9 best pubs in Liverpool

Few cities wear their pub culture as proudly as Liverpool. Step inside one of its ornate Victorian landmarks and you’ll find etched glass, polished wood and a warm welcome at the bar. Wander further and you’ll stumble across candlelit hideaways, riverside beer gardens and live music spilling out onto the street. Whether you’re in search of history, atmosphere or simply a perfectly poured pint, Liverpool’s pubs capture the city’s spirit in all its guises. Here are some of the very best.

The Vines (The Big House)

A stone’s throw from Lime Street Station, The Vines is the kind of pub that makes you pause at the door before stepping inside. Rebuilt in 1907 by Walter Thomas – the architect behind the equally impressive Philharmonic Dining Rooms – it’s a masterpiece of Edwardian excess, with ornate plasterwork, mahogany panelling and stained glass catching the afternoon light. The Billiards Room is the showpiece: a soaring dome of coloured glass, golden palm lamps and carved ceilings that feel more like a stately home than a city boozer. The Vines gets busy on weekends – we suggest stopping by on a quiet weekday, when the grandeur has space to breathe.

Address: 81 Lime Street, Liverpool L1 1JQ
Website: vinesbighouse.co.uk

Baltic Fleet

A Grade II-listed gem on Liverpool’s historic dock road, The Baltic Fleet is a traditional 1850s pub that’s still doing exactly what it was built for. Named after the crews of Siberian whaling ships who frequented the area, its wedge-shaped profile and nautical-themed interior nod to its maritime past. The pub houses the Wapping Brewery in its cellar, making it Liverpool’s only brewpub. It offers a rotating selection of cask ales, including stouts, ambers, and pale ales, brewed on-site and complemented by guest ales from local breweries. The menu features hearty pub fare, including traditional scouse and pies, perfect for pairing with a pint. Whether you’re perched on the terrace watching boats drift along the Mersey or tucked inside beneath the creaking beams, The Baltic Fleet feels like a step back into Liverpool’s maritime past – with a drink in hand that tastes entirely of the present.

Address: Baltic Fleet, 33A Wapping, Liverpool L1 8DQ
Website: balticfleet.co.uk

The Bookbinder

Tucked away at the quieter end of Lark Lane near Sefton Park, The Bookbinder is a neighbourhood pub, wine bar, and eatery that feels like a well-loved local secret. Its eclectic charm is evident in the vintage board games lining the shelves, the 60s tunes and northern soul spinning on the speakers, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere that invites you to linger. The menu offers a mix of brunch, lunch, and dinner options, with daily specials and a focus on locally sourced ingredients. There are plenty of options for veggies and vegans, too. Whether you’re enjoying a hearty breakfast or a relaxing evening drink, The Bookbinder provides a welcoming retreat with a touch of nostalgia.

Address: The Bookbinder, 2 Lark Ln, Liverpool L17 8US
Website: bookbinderlarklane.com