Planning an exciting evening in Liverpool? As a city famous for both its music and sporting culture, Liverpool has long been a hub of British entertainment – and its nightlife is no exception!
The city has a diverse range of cocktail bars and traditional pubs, and caters to an array of audiences – from the wild young fresher student to the sophisticated older couple seeking a more intimate setting. Liverpool is also an LGBT-friendly city, and prides itself on being overall an inclusive and welcoming place to those from all different backgrounds.
So wherever you’re from and whatever you’re here for, Liverpool is sure to have something to suit – and to help you with some ideas, we’ve outlined some of the best bars in Liverpool city centre…
A Historical Journey Through Liverpool’s Pubs and Bars
Liverpool’s vibrant bar scene has been brewing for centuries, reflecting the city’s rich culture and dynamic spirit. Tracing back to the 19th century, the docklands were full of sailors and merchants who had travelled from afar. Over time, this lead to various independent venues popping up, from ale houses to more traditional pubs. Iconic drinking houses like ‘The Baltic Fleet’ and ‘Ye Hole in Ye Wall’, Liverpool’s oldest pub established in 1726, are living relics of this era, holding stories of pirate seafarers and secretive smuggling tunnels.
In the early 20th century bars and pubs were not just places of drinking, but home to music and creativity. The legendary ‘Cavern Club’ is a testament to this era, where The Beatles first made their mark. Later decades saw an influx of more modern, quirky bars and gastropubs to cater to a changing demographic and tastes, with establishments such as ‘The Alchemist’ and ‘Alma De Cuba’ redefining the city’s drinking culture.
Now, in the 21st century, the Liverpool pub scene continues to evolve, while honouring its historical roots. The city is a unique blend of the traditional and the contemporary, where historic pubs sit comfortably alongside modern bars, each offering a distinctive experience. Now home to clubs boasting ball pits and some bright pink party booths, the city’s scene is home to a variety of different pubs and bars. The rich history of Liverpool’s bar scene a fascinating study and an essential part of the city’s cultural experience.
1. Cavern Pub
If you love a bit of live music, then the Cavern Pub on Mathew Street is the place to be. With a long history of showcasing local musical talent, the pub brings in some of the top musicians in Liverpool every week from Thursday til Sunday – performing songs anywhere from the 50s up until the present day. The venue is decorated in rock memorabilia, showcasing pieces from famous artists who performed at the famous Cavern Club opposite, which include The Who, Elton John and Jimi Hendrix. A typical night attracts a generally mixed age-range, and brings with it a great atmosphere. Food is also available if you fancy a bite to eat!
Location: 10 Mathew Street, OPPOSITE THE CAVERN CLUB, Liverpool L2 6RE
2. Berry and Rye
Cool, quirky and hidden from sight, this awesome speakeasy bar makes a refreshing getaway from the raucous atmosphere of your typical high street pub. Secretly situated in Liverpool city centre, this hidden bar creates a fun and unique drinking experience. From your initial knock to enter, you will be met by friendly staff, a welcome cocktail and 1930s-themed music. The inside has an old wooden interior with dim lighting, and the menus are even stitched into hardcover books. The venue has a huge selection of delicious cocktails on offer, and cheeseboards are also available. Calm and relaxed, this prohibition-themed bar is perfect for a date night or a few pre-drinks with friends.
Note: The venue is rather small and the door is only answered if there is seating available!
Location: 48 Berry Street, Liverpool L1 4JQ
3. The Alchemist
If you’re seeking a creative cocktail in one of Liverpool’s most elegant drinking venues, then The Alchemist is one to consider. Classy and modern, this upmarket bar based in the heart of the city’s financial district, provides both luxury and a touch of entertainment for its guests. It has welcoming staff who are always keen to put on a show with their theatrical cocktail-making. Watch as the bar tenders go to work on your drinks of choice – creating cocktails that smoke, flame and bubble before your eyes. If you love a cocktail with a dash of theatrics, then The Alchemist will not disappoint! Food also available.
Note: This busy bar attracts a large crowd and is a popular choice for city workers, which may not guarantee table availability!
