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Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £30 - £49
Cuisine
British, Vegetarian friendly
Ambience
Cosy, Traditional
Food Occasions
Dinner, Lunch, Sunday roast
Perfect for
Child friendly
Food Hygiene Rating
Food Hygiene Rating 5 for Derby Arms

About

Derby Arms is a classic traditional British pub and dining venue located on Church Road in St Helens, positioned in the centre of Rainford village. The area is known for its charming residential character, local shops and proximity to the rolling countryside, including Siding Lane Nature Reserve and Billinge Hill, both popular walking spots. The pub sits within easy reach of St Helens and nearby Merseyside towns, making it a convenient meeting point for both locals and visitors alike.

The building retains much of its historic charm, featuring original beams, a cosy bar area and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It has long served as a community hub, offering a relaxed setting for casual meals, family gatherings and social events. A refurbishment has refreshed the interior while preserving its traditional character, strengthening its role as a focal point within the village.

The menu focuses on classic British pub cuisine, prepared with an emphasis on fresh, homemade dishes. Diners can expect traditional favourites such as roast meats, fish cakes, pub pies, and hearty mains, alongside lighter options and seasonal specials. The pub is particularly well regarded for its Sunday lunch, which features generously sliced roast meats and traditional trimmings. Set lunches and daily specials offer good value, and the kitchen’s commitment to freshly cooked food is frequently highlighted by diners.

The drinks selection includes a range of ales, beers, wines and spirits, complementing the food offering and supporting the pub’s reputation as a friendly, community-focused venue. With its central Rainford location, traditional British menu and longstanding presence in the village, Derby Arms remains a well-established dining and social destination within the wider St Helens area.

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FAQs

Does the pub do Sunday roasts?

Yes the pub does traditional Sunday lunch.

Details

Get directions to Derby Arms
Location
47 Church Road, Rainford, Merseyside, WA11 8EZ

01744 883 712 01744 883 712

Website

Nearest public transport
  • Rail: Rainford Rail Station (approx. 2.0 km straight-line)

Opening Times

All day
Mon 12:00-23:00
Tue 12:00-23:00
Wed 12:00-23:00
Thu 12:00-23:00
Fri 12:00-23:00
Sat 12:00-23:00
Sun 12:00-22:30

Reviews

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1 Review 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Richard M

29 August 2026   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 3
Service 3
Atmosphere 3
Value 2
If the Derby Arms does not improve it is done for!


The Derby Arms is a lovely building in a lovely location. However the atmosphere was lacking. The whole pub was empty when I arrived at 12:30 on a Friday lunchtime apart from two members of staff and it remained very quiet throughout the lunch time session.


I firstly noticed that there were a number of flies in the dining room never a good sign in an eatery.. Irrespective of the actual facts it suggests poor food and waste management behind the scenes and should have been spotted and attended to before the pub was opened for business.


Thirdly the food portions were sparce. I ordered fish and chips. These were obviously freshly fried and were palatable. I understand food is expensive in 2026. But the portion size of the fish was lamentable. It was little more than a goujon!


My companion is local to the Area living within 200 yards of the pub. He was initially reluctant to go to the Derby Arms but I insisted because the pub looked good on the website. His take was that reports on social media were poor identifying the food as the problem. In 2026 I would say food is an essential ingredient in any pub.


I had never visited Rainford before. My review is intended as honest feedback. This pub is struggling and the reasons are set out in my feedback. You have to improve the standard of food hygiene at the site. You have to offer a better value menu proposition.


I felt sorry for your staff. They were helpful when I asked for carrots instead of peas they kindly obliged but what was served up was inedible. Not simply prepared carrot slices or julienne. It was intended I assume to appear rustic but presented as completely unprepared. Dirty, unwashed, unpeeled carrots microwaved to the point of destruction.


It does not take much to do better than this . Get your supplier to improve the quality of the preprepared food you serve. Or simply sack them and get someone better. Clean your kitchen and freshen your dining room before every service. If your profit margin will not support expensive produce don't serve expensive produce in meagre portions just serve something else.


I am not in the pub business. I am in the customer business.

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