Lark Lane is without a doubt one of Liverpool's most lively and iconic streets.
Full of bars, restaurants, traditional pubs and small businesses, it has something for families of all ages, and later in the evening, it turns into a popular place to drink and start the pre-town warm-up party.
Over the last ten years, popular businesses along The Lane have come and gone, but there will always be some new and interesting bar, restaurant or shop to fill the gap.
But it's not just the businesses that make Lark Lane the diverse and quirky street that it is – it's as much the characters that frequent its iconic establishments.
Often thought of as "bohemian" or "studenty", Lark Lane has over the past decade embraced Liverpool's growing sophistication when it comes to artisan, independent businesses and eateries.
So now seems a good time to look at what's changed, what remains, and where we look forward to going first when the lockdown finally ends.
The long-standing businesses that had a well-earned face-lift
The Albert Pub
Built in the 1870s, this legendary watering hole had seen better days until it undertook extensive restoration work in 2017 to take it back to its Victorian roots.
With the £200,000 refurbishment completed and a grand reopening by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, The Albert is now back to its former glory and its legendary open mic nights back in full swing.
Keith's
Perhaps the only drinking establishment more iconic than The Albert on Lark Lane is Keith's winebar.
Usually open after all the other pubs have shut, Keith's has become a popular place for those who are not quite ready for their beds.
With an extensive wine menu and plentiful seating, the only thing to really complain about was, well, the state of the place.
That was until 2017 when Keith's exterior not only got a lick of paint but the inside was completely refurbished with, best of all, a modern working toilet.
What didn't change was the sociable, arty, yet down-to-earth atmosphere that still remains.
The things we miss
The art that adorned the walls of Keith's
Let's just say that before the refurbishment, Keith's had a unique aesthetic when it came to the modernist artwork that could be found covering the cracks in the walls.
And with a new, sophisticated look, out went the man wearing budgie smugglers that would lay on the ground outside Keith's at the first sign of summer.
Chilli Banana
Only recently has this long-established Thai restaurant closed its doors on the Lane.
It will, however, be remembered as an award-winning restaurant that served some of the most authentic and tasty Thai cuisines in the city for many years.
Vinyl
Vinyl was another great place to carry on the night after all the other bars and pubs had called time.
This basement bar was a place for dancing and regularly offered its stage to showcase up-and-coming bands, something that Lark Lane has yet to fully replace.
Things that have changed for the better
Churrasco
Most things are a step up when you used to be a disused public toilet.
But it's fair to say that when Churrasco converted the old public loos at the junction of Lark Lane and Aigburth Road into a sizzle house they were a breath of fresh air.
Bier / Love and Rockets
Bier was a popular bar that sold quality local and foreign beers at the start of the craft ale renaissance.
Love and Rockets, however, has just taken it further with their renovation of the front and side of the building into an attractive sun trap.
A bar/pizza restaurant that really comes into its own on match days – with enough screens so you can see the action on the busiest of afternoons.
And some things never change
Maranto's
Maranto's is a family-run restaurant on the Lane that has served Italian and American-style dishes for 37 years.
The restaurant was first opened by married couple, Steve and Ruth Maranto in February of 1983 and since 2011, it has been run by the couple's youngest daughter, Anna Maranto-Babel.
Maranto's is a great all-rounder for food, drinks, and upstairs is an excellent place to soak up the atmosphere on match day.
There's a good reason it's been there so long.
The wine list at Keith's
You can't really argue with the extensive range of wines to choose from at Keith's.
Reasonably, and not so reasonably, priced bottles of vino from all over the world are chalked up on those boards.
13
As well as bars and restaurants, Lark Lane is blessed with many interesting shops.
From boutique and vintage fashion outlets to those selling curios – 13 on Lark Lane is the go-to place to pick up a unique gift or offensive birthday card for the special people in your life.
As soon as you push your way through the beaded curtain your eye has no place to rest, such is the visual bombardment of trinkets and treasures in this Aladdin's Cave.
Nonno's palm tree garden
What was for years the tropical garden of Esteban still remains under its new incarnation Nonno's Pizza and Plate.
Arguably, this is the most perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon on Lark Lane.
A place to eat, drink, and feel like you're no longer in Liverpool but some sun-kissed, Mediterranean bar.
The Old Police Station
An important part of Lark Lane life, the old police station is a community hub, hosting record and craft fairs, ghost tours, pilates, community activities, and self-help groups.
A few new things that we love
Bookbinder
A newcomer on the Lane, Bookbinder replaced Chilli Banana to become the new kid on the block.
Up until everything closed for the coronavirus lockdown, Bookbinder was proving itself a fashionable neighbourhood bar & eatery.
Dog friendly and with a homely, relaxing interior, it was popular with those with a love of vintage board games, 60's garage tunes and northern soul.
Milo Lounge
Replacing restaurant Pistachio and Vinyl, Milo Lounge with its kitsch decor and dog-friendly ethos has found its way into the hearts of Lark Lane goers over the past few years.
Made up of three large rooms, there's plenty of space for groups of friends or those that just want to find a quiet corner.
The monthly Farmer's Market
Relatively new to Lark Lane life has been the Farmer's Market that has taken place every month for the past year-or-so.
It's been a great way to bring new life to The Lane, and a chance for independent traders, bakers, cheese-makers and vegetable growers to showcase and sell their produce.
