captures everything great about British pub life: friendly faces, hearty food, and the comforting sense that everyone belongs.
Now entering an exciting new chapter as it transitions into Stonegate’s Leased & Tenanted division, The Pinewoods presents an incredible opportunity for a hands-on publican to take a thriving, well-loved pub and make it their own.
A classic coastal pub with local soul
The Pinewoods has that rare, instantly inviting atmosphere. Step through the door, and you’re greeted by a spacious, traditional interior filled with warmth and chatter.
At the heart of the pub is a well-stocked bar serving cask ales, lagers, and gins — complemented by large HD screens that make it a favourite for live sport. The dining areas are comfortable and versatile, suited just as well to a family meal as they are to a casual pint after a walk through the woods.
The commercial kitchen is well-equipped and ready for a strong food-led offer, with clear potential to develop further — from weekday lunches and Sunday roasts to a new carvery-style concept that would sit perfectly with Formby’s family and visitor trade.
Outside, the beer garden and large car park create a real focal point for summer days. There’s plenty of potential to enhance the outdoor space with family-friendly features — a kids’ play zone, local markets, or even community car boot events — giving the pub even more ways to bring people together.
A pub with heart — and opportunity
Formby’s Pinewoods aren’t the only thing that draws people back here time and again. It’s the people themselves.
This pub has long been at the centre of its community — a place where everyone’s welcome, whether they’re watching the match, celebrating a birthday, or enjoying a quiet pint after a coastal walk.
Regular quiz nights, darts matches, and sport screenings create a sense of rhythm through the week, while the Cask Marque accreditation ensures beer lovers are never disappointed.
Now, under a new model, there’s real potential to take The Pinewoods to the next level — keeping its charm while introducing new ideas, fresh energy, and modern hospitality touches.
The kind of operator who’ll thrive here
The Pinewoods is calling out for an experienced, community-focused operator — someone who’s as passionate about people as they are about food and great service.
You might be a family team or couple who loves the idea of living onsite, running a warm, family-friendly pub, and becoming a true part of local life. You’ll be comfortable chatting to regulars at the bar one minute and leading a busy lunch service the next.
The ideal operator will:
Bring a genuine passion for food and service.
Understand the Formby community and seasonal visitor trade.
Be entrepreneurial, spotting ways to grow — from outdoor events to kids’ activities.
Embrace social media and community marketing to keep the pub front of mind.
Be organised, personable, and consistent in maintaining top standards.
As one regional manager put it:
“The Pinewoods is one of those pubs that just feels right the moment you walk in. It’s warm, it’s welcoming, and it’s loved by the people around it. But it also has huge potential for the right person to make it even better.”
Living and working by the coast
The Pinewoods offers not just a business, but a lifestyle.
With four-bedroom private accommodation, this is a genuine home-from-home opportunity — ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in both business and community life. The surrounding area of Formby is picturesque and well-connected, offering sandy beaches, woodland walks, and a lively local high street filled with independent shops and cafés.
It’s a town that combines tranquillity with a strong year-round trade — drawing visitors for its nature reserves, cycling routes, and stunning coastal views.
For a family-minded operator, it’s an enviable place to live and work.
Why this opportunity stands out
Well-established, high-potential site in a sought-after coastal town.
Strong community following and loyal customer base.
Room for creative growth — food, outdoor trade, events.
Spacious beer garden and car park ideal for family and tourist appeal.
Stable, experienced team and ready-to-trade operation.
Attractive private accommodation, ideal for owner-operators.
It’s rare to find a pub that already feels like a success story yet still offers so much untapped potential. For the right publican, The Pinewoods is exactly that — a chance to build something lasting, local, and loved.