Alongside our world famous football clubs, our iconic museums, the thriving music scene and our historic architecture, Liverpool is a pretty special place to go for a drink.
While 2020 might have thrown some - a lot - of challenges our way, we’ve got big hopes for 2021.
Things may not be back to how they used to be, but Liverpool has spent months adapting to the ‘new normal’, so no matter what kind of night out, post-work pint or lunchtime tipple you're after, Liverpool has plenty of bars and pubs on offer to suit everyone - whether you’re a local or a tourist.
In no particular order, here are 47 bars you just have to try this year:
Berry & Rye
Tucked away on Berry Street, this little bar seems like a city centre secret.
Reminiscent of old-fashioned speakeasies, guests have to knock on the darkened door and hope there’ll be enough room inside to visit.
Jazz music plays while the extensive cocktail menu is hidden in vintage books to add to the illusion of secrecy.
48 Berry Street, L1 4JQ
Boujee
New bar and restaurant Boujee opened in Liverpool ONE just before Christmas, and promises to be the city’s ‘most Instagrammable’ venue.
Inside, visitors can find a giant candy area, themed 'pool party' and 'Alice in Boujeeland' areas as well as a VIP and private dining room too.
It is set across two floors, covering around 9,600 sq ft, and offers a family-friendly environment during the day before creating an evening atmosphere in the nighttime.
Liverpool One, Kenyons Steps, Liverpool L1 3DF
Super Megabite
Inside the former Slim’s Pork Chop Express on Seel Street, Super Megabite is a gourmet chicken takeaway and hidden retro arcade.
The venue opened in December 2019, taking visitors on a nostalgic experience, offering a range of dishes and 20 different arcade machines.
Gamers can choose between Operation Wolf, Golden Axe, Street Fighter II Super or Turbo, Wonder Boy, Wrestle Mania, Tetris, Donkey Kong, PAC Man, NBA Jam, Paper Boy and many more.
79 Seel St, Liverpool L1 4BB
The Denbigh Castle
Based on Hackins Hey, off Dale Street, The Denbigh Castle was a city centre landmark for well over a century - and now it is back.
The pub reopened with its original name in July 2020, after being known as Walter’s and Jupiters over the years.
10 Hackins Hey, Liverpool L2 2AW
Avenue
The Victoria Street nightclub opened in March , just before the government lockdown.
Described as “Liverpool’s prettiest place to party” the venue is now back open and guests can make table reservations and booth bookings in advance.
Inside you will find a ball pit, swing and plenty of neon lights and selfie backdrops.
3 Victoria St, Liverpool L2 5QA
Ripolin
A fully vegan bar, Ripolin is the sister venue to Down the Hatch, with both venues on Duke Street. It has a late licence serving vegan cocktails and bar snacks until 2pm and opened in August 2020 after its launch was delayed due to the pandemic.
Basement, 62 Duke St, Liverpool L1 5AA
Abditory
Based on the beautiful Queen Avenue, Abditory opened last November.
Describing itself as a “friendly neighbourhood gathering place” the bar was designed to be a comfortable hideaway and somewhere to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Alongside its drinks menu, Abditory offers a selection of filled toasties, including Katsu with fried chicken, curry sauce and pickled ginger, plus a house charcuterie board and cheese selection.
22 Queen Ave, Liverpool L2 4TZ
The Little Taproom
A new micropub and distillery on Aigburth Road, The Little Taproom is owner's Si Vanderbelt and Aggy Perreau's vision of the 'perfect little pub'.
Focusing on providing a range of different options, the micropub serves up to six real ales and ciders, eight craft beers and a range of spirits, many of which are distilled on site.
Each of the products distilled on the premises support local causes and charities, including Freshfields Animal Rescue and Friends of Sefton Park.
278 Aigburth Rd, Liverpool L17 9PJ
The Oracle
Based in the city centre on Duke Street, The Oracle is an 1800s themed bar inspired by Victorian gambling dens.
The bar features opulent marble fireplaces, dim lighting and cosy furnishing to create the perfect atmosphere.
The Oracle also features magicians who perform close-up acts of magic, including sleight of hand and psychological techniques to astound guests.
92 Duke St, Liverpool L1 5AG
Abbey Road Bar and Kitchen
Abbey Road opened in 2020 inside the former Pen & Wig on Harrington Street .