Location: 5 Brunswick Street, Liverpool L2 0UU
4. Café Tabac
Sitting in the heart of Liverpool’s city centre, you’ll find the famous Bohemian Café Tabac. With its roots dating back to the seventies, the Café Tabac has an established name in the city of Liverpool. The cafe is modelled in the style of European Bohemian cafes and has long been a hub for the city’s arty creative types. Its walls are decorated with photos and posters showcasing some of Liverpool’s biggest names such as Pete Burns and Margi Clarke. By day the venue operates as a vibrant cafe serving classic breakfasts and American-style lunches, and by night it’s a cosy cocktail bar serving tasty refreshments. So if you’re in the area, feel free to stop by for a Bloody Mary or two, and if you enjoy it that much then why not pop back in the morning for a tasty fry up!
Prices: ££
Location: 126 Bold Street, Liverpool L1 4JA
5. Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Six
For a truly unique alcohol experience, why not smuggle some into an American-style prison? Don your provided overalls and live out life as an inmate in one of America’s toughest institutions in this super-fun speakeasy prison. Slip your booze past the guards and hand it to the prison’s longest-serving inmates – who will rustle up refreshing cocktails for you and your pals. Great for stag and hen parties, the experience will have you laughing, and on your toes with the prison guards and governor. Good fun and conveniently located in Liverpool city centre.
Note: Already-opened bottles aren’t accepted inside!
Location: 36 Seel Street, Liverpool L1 4BE
6. Manolo
Recently awarded Newcomer of the Year at Top 50 Cocktail Bars, Manolo is a New York-inspired speakeasy bar with a Caribbean twist. Small, sleek and dimly lit with a soft blend of jazz and salsa background music, this cool and chilled out cocktail bar makes a cosy location for a date night or a small gathering of friends. The venue is mostly table-service, with super-attentive staff, and the bar offers a great selection of delicious cocktails that hark from the region (but not excluding your typical classics such as a Manhattan and a Bloody Mary). The cocktail menu is even uniquely printed on vinyl covers as an added quirk. Bookings are preferred due to table availability, though walk-ins are also accepted.
Location: 41 Slater Street, Liverpool L1 4BX
7. Be At One Liverpool
If you’re ready to get your party started, then look no further than Be At One! Offering some of the best happy hours in the city, this place offers a pretension-free and welcoming environment, where the staff go out of their way to ensure that you have the most fun time on your visit. The interior is modern and vibrant with a pop-art feel, containing neon lights and quirky furniture, and the outside includes an outdoor terrace. The cocktail menu contains a whopping 160+ choices on offer, including your traditional favourites such as an Espresso Martini and and Amaretto Sour. The venue even offers cocktail-making classes. For those looking to let their hair down and live for the weekend, Be At One is worth a visit! Happy hours Mon-Wed 16.30-20.00, and Thurs-Sun 16.30-19.30.
Location: 13-21 Seel Street, Liverpool L1 4AU
8. The Merchant
Seeking somewhere cool and casual for your Liverpool bar experience? Positioned in the heart of the city,The Merchant provides a spacious urban party atmosphere where you can enjoy craft beer, pizza and burgers in an environment that sits somewhere between a relaxed drink and a big night out. The decor is rugged with exposed brick work, rustic materials and overhanging plants – and mixed with its neon lights, creates a cool and vibrant place to hang out. The venue feature’s regular DJs, big TV screens, a beer garden and a lively atmosphere. If a few beers and a slice of pizza sounds good, then drop on by The Merchant!
Location: 40 Slater Street, Liverpool L1 4BX
9. The Oracle
Love magic tricks? Located on the 2nd floor of an 18th century merchant’s house in Liverpool city centre, you’ll find The Oracle bar. Sip delicious cocktails while you are visited at your table by magicians who perform mind-blowing card tricks, keeping you entertained and on your toes. Inspired by the environment of a Victorian-era gambling den, this quirky speakeasy bar’s interior includes a marble fireplace, old wooden floorboards and cosy soft furnishings. The drinks menu includes an extensive list of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, and also includes beers and wines. If you seek something different from your night out, book a ticket for The Oracle!
