The Alchemist
Start your magical dive into Liverpool’s nightlife with The Alchemist. This bar is a bit like Hogwarts for adults, except instead of wands, you get cocktails that bubble, smoke, and sometimes look like potions that might make you immortal. Located on Brunswick Street, it’s a dazzling mix of mixology and chemistry. Be warned, with drinks this exciting, raising your ‘spirits’ is inevitable.
The Philharmonic Dining Rooms
For lovers of history and beer-soaked wood, the Philharmonic Dining Rooms screams heritage with a dash of good old British charm. It’s one of the most ornate pubs you’ll ever sip a pint in. With opulent carvings and a men’s bathroom so grand it competes with the Sistine Chapel (not verified), it’s a spot every local cherishes. Ed Sheeran once played here for free—you might get lucky!
The Merchant
If G&T makes your heart sing, The Merchant is your stage. Located on Slater Street, this bar throws in flavor, fun, and a bucket of gin. The Merchant offers live music, hearty laughs, and an abundance of humanity crammed into one magical venue. The building itself is an elegant brew of bohemian goodness, with pizza servings from the renowned Nightcrawler Pizza. Yes, you can have pizza with your gin, thank us later.
Red Door
Nestled above another bar—you’re spoilt in Liverpool—Red Door on Berry Street is heaven for cocktail enthusiasts. It’s like walking into a molecular museum of cocktails. Each drink is a conversation starter, and the nightlife fairy tales about the place add to its secretive allure. Don’t be afraid to mingle; even liverpudlian legends start with a friendly ‘hello’ over a cocktail on a stool.
Berry & Rye
Imagine Great Gatsby’s closet, throw in secret codes and a spirit library, and you have Berry & Rye. Known for perfectly crafted cocktails hidden behind a discreet door on Berry Street, this speakeasy-style bar is a darling of locals in-the-know. Brush up on your cocktail nomenclature because here, the more obscure, the better.
Heebie Jeebies
Don’t let its name fool you. There are no chills here, only fabulous beats from Liverpool’s beloved Heebie Jeebies. If music is your muse, find it reverberating through Heebie Jeebies’ walls, ceilings, and patrons—everyone is dancing, even the bar stools shake a leg! Known for its booming DJ nights and a medley of rooms that each tell part of Liverpool’s musical story, Heebie Jebbies is contagious, in the best way.
The Liffey
No, it’s not a river; The Liffey is where sports enthusiasts meet in Liverpool. This Irish-themed bar knows how to pack a frenzied roar when a football match is on. Even if you’re not keen on sports, the energy promises an adventure itself. Grab a (likely spilled) pint and join the chorus of cheering or … possibly lamentation. Either way, it’s an experience not to skip.
Restaurant Bar & Grill
This is for the sophisticated drinker who won’t compromise on aesthetics or gastronomic delights. Waving at you with carefully curated decor and a divine cocktail list, Restaurant Bar & Grill offers elegant indulgence. Linger over a cocktail while pretending to know about Rothko or discuss impressions, be it art or of the bartender’s charm.
Jenever Gin Bar
Sherlock Holmes would probably approve of Jenever; it’s classy with a whiff of mystery. Located on Hope Street, it’s the gin capital of Liverpool’s heart. Specializing in gin, their selection is encyclopedic. Pro tip: enter with curiosity; leave with gin-induced enlightenment.
Salt Dog Slim’s
For those who enjoy a concoction of American dive charm and a peppering of Liverpool cheekiness, Salt Dog Slim’s is your playground. Known for saucy hot dogs and killer cocktails, it embraces an atmosphere that’s as relaxed as it is vibrant. Expect to leave with an appreciation for beer steins and a belly full of laughter.
Whether you’re exploring Liverpool for its vibrant nightlife or simply revisiting the bars that make the city buzz, these ten gems promise to delight both locals and tourists alike. Each offers a unique taste of the city, packed with character and an excellent drink or two—our only warning is you might never want to leave.