Inside Abbey Road, there are Beatles and Liverpool-theme artwork created by Paul Curtis who is known for his work around the city including the Baltic Triangle's famous wings.
There is also a games room and screens to show live football and other sports.
11-17 Harrington St, Liverpool L2 9QA
NQ64
Based inside the former Aloha on Colquitt Street, NQ64 is an underground drinking den filled with retro games and classic consoles.
The arcade offers a trip down memory lane for visitors, with 80s classics like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong and Space Invaders and 90s favourites such as the N64, Megadrive and SNES.
22 Colquitt St, Liverpool L1 4DE
The Ink In The Well
Lark Lane welcomed The Ink in the Well just in time for Christmas, after it opened inside the former Chy Chinese Restaurant.
The pub is one of Lark Lane’s larger venues, featuring two bars and seating available across the ground and first floors.
The Ink in the Well is open from 9.30am seven days a week, serving brunch, fair trade tea and coffee until mid afternoon, lunch from midday and an array of locally sourced, organic and vegan dishes of an evening.
43-45 Lark Ln, Liverpool L17 8UW
Lerpwl
Liverpool-born chef Ellis Barrie, who is known for his appearances on BBC Two’s Great British Menu , opened his first restaurant in the city, alongside his brother Liam in 2020.
Pronounced ‘Ler-pool’, the restaurant aims to recognise the brothers’ links to Liverpool and North Wales, with Lerpwl fittingly translating as the Welsh name for the city.
Pronounced ‘Ler-pool’, the restaurant aims to recognise the brothers’ links to Liverpool and North Wales, with Lerpwl fittingly translating as the Welsh name for the city.
Britannia Pavilion, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AD
Bobo bar
Bobo Bar opened inside the former Veeno site on Castle Street in September 2020, from the team behind Abditory Bar which is based closed by on Queens Avenue - one of the city's most-loved streets.
The venue is an Iberian Wine Bar serving tapas dishes and a range of cheeses - and the site is dog friendly too.
46 Castle St, Liverpool L2 7LA
Wolf & Waffle
Wolf & Waffle opened its doors on Berry Street in August 2020, inside the former Neon Jamon, serving up something for everyone including vegan and gluten free options.
The bar is just steps from the Chinese Arch with its interior featuring a bright bar space with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Wolf & Waffle also features a beer garden alongside the bar area.
34 Berry St, Liverpool L1 9DF
Mojo
A rock and roll themed cocktail bar serving a variety of rums where guests are encouraged to dance on the tables.
The bar opened in 1996 and prides itself on being a party venue so it’s an ideal spot to visit on a big night out.
The Stables, Back Berry Street, L1 4LG
The Merchant
With a huge selection of spirits and craft beers, the Merchant is a laid back city centre bar that provides a quirky spot for a pint or a pizza.
With its stripped back walls, hanging lush green plants and expansive beer garden, it’s worth popping in for a drink all year round.
40 S later Street, L1 4BX
The Jacaranda
Another Slater Street venue, this pub is popular among music lovers for its selection of vinyl record players that are littered around the space.
It serves cocktails, beers and even hot drinks while hit music plays.
21-23 Slater Street, L1 4BW
The Albert
A down-to-earth, traditional style pub in the heart of bohemian Lark Lane, the historic pub offers a range of gins, craft beers and independent ales.
The popular south Liverpool pub also hosts live bands and quiz nights.
66-68 Lark Lane, L17 8UU
Red Door
Offering a wide selection of cocktails, this city centre bar is a popular late-night bar that often offers live music.
Cocktails and drinks are free-poured by experienced bartenders, while the roof terrace is worth a visit on warm summer evenings.
21-23 Berry Street, L1 9DF
Frederiks
Nestled between our iconic cathedrals, this Brooklyn-style bar has a selection of craft beers and a popular cocktail menu.
The spacious venue has plenty of seating and sofas surrounding a roaring fireplace, so it’s an appealing spot to visit as the seasons start to change.
32 Hope Street, L1 9BX
Santa Chupitos
If you’re a fan of cocktails, then this is one city centre bar that cannot be missed.
The snug bar boasts a wide variety of cocktails, including its famous Five Dollar Shake which is made with real dairy ice cream, among other equally creative choices.
41 Slater Street, L1 4BX
The Alchemist
Specialising in a concoction of elaborately mixed cocktails, this is one bar definitely worth visiting.
