The 10 Best Pubs and Bars in Liverpool

Liverpool boasts a vibrant and diverse pub and bar scene, offering everything from historic watering holes to quirky basement bars, sleek cocktail lounges, and immersive taproom experiences.

Whether you are a fan of a traditional pint or on the hunt for something a little different, here are ten standout spots you really should not miss.

About the Pub and Bar Scene in Liverpool

Let’s face it, we all enjoy a drink at Liverpool Cycle Tours, and we have a few firm favourites we would love to share with you. Now, we could say we spent countless hours painstakingly researching this list for your benefit, and maybe there is a little truth in that.

That said, not every bar makes the cut. Some of the places listed here really stood out, not just because they serve a good pint, but because of how they adapted during the Covid years. Creativity, community, and a bit of grit saw them through, and they have come out the other side with loyal followings and fantastic reputations.

Let’s dive in.

The Best Pubs & Bars in Liverpool: At a Glance

• Hobo Kiosk – Quirky, creative, and run by Liverpool legends Delia and Tristan
• The Bridewell – A former Victorian police station with bags of character
• The Baltic Fleet – A historic dockside pub with real fires and cracking beer
• Peter Kavanagh’s – Possibly the most eccentric interior in any pub, anywhere
• The Dispensary – A proper old-school boozer with Irish roots and a musical soul
• The Vines – Nicknamed “The Big House”, newly refurbished and stunning
• The Denbigh Castle – A hidden gem tucked down a backstreet
• The Ship & Mitre – A haven for ale lovers with strong Art Deco vibes
• The Cavern Club – Legendary venue, legendary vibes, and live music every day
• Black Lodge Brewing – Small taproom, big flavour, and our very own neighbour

1. Hobo Kiosk

Run by the inimitable Delia and Tristan, Hobo Kiosk is a visual feast. Part bar, part art installation, this subterranean spot is packed with character and characters. Expect local beers, unusual cans, and a conversation you will not forget.

Ask Delia about her dad and the Catholic Cathedral. Ask Tristan about anything and you will get a brilliantly eloquent answer. This place is as Liverpool as it gets.

2. The Bridewell

A Grade II listed Victorian police station turned pub. Yes, really.

The cells now serve as cosy seating nooks, and the original doors and hatches add to the unique experience. Run by Dominic, a textbook traditional publican who is friendly, knowledgeable, and always ready with a beer suggestion.

Bonus fact: Charles Dickens once visited here while researching The Uncommercial Traveller.

3. The Baltic Fleet

Just around the corner from our base, The Baltic Fleet is where you will often find us post-tour. Family run, full of history, and buzzing year-round.

In summer, it is unbeatable. In winter, the real wood fire keeps things toasty. Great beer, friendly faces, and even a few board games if you are sticking around.

4. Peter Kavanagh’s

A true Liverpool institution. Peter Kavanagh ran this pub for over 50 years and left behind a legacy that is still very much alive.

Inside, it is a riot of murals, stained glass, and weird and wonderful artefacts, including an alligator skin and a vintage bike. Tucked down a quiet street, this place is gloriously eccentric and utterly charming.

5. The Dispensary

If you are looking for a proper, no-nonsense pub, this is it. No frills, just great pints and a warm welcome.

Their Murphy’s, a creamier cousin of Guinness, is worth a try. If you are lucky, you might catch a spontaneous Irish folk session. Musicians turn up, open their cases, and before you know it, the room is full of music.

An authentic slice of Liverpool culture.

6. The Vines

Known locally as The Big House, The Vines has been given a new lease of life thanks to a recent refurbishment, and it looks magnificent.

Originally built by brewery mogul Robert Cain, it is one of Liverpool’s great Victorian pubs, rich with ornate details and historic charm. A perfect place to enjoy a pint before catching a train from Lime Street.

7. The Denbigh Castle

Tucked away down a narrow backstreet, this is the kind of place you might walk past without noticing, and that would be a mistake.

Run by the same team behind The Bridewell, The Denbigh is warm, welcoming, and full of character. A real hidden gem with a strong community feel.

You can also order tapas or a legendary sandwich from Castro’s next door and have it delivered to your table.

8. The Ship & Mitre

Famous for its huge selection of beers, this Art Deco pub is a destination in its own right.

There is a strong focus on cask and craft ales, including international options. The vibe is relaxed, friendly, and a little timeless. If you love a proper pint and a bit of heritage, you will feel right at home.

They also serve great gluten-free beer, and the food is phenomenal, including one of the best bowls of Liverpool’s famous Scouse.

9. The Cavern Club

The most famous music venue in Liverpool, possibly the world.

The Beatles played here hundreds of times, and that is just the start. The atmosphere is electric whether you visit during the day or for a night of live music.

It is a must-visit for anyone even slightly interested in rock and roll, and yes, they serve a decent pint too.

10. Black Lodge Brewing

Our neighbours, and quite possibly the most convenient post-tour pint you will ever have.

Black Lodge brew their own beers and serve them on site in a casual, industrial-style taproom with a huge outdoor seating area. In summer, it is a suntrap. In winter, it is still buzzing.

A proper local secret well worth seeking out.

Keep Exploring Liverpool

Of course, this list does not even scratch the surface of Liverpool’s bar scene. But if you have only got a few hours after your tour, these are the ones we would recommend.

You will probably find one of us in at least one of them most days, strictly for research purposes.

If you are after something a little different, why not join one of our Walking Pub Crawl Tours? It is a great way to see Liverpool at night, sample some of the city’s best boozers, and meet fellow travellers, with three free beers included.

Whatever you choose, get out there, have a chat with the locals, and enjoy your time in this amazing, musical, ever-so-friendly city.

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