Pubs in Liverpool

Polly Checkland Harding

Alcohol is, to paraphrase Homer Simpson, the cause of, and solution to, all of life’s problems. This may be one of the reasons why Liverpool has seen something of a renaissance of the old-fashioned boozer. Over the past few years, local heroes such as The Philharmonic, The Baltic Fleet and (the recently revamped) Fly in the Loaf have all tidied themselves up. It seems us Scousers have become more discerning in our tastes, preferring to drink our ale in a place where everybody knows your name, the football is always on and you’re sure to get a decent pint, which might even have been brewed by a super cool craft brewery.

Our top picks

The Bridewell

The Bridewell, 1 Campbell Square, Liverpool, L1 5FB - Visit now

The Bridewell is a former Victorian police station that is now a Grade II listed award-winning pub. This place was originally a 19th century cop shop called the Campbell Square Bridewell. Follow in the footsteps of Charles Dickens and enjoy a tot of rum or two in the converted jail cells with original heavy doors and hatches. The walls could definitely tell a good story or two.

The Bridewell Pub
The Bridewell: Photo © Vicky Andrews

Ship and Mitre

Ship and Mitre, 133 Dale Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L2 2JH - Visit now

The interior of this Liverpool boozer echoes a ship’s gallery, with nautical nods throughout. The Ship & Mitre has the largest selection of hand pulled ales in Merseyside and around 200 draught and bottled beers – take guidance from knowledgeable staff. Recognised as a CAMRA Pub of Excellence, it also serves up traditional pub food made to order.

SHIP & MITRE
The Ship & Mitre

The Baltic Fleet

The Baltic Fleet, 33A Wapping, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 8DQ - Visit now

Liverpool’s only brewpub – a no-frills boozer with a cellar full of fermenting hops. Dating back to the mid-1800s, the pub is rumoured to be haunted, with secret tunnels beneath it (which is where they mature the casks of beer). There’s a patio for summer and a traditional wood burning stove for winter.

The Baltic Fleet Liverpool

The Grapes Liverpool

The Grapes Liverpool, 60 Roscoe St, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 9DW - Visit now

Known as ‘The Little Grapes’, this pub on Knight Street sits inside a very old building and benefits from old-fashioned values. It’s a laid back pub with top-notch beer, friendly service and host to one of the city’s most popular jazz nights on a Sunday.

The Grapes Pub, Liverpool
The Grapes. Photo © Vicky Andrews

The Caledonia Liverpool

The Caledonia Liverpool, 22 Caledonia St, Liverpool, Merseyside, L7 7DX - Visit now

Live music sets The Caledonia apart – with regular folk, jazz and soul performances. There’s also a community bookshelf on top of the pianos at the end of the bar, a good selection of real ale and, as summed up by the pub’s Facebook page ‘Great People. Random Banter. Dogs’.

The Caledonia Liverpool
The Caledonia

Peter Kavanagh’s

Peter Kavanagh’s, 2-6 Egerton Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L8 7LY

One of the most intriguing pubs in the city, Peter Kavanagh’s has been run by, you guessed it, Peter Kavanagh for over a half century. City councillor, inventor and still-life painter in his spare time, Kavanagh has fostered a pub that’s all about its punters – some are even lined up on the bar, their ashes in urns, having chosen the place as their final resting spot. A fabulously eclectic place.

Peter Kavanagh's pub in Liverpool.
Paul Holloway

Hobo Kiosk

Hobo Kiosk, 9 Bridgewater Street, Liverpool, L1 0AR - Visit now

Hobo Kiosk is completely unique to anything else you’ll find in Liverpool and is one of the city’s most fun and welcoming watering holes. It’s a haven from the flash and dash of city life where you can relax into a booth with a good book, a notepad, your knitting, an old-time newspaper or magazine from their cool collection of curiosities. Great selection of local ales, gin and coffee.

Hobo Kiosk Liverpool
Hobo Kiosk. Photo © Vicky Andrews

Where to go in Liverpool

Liverpool
Tourist Attraction
The Cavern Club

This Beatles favourite music venue has seen not only the biggest band in the world, but much around it – from 1950s Jazz and 21st Century indie rock.

Liverpool
Bar or Pub
Hangar 34

Hangar 34 is a huge warehouse, dedicated to live music, nightlife, exhibitions and much more. It’s always worth checking out.

Liverpool
Event venue
Eric’s Live

This lively music venue in Liverpool is situated on the famous Matthew Street, music lovers heaven.

Liverpool
Bar or Pub
Frederik’s

Frederik’s neighbourhood kitchen & bar has been the hub of the Georgian Quarter since 2013. Award winning cocktails and a great Sunday roast!

Liverpool
Bar or Pub
Azvex Brewing and Taproom

Azvex Brewing and Taproom, on Liverpool waterfront, make delicious beer that you can drink in house or get ordered straight to your door.

Vice Liverpool
Liverpool
Bar or Pub
Vice Liverpool

Vice is a new nightclub and bar in Liverpool, featuring neon lights, zebra-style flooring and a glossy white Ferrari taking centre stage.

Tempest on Tithebarn
Liverpool
Restaurant
Tempest on Tithebarn

Tempest on Tithebarn is a huge industrial bar, serving up high-quality small plates and cocktails. It features regular live music performances and has a roof terrace with great views.

Hobo Kiosk Liverpool
Baltic Triangle
Bar or Pub
Hobo Kiosk

‘Good Beer and Fine Company’ is the motto at Hobo Kiosk and that’s exactly what you’ll get.

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