The bar is based in a Grade II listed building and features signature cocktails that are influenced by the elements and expertly mixed by the “mixologists”.
5 Brunswick Street, L2 0UU
Cosy Club
Based in Liverpool ONE, this pub has floor to ceiling windows overlooking the popular shopping area.
There’s golden chandeliers hanging above an extensive range of seating, while the drinks and cocktail menu offer every tipple you could possibly fancy.
37c Paradise St, L1 3EU
Alma de Cuba
Regularly packed with people looking for a good time, this Seel Street bar is housed in a former church and provides customers with an eclectic mix of Cuban, Hispanic and Latin American influences.
There’s often shows featuring Brazilian dancers and fire artists to provide entertainment while enjoying a cocktail or two.
St Peter’s Church, Seel St, L1 4BH
Peter Kavanagh’s
The CAMRA pub of the year for 2019, Peter Kavanagh’s was built in 1844 and has had a host of names throughout its history in Toxteth’s Georgian quarter including The Grapes, Peter’s Hotel and Peter’s.
The pub has a traditional feel thanks to the stained glass windows, wooden shutters, wooden benches and the assortment of photographs adorning its walls.
The popular pub serves a range of ales, ciders and spirits.
2-6 Egerton Street, L8 7LY
The Grapes
A city centre local that was refurbished and extended in 2016, the popular pub occupies a corner plot that is often buzzing with people.
The attractive cream and red building offers live jazz every Sunday and serves beers from local and regional breweries, cider and a variety of rums so whatever your favourite drink may be, there’s something for everyone.
60 Roscoe Street, L1 9DW
Doctor Duncan’s
One of Liverpool’s most ornate pubs, even the tiles in this Victorian style pub are awe-inspiring, decorating the walls and fireplaces throughout the entire building.
The pub serves a selection of cask ales.
Built for Pearl Insurance in 1901, it features medical memorabilia throughout, including a Victorian pharmacy cabinet which is a nod to its namesake, William Henry Duncan, the UK's first medical officer of health.
St John's Lane, Liverpool City Centre, L1 1HF
The Pumphouse
This tourist hotspot is a traditional pub based in a Grade II listed converted Victorian pumphouse.
Overlooking our historic waterfront and docks, the pub serves a wide range of beers, ciders and wines alongside a food menu of pub classics.
There’s an outdoor seating area so visitors can make the most of the iconic view.
Albert Dock, Hartley Quay, L3 4AN
Matou
A must-try on Liverpool’s iconic waterfront, Matou sits above the ferry terminal and offers the perfect place for people watching.
The huge glass frontage offers breathtaking views of the Mersey, the Wirral coastline and, on a clear day, even the hills of Snowdonia.
Matou, 2nd floor ferry terminal, George Parade, Liverpool, L3 1BY
Collective
A hub which is set to be home to five independent businesses, Collective launched at the end of 2019, opening only partially - but with much more to come.
The venue is currently home to The Highball Club, a 1920s themed bar which aims to mirror the lavish parties the era came to be known for.
39 Seel Street, Liverpool, L1 4BX
Crazy Pedro’s
What's better than sitting out and enjoying the sun? Sitting out with pizza and a frozen margarita.
The world-renowned Crazy Pedro's opened its doors on Parr Street in Liverpool city centre late in 2017 and launched a summer terrace ahead of the summer.
With seating on both the ground floor and the second floor, it’s ideal for grabbing a drink after work.
25 Parr St, Liverpool L1 4JN
Birdie’s Bar and BBQ
Based outside of Ghetto Golf, Birdies is part of the Parliament Collective and has quickly become “the place to be”.
Last year, the bar doubled in size after undergoing a revamp and now features two outdoor bars, a large indoor seating area and is home to street-food vendor Apocalypse Cow.
There are a range of drink options available from beers and ciders to a huge cocktail menu.
29-31 Parliament St, Liverpool L8 5RN
Albert's
Having launched at the end of 2019, Albert's might be new to many, but it's definitely worth a visit.
Next door to Heebie Jeebies on Seel Street, inside a former garage, Albert's is split across two floors, the ground floor and basement, with a mezzanine area offering some extra privacy, while there are apartments overhead the bar.
82 Seel Street, Liverpool, L1 4NG
Kazimier Garden
A beer garden, open-air mezzanine and a sun trap all in one, Kazimier Garden is one of Liverpool’s most-loved gems.