Note: If you happen to visit during the week of Halloween, you can expect to witness an eerie Victorian-style seance!
Location: 94 Duke Street, Liverpool L1 5AG
10. Ye Hole in Ye Wall
A bar crawl in Liverpool wouldn’t be the same without a visit to Liverpool’s oldest standing pub! Located on Hackins Hey, this little old tavern dates back to the early 18th century, and embodies all the classic charm of your old-school pub with its cosy wooden interior, stained glass windows and welcoming atmosphere. The bar has a great selection of beverages sure to quench your thirst, including an excellent choice of ales, bitters and gins (150+!). Along with its drink selection, the pub is also highly noted for its super-friendly staff, who go out of their way to make you feel like a regular from your first visit. Warm, welcoming and reasonably-priced, Ye Hole in Ye Wall is a pub where you come for one, then stay for the evening!
Location: 4 Hackins Hey, Liverpool L2 2AW
Add an Exciting Twist to Your Liverpool Experience with ‘Escape Live
If you’re visiting Liverpool for the weekend and want to continue your adventure, we’ve got the perfect activity. Why not continue the excitement with an escape room challenge at Escape Live? The perfect way to start or end your weekend, this immersive entertainment is one you won’t forget. Test your teamwork, problem-solving and critical thinking skills with us at one of our escape rooms!
Our range of Escape Rooms have a diverse array of challenges and narratives to ensure every visit is unique and memorable. Remember, Liverpool is not only famous for its diverse nightlife and fantastic array of bars, but also its variety of entertainment offerings that cater to everyone’s tastes!
Elevating Entertainment at Escape Live: Rooftop Terrace Edition
We’re also excited to announce that we’ve recently added a rooftop terrace that has an incredible view of Liverpool’s city centre! Post- escape game, you and your team can head upstairs, sit back and relax.
We’re taking things up a notch by offering a variety of incredible food. Now, you can indulge in freshly made pizzas and a wide selection of drinks, including draft beer, while you enjoy the scenery. To top it off, we’re setting the mood with live music performances on evenings and weekends!
Escape Live is the place to be. We’ll combine adventure, leisure, and entertainment to offer an unmatched experience on your next evening out.
For more information, please get in touch with us today!
Conclusion
Whatever it is you’re seeking in a bar in Liverpool, you can rest assured that Liverpool has some of the best nightlife of any city in the UK.
If you’re keeping yourself open for more ideas, then there is still a number of cracking bars and pubs offering top-quality entertainment and great hospitality (for options be sure to check out Stanhope Street and Albert Dock)
We hope that you’ve found our top 10 list of best bars in Liverpool helpful, and above all that it helps inspire new ideas for your time in this lively and memorable city.
Related articles: 8 Best Rooftop Bars In Liverpool With Great Views | Top Fun Things To Do In Liverpool | Top 5 Liverpool Attractions You Must Visit
Best Bars in Liverpool FAQs
We’ve put together some of the most frequently-asked questions on bars in Liverpool, which will hopefully answer any queries that you may have.
Where do celebrities drink in Liverpool?
The most notable Liverpool bars for celebrities include the Sugar Hut and The Shankly Hotel in Victoria Street, the Hope Street Hotel, Vincent Cafe and Cocktail Bar in Exchange Flags, and San Carlo in Castle Street.
What nightclubs do footballers go to in Liverpool?
Kingdom is one of the most exclusive nightclubs in Liverpool, and has been attended by a number of top-flight footballers, including Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand and Peter Crouch.
Where is the best area to go out in Liverpool?
Mathew Street is one of Liverpool’s most popular streets, particularly for live music. For a casual night out your best bet is probably The Baltic Triangle, or if you’re a student then Concert Square. If it’s somewhere for the LGBT community, then head for Pride Quarter, and for somewhere trendy, the Ropewalks area and Seel Street are your best options.
What is the main nightlife street in Liverpool?
Mathew Street is a hugely popular street for Liverpool’s nightlife – especially when it comes to live music. Its most famous venue is without doubt The Cavern Club, made famous by the city’s most iconic band, The Beatles.
