It’s no secret that Liverpool is famed for its huge array of pubs. Packed with traditional Victorian taverns and iconic music spots, it’s fair to say these watering holes have truly stood the test of time, and they continue to act as places of worship for thousands of Scousers to this day.
Whether you’re heading for a post-work pint, a lunchtime tipple or an epic bar crawl on your Liverpool stag do, you won’t be short of places to quench your thirst here in pub paradise. If you’re not sure where to begin, we’ve compiled a list of the best boozers in Liverpool so you won’t miss the Merseyside gems, enjoy!
Doctor Duncan’s
A pint of ale in this good old-fashioned alehouse could be just what the doctor ordered! Raise a glass and drink to the health of Doctor Duncan’s, named in the honour of William Henry Duncan, Liverpool’s first medical officer from the mid-1800s. This elegant tavern is a haven for ale lovers everywhere. Boasting a huge variety of guest and cask ales, you’ll find a beer to suit every taste. Even if you’re off the booze, it’s worth going simply to admire the impressive tiles which line the walls of this stunning 20th-century pub.
The Ship & Mitre
All aboard the Ship & Mitre! This classic Inn is designed to mimic a ship’s galley, but don’t fret, you don’t have to travel the ocean for their legendary hand-pulled ale and draught beer as they’re based right in the centre of Liverpool, and it’s not sailing anywhere anytime soon. Cosy up in the 1930s art-deco style building, sink into the red leather sofas and relish a tasty pint. And don’t forget to try their famous Scouse (lamb or beef stew) while you’re at it!
The Cavern Club
We can’t really make a list of the best pubs in Liverpool without featuring one of the most famous clubs in the world, can we? In 1957 the Cavern Club opened its doors on Mathew Street, and it didn’t take long until rock ‘n’ roll took over! From the Beatles to Oasis to Stevie Wonder, musical legends have won crowds over at this funky little venue. Money can’t buy you love… but it can buy you a gig and a pint in Cavern Club, which is pretty much the same thing!
The Fly in the Loaf
This one’s worth going to just for the name alone, but they also happen to showcase a brilliant range of ales, craft beers and spirits. News has spread of this fantastic restaurant and bar, beer lovers from far and wide fly to The Fly in the Loaf and are made up by the buzzing atmosphere and delicious drinks inside the multi-award-winning boozer. Enjoy a view of Liverpool Cathedral, delicious food, and a well-deserved bevvy.
Thomas Rigby’s
When your friend says he’s going to Thomas Rigby’s after work, he’s not heading to his mates, he’s going down the boozer. Thomas Rigby (no relation to Paul McCartney’s Eleanor Rigby) is a gentleman who came from humble beginnings and worked his way up in the world, making a fortune from public houses. We have nothing but respect for the old fella, which is why we headed to the high-end beer emporium and enjoyed a tipple in one of Liverpool’s oldest, best-loved locals.
The Lady of Mann
The Lady of Mann is a unique open-plan building which shares a courtyard with its brother pub, Thomas Rigby’s. This inn is named after the Manx ferry, and boy is she a beauty! The contemporary, stylish interior offers exposed beams and woodwork plus red brick walls, giving it a chic, rustic feel. Offering a wide range of quality cask beer and fine wine, it’s great place to enjoy a refreshing bevvy on a hot summer’s day in the city.
The Caledonia
‘G’wed, lad, get us a bevvy in The Cali’. The Caledonia is the embodiment of the ‘people’s pub’, where the creative community unite, dance, and drink! After all, that’s what these joints are all about. In here, you’ll find a mix of brilliant personalities. They’ve even got a small community library inside! So, when you’re not throwing some shapes to the live music, you can grab a guest ale, flick through a book or grab some vegan grub.
The Dovedale Towers
‘Dovedale Towers is in my ears and in my eyes’. Affectionately known as ‘The Dovey’ by the locals, this popular boozer is situated on the famous Penny Lane. Grab some pub grub in the place where John Lennon used to play and Freddy Mercury used to live… apparently, you know how stories spread at the boozer! Sit back in the beer garden and enjoy a refreshing pint beneath the blue suburban skies…
The Grapes
Based on Liverpool’s most famous road, Mathew Street, The Grapes is a great place to head when it gets ‘chocka’ and you want to dart off to enjoy some ‘scran.’ (See, we’ve picked up the Liverpudlian lingo)! And we’re pretty tempted to head North after discovering these watering holes! Another one that was once favoured by the Beatles, you’ll find live music, pub grub and, inevitably, great beer.