The outdoor bar and music venue even stays open in the winter and customers can cosy up by large fire burners.
However, it is particularly beautiful in the sun - and it serves pretty much anything you could want.
32 Seel St, Liverpool L1 4BE
The Dovey
Known for being one of the city's most beautiful pubs- and for its impressive beer garden, The Dovey has a winding history on Penny Lane.
With connections to The Beatles and Freddie Mercury, The Dovey is loved by many in the city, for its huge selection of beverages and for being a great place to soak up the sun,
60 Penny Ln, Liverpool L18 1DG
Ye Cracke
It might be small but it's mighty.
Another pub known for its Beatles connections, Ye Cracke is known for being one of John Lennon's favourite watering holes.
The famous Liverpool pub in Rice Street is popular with regulars for its many charms, including a darts area and a beer garden.
13 Rice St, Liverpool L1 9BB
The Monro
A multi-award winning gastropub in the heart of Liverpool, The Monro has a long Liverpool history dating back to 1815.
The pub offers a retreat, with roaring log fires and Georgian architecture - and plenty of items on the menu too.
92 Duke Street, Liverpool, L1 5AG
The Baltic Fleet
Dating all the way back to the mid-1800s, the Baltic Fleet is a Liverpool tradition, with secret tunnels leading from the cellar to the docklands and the old red light district of Cornhill.
With a roaring fire in the bow of the pub, it's the perfect winter retreat too.
The Baltic Fleet serves up a range of ales, beers, spirits and ciders.
33A Wapping, Liverpool, L1 8DQ
Ma Boyle’s
Ma Boyles isn’t just known for its popular pub quiz but for its delicious food and drink too.
The historic pub dates back to the 1870s but the menu is modern, with traditional afternoon tea featuring alongside bottomless prosecco brunches and two for one burger offers.
Visit for a traditional pub lunch, or plan a day out with friends to take advantage of the "all you can drink" brunches.
Tower Gardens, L3 1LG
The Elephant Pub
Taken over by celebrity chef Simon Rimmer in 2014, the Sunday Brunch star restored this Woolton venue back to its best and made it a community pub again, with quiz nights, live music, summer fetes and more.
And it's got a stunning beer garden too.
1 Woolton Street, L25 5NH
The Lodge
Serving up pub grub alongside cask ales, lager, wines and cocktails, The Lodge offers a gastro pub experience that is popular throughout Liverpool.
The Lodge serves full English breakfasts, Sunday roasts and everything in between, and has an array of beverages on the menu.
33 Lark Ln, Liverpool, L17 8UW
Craft Taproom
Since 2017, Craft Taproom has been bringing the people of Liverpool all their favourite craft beers.
The bar hosts a range of events from Bob Ross parties and quiz nights to Smithdown Road Festival stages.
The venue offers a twist on the classics and is now completely vegan and vegetarian, serving up dishes such as cauliflower wings, seitan burgers, and pie, mash and peas.
174 Smithdown Road, Liverpool, L15 3JR
Duke Street Market
Launched by Graffiti Spirits Group in June 2019, Duke Street Market has been a hit with customers since.
The food hall is home to a 50-cover restaurant, Pilgrim, as well as a range of other vendors including Finca, Indigo Greens and Cinder.
The bar serves everything from draught beers to ice cream cocktails.
46 Duke Street, Liverpool, L1 5AS
Jimmy’s
Inside the former Cabin Club, Jimmy’s is Liverpool’s new music venue.
The bar serves a huge selection of beverages and aims to provide live music seven days a week.
Gigs already planned at Jimmy’s this year include Giant Rocks and Only The Poets.
130 - 132 Bold St, Liverpool L1 4DH
Albert’s Schenke
Inside the former Hub, Albert’s Schenke is a bier hall with more than 20 beers on tap, including special editions, small batches and key keys which change daily.
The restaurant serves up modern takes on classic dishes served across Alpine Europe, while the bar also offers gins, cocktails, prosecco and artisan schnapps.
16 Hanover St, Liverpool L1 4AA
Mason’s Kitchen & Bar
From the team behind EPIC hotels, Mason’s is the chain’s first ever restaurant and bar.
The venue sits 120 people and offers a cocktail lounge for visitors to make the most of the extensive bar.
The menu features dishes such as sharing platters, stone baked pizzas and indulgent desserts.
42 Seel St, Liverpool L1 4AU
