I found a hidden bar under a wheelbarrow and I can't wait to go back

For generations the Rapid Hardware shop on Renshaw Street was the go-to place for Scousers looking for DIY, garden and home improvement products. It opened in 1971 and enjoyed many successful years on one of the city centre’s busiest streets before closing its doors for the final time in 2013.

There are some nods on Renshaw Street to one of Liverpool’s most famous brands, most notably the Hardware café. However, its sister site, the Little Hardware bar, is missed by many passers-by - and that’s by design.

It is located on Cropper Street, behind Hardware café, but I was a bit wary when I visited there earlier this week as I was worried I wouldn’t be able to find it. Little Hardware describes itself as a ‘hidden speakeasy bar’. In a cryptic message on its website, it says you can find it by “looking for the rusty wheelbarrow”. I didn't have much idea how I would get in or what I would be met with inside.

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I walked there via Bold Street, which was full of people heading to its many restaurants, bars and shops as usual. By contrast, there were few signs of life on Cropper Street, with just a few cars parked up and the buildings covered in graffiti.

Thankfully, above an unassuming back door on the quiet side street, I spotted the wheelbarrow, which was turned to one side and attached to the wall. I pressed the buzzer to the side and I heard a message from a staff member telling me the door was open.

Inside, you’re immediately greeted with a series of hammers, wood chisels and other tools before you head through another door down a long corridor. It was nice to see some old ECHO newspaper cuttings detailing Rapid’s proud history.

Finally, you get to the door for the bar and the homeware theme is continued. There’s exposed brickwork and wooden beams on the ceilings. It’s got a very atmospheric feel thanks to these details and the fact you’re so far underground. You truly feel like you’re secluded from the noise of town.

It was very quiet when I went there, but this was expected given it was 5.30pm on a weeknight. Because Little Hardware is designed to be out of the way and only visited by people who know it's there, you don’t feel awkward being there on a quiet occasion.

One thing I was surprised about was the menu. Normally, these speakeasy bars have drink names that match its vibe, but there were no drinks named after screwdrivers or power drills. You could argue this takes you out of the experience, but I think it’s nice that the bar didn't come up with unusual drink names for the sake of it.

I ordered the pink Himalayan first, which contains beefeater gin and raspberry liqueur. It was deliciously sweet, as was the Paloma I ordered next, which had tequila and orange juice in it. I ordered some tasty slated popcorn as a side too. Overall, it came to £27.12 including a service charge, which is about what I expected.

Sometimes hidden bars with a theme can feel a bit gimmicky, but Little Hardware definitely doesn’t. Once you’re inside, it feels like any other bar, all be a quiet one sheltered from the hustle and bustle above. If you’re looking for something a bit different next time you’re in town, it’s well worth a visit. I think I might come back again very soon.