Peter Kavanagh’s
This fantastically quirky joint is like Liverpool’s little treasure trove. It’s like discovering all your old, beloved long-lost gems in your parent’s attic. Except this attic has beer, and lots of it. You can expect quiz nights, live music and a warm welcome in this funky little building, lined with paintings, antiques and knick-knacks. Have a drink and mingle with interesting people of all ages…once you’ve got a traditional ale in you, no-ones a stranger for long!
The Monro
If you’re looking for some food to complement your pint, then this gastropub’s got your name on it. Cosy up by the log fire and warm your cockles with a bevvy, sip a summer long drink in the courtyard garden, or enjoy a relaxed dining experience. This multi-award-winning gastropub prides itself on making meals with fresh, local produce, and so it should! Their lip-smackingly good food is goddam delicious.
The Lodge
This lively little boozer is where good things happen! Based on Lark Lane, The Lodge stays open later than most on this street, and the entertainment never stops! From open mic nights to pub quizzes and live music, you’re guaranteed a good time no matter what day of the week you pay it a visit. There’s also a lovely little cobbled courtyard tucked round the back, so you can soak up the rays in the summer.
The Kazimier
We simply can’t make a list of the best places for drinking, dancing and being merry in the Merseyside without including the beloved Kasmier beer garden. This effortlessly cool, creative venue is one of Liverpool’s worst kept secrets. Leave the hustle and bustle of the streets, grab a beer and enjoy eclectic live music on the unique split-level staging. Head on over in Summer when the garden parties are in full swing, get festive in the Winter with the twinkling lights and mulled cider, whatever you do, don’t miss it!
Crown Hotel
This fancy inn is probably the first of many that you’ll see as you enter the city centre from the station. If you’re going there to grab a beer after your weary journey, then it sets the standards pretty damn high. The impressive, sizable pub offers a chilled vibe and the bar is brimming with a top range of beers, ciders, spirits and cocktails. Just a heads up, it’s also a stunning place to stay right in the heart of Liverpool!
Lion Tavern
‘We love The Lion Tavern, put another dime in the jukebox baby’. This is what most people think of when they hear the word ‘pub’. With a (free) jukebox, preserved historic interior and delicious real ale on tap, this one’s the real deal. Plus, we don’t know if news of their pork pies has spread worldwide yet, but they’re certainly known about in Liverpool. Relax in the lounge, rehydrate with a real ale, and tuck in!
The Philharmonic Dining Rooms
When you head down Hope St and into The Philharmonic Dining Rooms, it’s like stepping back in time. There is nothing quite like this stunning Victorian free house. Relax with a pint on the leather sofas and take in the grand interiors – wood panelling, beautiful tiling, stained glass, and elegant chandeliers. Sitting pretty opposite the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, ‘The Phil’ is a grand old place to head for a bevvy or some food.
Peaky Blinders Bar
Yes, we know it’s a bar, and this is a list of pubs, but we’re too big a fan of the hit series to leave this one off the list. Trust us, if you get a chance to visit, you’ll thank us later! This impressive venue has a 1920s feel and was created with the idea of community spirit. Covering two floors and taking full advantage of the Grade II listed premises, walking into this swanky bar in Cains Brewery Village is like stepping straight into the series. Swing by and order a whisky, by order of the you-know-who.
The Brewery Tap
Another must-visit in the Cains Brewery Village, this alehouse is the very definition of a hidden gem. The Brewery Tap was bought by Mikhail Hotel, who wanted ‘in’ on the bright future of the happening brewery village. It’s the perfect place to head for a hoppy pale ale. You’ll find the full range of Cains beers and can even go behind the scenes on a brewery tour to discover how the golden goodness is made.
Handyman Pub
This former cinema and handyman supermarket has miraculously transformed into a bloomin’ brilliant pub and microbrewery. You’ll find an everchanging wine selection, local coffee and lots of gin and brews! Retaining all the familiar charm of the beloved DIY supermarket, Handyman is what Liverpool is all about: making creative, forward-thinking ventures happen while staying true to the city’s heritage and celebrating Liverpool’s fantastic community.
Newington Temple
The white-brick tiled walls are a small reminder of the Bier venue that stood where Newington Temple now stands, however, the white marble tabletops and yellow leather seating are brand new. This trendy little watering hole is a great spot to enjoy great beers and spirits, killer cocktails, regular DJ sets, live performances and the best jukebox in the city! Hipsters and beer lovers will find their tribe.
