Liverpool has no shortage of places to grab a drink, but the city’s best pubs offer far more than just a decent pint. They are the places where strangers strike up conversations, bartenders know the regulars by name and a quiet drink can easily turn into a full evening of fun.
After six years of calling Liverpool home, I’ve spent plenty of time exploring the city’s independent pubs and bars, seeking out lesser-known breweries and getting to know the people behind some of its most welcoming drinking spots. These are the six Liverpool pubs that stand out for their character, atmosphere and local following.
Ship and Mitre
If ever there were a quintessential “classic” British pub, the Ship and Mitre would probably be it. The interior is covered in wood panelling, with stained glass skylights, and the central bar offers local real ales. There’s a solid board game selection, and there are plenty of cosy corners for relaxing.
However, one of my favourite reasons for going to the Ship is its pop-up food hatch. Run by One Pan Band, it serves up a mix of hearty pub classics, such as curries and fish and chips, alongside tasty loaded fries and rarebit – ideal for soaking up a few pints.
A short walk from Lime Street station, around the back of the spectacular St George’s Hall, is Doctor Duncans. This gorgeous pub is decorated with old-school tiles and has an impressive fireplace for thawing out frozen fingers after a winter walk around town.
While there are a few rooms to choose from (including some with TVs showing sports), my favourite is the larger tiled room, with a huge, opulent fireplace and comfortable armchairs that envelop you when you sink into them. The high ceilings and large windows are perfect for people watching, and the warmth from the fire makes you want to snuggle up with a book and a pint. Perfection.
Located on Lime Street approach, near the Adelphi Hotel, is The Vines. This stunning pub was first built in 1907 and underwent major renovations before reopening in 2023. Stepping into this Grade II-listed pub is like going back in time.
The impressively intricate central bar serves 10 cask beers, including some from local breweries, and you can choose from small nooks or the larger back room. With a stained glass dome in the ceiling, chandeliers, ornate gold-tinted panelling, and taxidermy, it’s definitely got that Old-World feel. However, there are also screens showing local matches.
The Little Taproom on Aigburth Rd
I could enthuse about The Little Taproom on Aigburth Road for hours. This tiny micropub in south Liverpool, near the leafy paradise of Sefton Park, is my local. What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in community. Owners Si and Aggy have created a welcoming and inclusive pub with quiz nights, book clubs, discussions, and craft nights throughout the week.
There’s a rotating series of cask and keg beers, with a non-alcoholic beer on tap, and everything comes from independent breweries. The back room, known as the snug, is a space for conversations with friends or hanging out with dogs (which are welcome). If beer isn’t your thing, try out one of the spirits that are distilled onsite.
Situated in the city centre’s Ropewalks area, The Bridewell is a pub that fully embraces its former life. From the 1840s until 1932, this was a police station with seven cells for overexcited seafarers. These cells have been made into a feature, with booth seating inside and a small TV screen for watching the latest match.
There is an excellent range of beers on draught and, during the Six Nations, the function room upstairs is often opened up with a big screen. Literary fans should make the pilgrimage – Charles Dickens researched his novel here, and in 1860 was sworn in as a special constable for one night only.
Tucked away off Water Street, around the corner from the glimmering Liver Building, lies a Liverpool institution. Ma Boyle’s dates to 1860, having been a cafe and oyster bar before becoming an alehouse and place to eat, serving the nearby business district. It also hosts live music, including a Latin-jazz night every Friday from 7pm and jazz every Saturday from 8pm.
With local beers on draught, it’s best to grab a pint and order a bowl of scouse. The city’s hearty signature dish comes in a few variations: classic, blind scouse (veggie-friendly), or in a pie with a buttery and decadent puff-pastry lid. It’s a warming recipe that seems to briefly solve all of life’s problems.