Our Top 5 Pubs in Liverpool
There is so much to do in Liverpool and so many places to visit. The city has a brilliant nightlife and something for everybody. Merseyside has over 1000 pubs so it can be hard to know where to start and where you should go! Teacher Frank tells us about his top 5 pubs:
Public Houses, better known as pubs (or ale* houses) are really important in the history and culture of British villages, towns and cities. Especially in Liverpool, where people love to talk, sing, tell and listen to jokes…and drink! It’s a great place to relax: it’s not your house, it’s not my house, we have no jobs to do!
*Ale* is another word for beer – the most popular drink in pubs. But you can get many different kinds of drink in a pub nowadays – alcoholic or non-alcoholic. A lot of pubs serve food, too – from snacks to full meals.
From the school, we can easily walk to about 30 different pubs that I really enjoy! Here, I will introduce you to just five of them…
The Roscoe Head
Where is this pub?
It’s our ‘local*’ and is just 3 minutes’ walk away. Turn right at the school’s front door, then walk down the first street on your right – Roscoe Street – and you’ll see it on your right.
Why go in?
The name is interesting: William Roscoe was an important man in Liverpool’s history. Inside, it’s like a small, comfortable house with three small rooms for conversation (one is only big enough for two or three people!)
Why stay?
For face-to-face chats! This pub’s also famous for some of the best quality beer in the city. English-style beer should be cool – not freezing cold, because our weather isn’t boiling hot! There are several different types of beer or ale, with different flavours – not like big-brand international lager beers.
*Local* is a word to describe a pub that you live or work close to and visit regularly.
The Philharmonic Dining Rooms
Known by local people as ‘The Phil’.
Where is this pub?
Only 2-3 minutes from the Roscoe Head, this pub is on Hope Street – the most famous part of Liverpool’s ‘cultural quarter’. Between the city’s two cathedrals, it is home to theatres, university buildings, good restaurants, street sculptures and the world-famous Royal Philharmonic Concert Hall. The ‘Phil’ is on the opposite corner.
Why go in?
Many people think this is the most beautifully decorated pub in the city, and one of the most spectacular in the UK. It’s a classic “gentlemen’s dining club” from a hundred years ago.
Why stay?
To walk through its large and smaller rooms, and be amazed by the beautiful ceilings, doorways, windows, walls… Many visitors come here.
The Baltic Fleet
Where is this pub?
The Albert Dock is extremely popular with tourists – it’s a “must-see” if you come to Liverpool. It has great views of the river, historic ships, some of the best museums and art in the country – including The Beatles Story – but it doesn’t have a really traditional pub. However, The Baltic Fleet is just across the road.
Why go in?
It looks different! A building in the shape of a triangle. Your feet would be tired after visiting the Albert Dock attractions, and you’d probably be hungry – and thirsty!
Why stay?
With its tall windows, The Baltic Fleet has attractive natural light in all its three downstairs rooms. You can go upstairs, too, or sit at tables outside (on a nice sunny day!) It’s also well-known for locally-made beer with great flavours.
The Liverpool One Bridewell
Where is this pub?
The Bridewell is on Campbell Square at the bottom of Duke Street, very near to the Liverpool One bus station and the well-known John Lewis department store. It looks unusual – because in the past the building was a police station and small prison (that’s what ‘bridewell’ means.) On the wall, there’s a blue plaque about the world-famous writer Charles Dickens, who visited in 1861.
Why go in?
It still has the old ‘prison cells’ inside (small places that were uncomfortable for prisoners but very cosy for a chat with your close friends!)
Why stay?
I think it is one of the friendliest pubs in town, with a lot of ‘*regulars‘ but they are also very welcoming to visitors too. The management and staff look after customers well, and are happy for you to take photos and to tell you about the pub’s history.
*Regulars* is a word to describe people who live or work near and visit often. It can be used for pubs but also restaurants and cafes too.
The Caledonia
Where is this pub?
The “Cali” is on Catharine Street, near the Philharmonic Hall and the Arts section of the University of Liverpool.
Why go in?
Probably for the music: most days, local bands perform there, and you can read information about them outside. You can hear different types of music, including rock, folk and jazz. Also, this pub specialises in vegan food.
Why stay?
It’s a community pub, with a great atmosphere – plenty of students, but a lot of older local people too. Customers can bring their dogs. Lots of people love the music, but some come for a rest or a conversation.
We go to visit these pubs and others on our fantastic social programme. Find out more about all of the great things we do each day at Liverpool School of English here.