Best traditional pubs in Liverpool for a good pint and a warm welcome

Peter Kavanagh's pub in Egerton Street
-Credit: (Image: James Maloney/Liverpool Echo)


Liverpool pubs are some of the best places to visit in the country. You're guaranteed a great atmosphere, welcoming staff, and even some good pub grub in the right places.

There's a cosy pub at the corner of every street so you never have far to wander. Everything from classic pubs dating back decades to fresh newcomers filled with personality are on our doorstep.

There are plenty in the city centre but the lesser travelled side streets tend to boast hidden gems of their own. One thing you can be sure of is you never have to travel far to grab a pint.

So whether you're new to the city or fancy trying somewhere you haven't been before, take a look through our guide to Liverpool's best independent pubs.

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Peter Kavanagh’s

On the very edge of the city centre, this Egerton Street pub is well worth seeking out. The historic Georgian Quarter pub is one of the city’s longest running, and was named CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2019. Inside it’s quirky and cosy, with retro bric-a-brac and trinkets everywhere you look, including on the ceiling.

Rita Smith, landlady of Peter Kavanaghs Pub on Egerton Street
Rita Smith, landlady of Peter Kavanaghs Pub on Egerton Street -Credit:Liverpool Echo

The lighting is low and visitors can sit at little round tables sipping real ale while admiring the unusual décor and listening to the chatter of many locals who frequent the pub.

Address: Peter Kavanagh’s, 2-6 Egerton St, Liverpool L8 7LY

The Ship & Mitre

The name of this maritime themed pub is a nod to its two previous incarnations - The Flagship and The Mitre. The downstairs reflects the shape of a ship and upstairs, you'll find a function room with Art Deco features. Behind the bar is one of the largest selections of hand-pulled ales on Merseyside, along with around 200 draft and bottled beers.

The warm welcome and friendly atmosphere have helped it win Pub of the Year on several occasions. It's also been named a CAMRA Pub of Excellence and was previously listed as one of the Guardian's 50 best pubs in the country.

Address: 133 Dale Street, Liverpool, L2 2JH

The Grapes, Roscoe Street

City centre pubs don't get much cosier than this. The Grapes on Roscoe Street is full of charm, with wood panelling and small round tables where you can can pull up a stool and perch over a pint, as you enjoy the chatter of the pub. On the corner of Roscoe Street and Knight Street, the pub is well worth the walk away from the busier part of the Georgian Quarter.

It has a real 'local' feel to it that's lost in many city centre pubs and, along with beers from local and regional breweries, you'll find a huge selection of rum.

Address: 60 Roscoe St, Liverpool L1 9DW

Roscoe Head

The much-loved Roscoe Head in Liverpool city centre has appeared in every single edition of CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide since it was first published in 1974. The Roscoe Head packs a lot in – a small bar area, a snug snug and two small lounges (together with a few tables on the pavement when the weather's nice).

The Roscoe Head Pub on Roscoe street.
Ship & Mitre pub, Dale street, Liverpool

As well as being famous for its fine real ales, the cosy pub is also considered a “city centre local” – a place where people who live many miles away are more than happy to head to. Again and again.

Address: 24 Roscoe St, L1 2SX

Baltic Fleet

Across the road from the famous Albert Dock, the nautical-themed pub was originally two pubs in one - the 1853 'Turners Vaults', which faced Hurst Street, served the locals while the Baltic Fleet was built in 1856 to serve the dockers on the other side. The pub used to have many doors to allow patrons to escape quickly should press gangs make an appearance.

The Baltic Fleet Pub on Wapping
The Grapes Pub, Roscoe Street

Steeped in history, the building still features a tunnel that led under the pub to the docks that could have been used for smuggling or press-ganging unsuspecting drinkers.

Although it's snug and inviting inside, its exterior is equally beautiful with its unusual 'flat iron' shape and tall windows which have become a recognisable feature on Liverpool's dock road.

