10 Best Pubs in Liverpool

The Philharmonic Dining Rooms, described by Historic England as “the pinnacle of the 'gin palace' form of pub”, boasts magnificent architecture and a flamboyant interior. Bold design details begin at its Art Nouveau wrought iron gate, embellished with gilt motifs. Inside, you’ll encounter a fabulous mosaic-clad bar, stained glass, stone bas reliefs and ornate plasterwork.

Cosy nooks are humorously named Brahms and Liszt. The vibe screams gentlemen’s club with mahogany panelling, burgundy Chesterfield sofas and glass chandeliers. Even the gents’ toilets are a visual treat, with lavish tiling and pink marble urinals that are the darling of Instagram. Paul McCartney has played here, but that’s almost incidental to its story. Must-tries include their delicious pies, served under pastry or mash – and best accompanied by cask ale, fine wine, or whisky.

Baltic Fleet was built on the site of a 17^th-century tavern. The pub’s heyday came when the docks opened across the street. Beneath your feet is a network of subterranean tunnels that would have connected the 2, perhaps used to unload barrels or to smuggle in contraband.

The pub used to be home to the Wapping Brewery, brewing beer on site. Today, that legacy manifests itself in quirky urinals fashioned from redundant kegs. Though the beer’s now bought in, you’ll still find an impressive selection that’s anything but mainstream.

The Belvedere Arms is a tiny Liverpool pub with a big soul. Known affectionately to locals as “The Belve”, behind the stylish façade of this characterful place you’ll find bags of traditional charm and plenty of original features like a wooden bar and etched glass panels.

Choose from a wide range of bitter, stout and cask ales from local and regional independents such as Brimstage Brewery on the Wirral, Twisted Wheel Brew Co. in Warrington and Mobberley Brewery in Knutsford. Sample others from further afield as you munch on one of their tasty meat pies.

Ma Egerton’s Stage Door is a pub in Liverpool with an impressive showbiz pedigree. Mary (Ma) Egerton was the landlady of this popular pub opposite the Empire Theatre. She was also a theatrical agent and hosted a cast of big names, including her friend Judy Garland and a roll call of stars including The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Sammy Davis Jr, and Tom Jones.

Today, Ma Egerton’s passion and legacy live on, not least during the fun Monday evening quizzes and Friday night singalongs around the piano. The welcome is just as inviting as it was back in its celebrity heyday when legend has it that Frank Sinatra had to be retrieved from the pub to perform the second half of his 1953 show.

Fly in the Loaf is a pub in Edinburgh that’s full of history and character. It gets its unusual name from Kirkland Bakery, which once occupied the same building and operated with the slogan “no flies in the loaf”. That past life influences the pub’s ethos, both in its decor and design as well as the artisan producers that supply baked goods alongside its craft beers.

The place attracts a mixed clientele, who enjoy wines (including sparkling wines) as well as beer. Occasionally, The Fly hosts live music and open mic nights but there’s usually sport on the big television upstairs if you want to watch a game with a bunch of mates.

The Grapes on Mathew Street is a stone’s throw from Liverpool’s famous Cavern Club. In the ‘60s, The Beatles frequented the place, not least because it was the closest place to the Cavern that sold alcohol, and the bench where they sat is still there. Grab a themed John, Paul, George or Ringo cocktail and snap a selfie.

This lively pub is still very much all about the music. Step inside and you’ll find a Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club jukebox where you can choose from a selection of 7” vinyl. There’s karaoke every evening at 5 pm and live music at the weekend. Who knows, you might just discover a new Fab Four.

Ye Cracke is one of many pubs in Liverpool which can claim a connection to The Beatles. This one was a favourite of John Lennon while he was an art school student. A plaque on the wall celebrates his other group, The Dissenters, who met at the pub to read poetry and discuss art and literature.

Ye Cracke’s not the fanciest place in town, but neither does it embrace gimmicks. You’ll find a jukebox… other than that, spending an evening here is really about being social and enjoying a drink with your friends.

Peter Kavanagh’s is a Grade II-listed pub in Liverpool named after the man who was landlord from 1897 to 1950. Come for the Thursday night quiz, live music on Tuesdays and Saturdays or simply to drink a pint of real ale in convivial company.

Its idiosyncratic interior, redesigned by Kavanagh himself in 1929, is a joy. Sometimes it’s also practical, like his pedestal tables which feature grooves for spilt drinks and built-in ashtrays. Carved wooden caricatures depict Kavanagh; he and his regulars also appear in the Dickens and Hogarth-themed murals.

Roscoe Head is a free house in Liverpool that claims to be the only pub in the city to feature in every Good Beer Guide since 1974. As you’d expect, therefore, there’s a fine selection of craft beers and real ales. Choose from Timothy Taylor's Landlord, Tetley's Cask Bitter or 4 changing guest beers from independent brewers.

Dating back to the 1830s, it takes its name from William Roscoe, who campaigned to abolish slavery. Today, banter and backroom debates are as much a contributor to the atmosphere of the place as they were back in the early days.

The Monro is a relaxed pub housed in a Georgian townhouse in Liverpool. It’s located in the city centre, not far from the Liverpool ONE shopping centre. The overall vibe is stylish and contemporary, yet the chequered floor and lighting evoke bygone days.

Though it’s still a pub first and foremost, The Monro has always also been about the food. Times change and successful businesses adapt, so now it’s carving a new reputation for itself serving good value Greek food along with an extensive menu of wines, cocktails and draught beers.