From traditional Victorian pubs to iconic music spots steeped in cultural history, if you're after an authentic pub experience in Liverpool then this guide is for you. The Victorians certainly knew how to build a pub and, as the British Empire's second city during that era, Liverpool has more than its fair share of stunning watering holes. You’ll soon realize that there’s far more to a great pub than just the beer it serves as you explore the top 10 pubs in Liverpool.
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Cavern Pub
You’ve probably ticked off the famous Cavern Club already so why not head across the road to the Cavern Pub. It is an intimate city center spot full of rock memorabilia and has live music almost every night. The entry into the pub is free unlike The Cavern Club so it is a great place to grab a pint after a day of seeing all the must-sees of Liverpool. The Cavern Pub is also a great place to enjoy some new artists on a budget – maybe before they hit the big time.
Address: 5 Mathew Street, L2 6RE
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The Grapes
This pub was built on the site of an old tavern and has been around since the 1800s – making it one of Liverpool’s oldest surviving pubs. The pub is best known for its enormous selection of rums but there are plenty of other drinks on offer like an assortment of beers and gins too. The Grapes host regular music nights with more of a jazz vibe and the beer garden is the perfect place to relax on a sunny summer’s evening.
Address: 60 Roscoe St, Liverpool L1 9DW
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Lion Tavern
The Lion Tavern is a Grade II listed pub that recently received a major makeover to freshen it up while still preserving all the best characteristics. Enjoy the friendly atmosphere, a pint or two of ale from the hand pumps, and the famous pork pies. Jive away to the music on the legendary Lion jukebox while you take in the beauty of the ornately detailed wood bar, hand-carved screens, and the art nouveau tiled dado.
Address: 67 Moorfields, Liverpool City Centre L2 2BP
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The Vines
Locally known as the “Big Ouse” this highly decorated pub is a favorite among the locals and a must-visit if you’re looking for things to do in Liverpool. The whole pub basically explodes with decoration when you step inside from the relief Viking ships in the smoking room to a copper-fronted bar counter and cute cherubs made from plaster. Make sure you enter the high-ceilinged room at the back, if it is open, to admire giant Corinthian pilasters, a massive marble fireplace, and an oval skylight - it really is quite a spectacle.
Address: 81 Lime Street, Liverpool City Centre L1 1JQ
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White Star
This cozy pub is an absolute hidden gem that’s worth exploring. The White Star is smack in the middle of the tourist trail on Mathew Street but is often overlooked. You’’ be greeted by its red-tiled frontage in Rainford Gardens and as you step inside you’ll find a mix of red leather, fancy tiling, and elaborate wood carving. Browse the framed Liverpool nostalgia that adorns the walls, revealing its connection to the Beatles.
Address: 2-4 Rainford Gardens, Liverpool City Centre L2 6PT
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The Baltic Fleet
If you are a fan of the more traditional British pubs, then this beautiful listed building is one for you. The Baltic Fleet serves an excellent range of ales, including locals brews, as well as a fine selection of gins. The pub is the perfect place to stop for lunch after a morning of exploring Liverpool. The food is absolutely delicious, especially the hearty bowls of scouse, a type of lamb or beef stew - it’s the pub’s specialty. There’s a terrace ideal for when it’s sunny out, and a stove burning indoors when it isn’t – so this place is a year-round keeper.
Address: 33A Wapping, Liverpool L1 8DQ
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Doctor Duncan’s
Arguably one of Liverpool’s most ornate pubs, even the tiles in Doctor Duncan's are awe-inspiring, decorating the walls and fireplaces throughout the Victorian-style pub. Built for Pearl Insurance in 1901, it features medical memorabilia throughout, including a Victorian pharmacy cabinet which is a nod to its namesake, William Henry Duncan, the UK's first medical officer of health. The pub serves a selection of cask ales and it’s the perfect place to step back in time and enjoy a pint.
Address: St John's Lane, Liverpool City Centre, L1 1HF
Crown Hotel
This impressive, intricately detailed building is located on Lime Street, just along the road from the famous Lime Street railway station. Inside the Crown Hotel, you'll find ornate plastering, a ceramic fireplace, a copper-front bar, and a glazed dome above its winding staircase. After getting off the train, it makes for an ideal boozer to welcome people into the city before heading off to explore more of the must-sees and hidden gems that Liverpool has to offer.
Address: 43 Lime Street, L1 1JQ
The Dovey (The Dovedale Towers)
You simply can’t visit pubs in Liverpool without discovering it has some sort of connection with the Beatles. The Dovey is another pub well known for just that, in fact, the Quarrymen, John Lennon's boyhood band, played here before the Beatles were formed. The pub’s decor alone is worth the trip with the tiled floors and intricately carved wooden pillars. It’s another great place to enjoy a pint during your time in Liverpool.
Address: Dovedale Towers, 60 Penny Ln, Liverpool L18 1DG
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Peter Kavanagh’s
In Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter you’ll find one of the city’s most famous watering holes. The owner, Peter Kavanagh, has been a painter, an inventor and a city councilor – and his venue is as eclectic as his CV. Enjoy an assortment of traditional ales, quiz nights & live music in this funky pub lined with photos, antiques & knick-knacks. This is also a dog-friendly pub so expect a few furry friends walking around when you visit.
Address: 2-6 Egerton St, Liverpool L8 7LY
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