Address: 33a Wapping, L1 8DQ

Lion Tavern

The Lion Tavern has been recognised by CAMRA as having a nationally important and historic interior - it even scooped up the Pub of the Year award for 2020. The pub is named after one of the early locomotives that worked the Liverpool to Manchester Railway and is situated opposite the former Exchange Station - and over the road from Moorfields, which replaced it.

Some of the most impressive features of the Grade II listed pub include the timber and etched glass bar, the art nouveau tiled dado and the carved screens in the front windows. It’s definitely worth pulling up a pew in this historic spot.

Address: 67 Moorfields, L2 2BP

The Vines

Taking up a huge chunk of the corner of Lime Street and Copperas Hill, The Vines is one of the city’s most recognisable boozers. Known locally as 'The Big House', the pub practically explodes with decoration, from relief Viking ships in the ‘smoke room’, a copper-fronted counter and plaster cherubs.

The pub was built more than 150 years ago by Albert B Vines. In 1907, Walkers took over and rebuilt the pub into an ornate style. According to staff, there’s no reason for its nickname other than the fact the pub itself is big. Mystery solved.

Address: 81 Lime Street, L1 1JQ

Ye Cracke

A city centre pub with some incredible ties to the Beatles, Ye Cracke is full of character and charm. The multi-roomed pub was one of John Lennon’s favourite watering holes and is the spot where he took his first wife, Cynthia Lennon, on their first date.

Ye Cracke on Rice Street
The Roscoe Head pub on Roscoe Street -Credit:Liverpool Echo

Ye Cracke a small bar at the front of the whitewashed building and a main bar and seating area, complete with pews and murals, including one depicting the Battle of Waterloo. The pub stocks ale from microbreweries and also sells farmhouse ciders.

Address: 13 Rice Street, L1 9BB

The Pilgrim

The Pilgrim is a pub that packs a big impact. Tucked away on the cobbled Pilgrim Street where it got its name, the popular venue offers a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of the Georgian Quarter.

It's significantly larger than it first seems, offering booth-style seating on the ground floor while the first floor - accessible by a spiral staircase - often plays host to gigs, comedy nights, plays and more. There's an extensive range of beverages to choose from too, with beers, lagers, ciders, vodka slush and more all available at affordable prices. Although it's temporarily closed for a refurbishment at the time of writing, it will return with a fresh lick of paint.

Address: 34 Pilgrim Street, L1 9HB

The Caledonia

The Caledonia is a cosy corner pub which offers cask ales and traditional pub grub - with a twist. It's well known for its regular live music nights, which are free to attend, and it's also dog friendly. The pub differs from many in that it offers a fully vegan menu, made up of burgers, hot dogs, 'wings', breakfast and desserts.

Address: 22 Caledonia Street, L7 7DX

The Poste House

Another city centre gem, The Poste House is located on Cumberland Street and is rich in history. It boasts traditional booth seats, an upstairs bar and a wide range of cask ales for drinking enthusiasts.

Inside the Poste House on Cumberland Street
The Baltic Fleet Pub on Wapping Dock -Credit:Liverpool Echo

The popular pub dates back to 1820 and is well known for its reasonably priced real ale and spirits, as well as its friendly atmosphere. Despite its central location, it manages to be tucked away from the crowds so you can get lost in a few pints in peace.

Address: 23 Cumberland Street, L1 6BU

Pogue Mahone

Pogue Mahone, Seel Street.
Landlord Dave Hardman outside the Lion Tavern, Moorfields. Photo by Colin Lane.

Liverpool has many great Irish pubs, but Pogue Mahone in the heart of the city is a favourite of many. The pub has traditional exposed brick walls and small wooden tables to cram around making it feel warm and cosy. There’s a vibrant atmosphere, as visitors can watch a variety of sports on the big screen and enjoy live music a few nights a week while sipping on a pint of Guinness. The pub also serves food including breakfast on weekends.

Address: 77 Seel St, Liverpool L1 4BB