Where to drink
Alma de Cuba
Liverpool is famous for its nightlife. People come from all around for hen parties and wild nights out. But it’s not all shots of tequila and dentist chairs. There’s also a great scene for the more discerning drinker. Alma de Cuba is a bar & restaurant built in the shell of a stunning 18th century church. With a focus on all things Latin, the drinks and food are both fun and phenomenal. Which, trust us, is no less than the opulent location deserves.
St. Peter's Church, Seel St, L1 4BH
www.alma-de-cuba.com/
Smuggler's Cove
As a city with an enormous maritime history (both positive & … not so great), it seems apt that there should be a bar to entertain any passing would-be pirates. Smuggler’s Cove is situated in the glamorous Albert Docks and caters to seafaring types and landlubbers alike. Serving rotisserie style food and over 150 rums, it’s warm, comfortable and suitably chic. Feeling adventurous? Wander out and try some of the other great bars on offer in the Albert Dock.
Britannia Pavillion, Albert Dock, L3 4AD
thesmugglerscove.uk.com/
Berry & Rye
If you’re looking for any further confirmation of Liverpool’s burgeoning reputation for all things cool and hip, then look no further than prohibition era speakeasy Berry & Rye. Craft ice (yeah -really!), homemade sodas & bitters as well as an expansive and all-encompassing cocktail menu all take pride of place in this seating only den of iniquity. Expect table service and unreal drinks. Don’t expect to leave feeling particularly sure on your feet.
48 Berry St, L1 4JQ
www.theberryandrye.com/
Where to eat
London Carriageworks
Between the city’s two cathedrals lies Hope Street. A charming and romantic area that has for years been home to some of Liverpool’s greatest artistic minds. Right in the middle of this fantastic area stands the large glass veneer of the London Carriageworks. A restaurant whose warm, candlelit interior always seems to be brimming with happy guests. Serving British cuisine and exceptional afternoon teas, make sure you don’t miss it.
40 Hope St, Liverpool L1 9DA
www.thelondoncarriageworks.co.uk/
Puschka
But five minutes walk away is an altogether more intimate affair. Puschka has long been a favourite of Liverpudlians in the know. And in spite of what the name may imply, this cosy little restaurant serves locally sourced British cuisine of the highest calibre. When you’re finished what will no doubt be a great meal, we recommend you venture over the road to check out the always spooky ‘bombed out church’ on Leece street.
16 Rodney St, L1 2TE
puschka.co.uk/
Panoramic 34
If it’s real scouse glamour that you’re seeking then look no further than Panoramic 34. Offering up fine dining and cocktails with the kind of view you normally only get when flying into John Lennon Airport. This remarkable restaurant peers over the famous Liver Building and surrounding dockland areas to stunning effect. Easy on the eye, not so easy on the wallet. We recommend it for a real treat.
34th Floor, West Tower, Brook St, L3 9PJ
www.panoramic34.com/
What to do
Tate Liverpool
As the most “popular collection of Modern & Contemporary in the UK outside of London”, Tate Liverpool is a feast for the senses of any artistically minded visitor. Housing artwork by Picasso, Chagall, Klimt and Andy Warhol, there’s no doubting the incredible pedigree of work on display here. And because it’s located in Albert Dock, you can expect plenty of great places to satisfy that powerful hunger you’ve worked up being so terribly cultural. Win-win really.
Albert Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, L3 4BB
www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-liverpool
Museum of Slavery
Liverpool is a city that prides itself on its history both great and bad. Which is why it is so important to the people of Liverpool that they remember the unfortunate role the city played in the slave trade. This fascinating museum explores the history of slavery (both past and present) across the world and serves as an important reminder of just how cruel we can all be when given the chance.
3rd Floor of Merseyside Maritime Museum, Albert Dock, L3 4AX
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ism
Cavern Club
Yes! We know, we’ve come all this way without mentioning the most important pop band in musical history. And while there is so much more to Liverpool than just the Beatles, they certainly helped define this modern musical mecca. Sadly this Cavern Club is just a replica of the original club which was next door. But the spirit of George, John, Ringo and Paul still lives on in this active music venue. So we think it’s well worth a visit even if you don’t go inside. Be sure to catch a gig somewhere in Liverpool, you won’t be disappointed.
10 Matthew St, L2 6RE
www.cavernclub.org