It’s certainly no secret that the home of John Lennon and Liverpool FC is one of the best places in the country for live music, sports bars and great prices. Though with so much to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start.
But never fear, with our expert pub crawl guide you’ll be exploring the city's best pubs in no time. The route starts at the trendy The Baltic Fleet, in the heart of the Baltic Triangle, before heading to the world-famous Cavern Club, the birthplace of The Beatles. Then, head just around the corner to Thomas Rigby’s, where the friendly locals will show you how to party in style. For the final stop, head to The Vines, a pub renowned for having one of the biggest and best beer selections in the city. We've also added a load more historic Liverpool pubs that are well worth checking out.
To find out more about what Liverpool has to offer, check out all our Liverpool stag do activities and see how we can help you sort out a memorable event.
The Baltic Fleet
The Baltic Fleet is a traditional pub in the heart of Liverpool. It’s famous for being haunted and has 3 ghosts and even has 2 secret tunnels leading from the cellar (spookey) - one goes to the docklands, the other to the old red light district, meaning The Baltic Fleet could serve crews with their two real needs, beer and ladies of the night. It’s in the heart of the Baltic Triangle, just 7 minutes’ from Dale Street.
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The Cavern Club
Obviously, no guide to Liverpool could be complete without mentioning The Beatles. Cavern Club is the legendary cellar bar that hosted The Beatles for their first ever performance. It plays host to all sorts of live music now, and is even a featured venue for the annual music festival. Soak up the history, enjoy a pint of great beer and afterwards, make sure to head down Mathew Street to get a pic with the famous statue of John Lennon.
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Thomas Rigby’s
With great food, 40+ great beers, and live sports, Thomas Rigby’s has it all. It’s popular with locals and tourists alike and, when the sun goes down, is renowned for having one of the friendliest atmospheres in the city. It shares a huge beer garden with the pub next door and is located on the ever-popular Dale Street. So, if you’re in a big group and on the hunt for some great beer in a traditional pub, this is the place for you.
The Vines
This grade ii listed traditional pub is one of the oldest and most popular in the city. Affectionately known as the the big ‘ouse due to its massive size, it’s got a massive selection of live music, real ale and craft beers. It’s on Lime Street, just seconds from the station and in the heart of the city centre.
The Ship and Mitre
Situated near King George’s Hall, The Ship & Mitre boasts the biggest selection of cask and continental beers on Merseyside, with a constantly changing list. There's typically 15 handpumps offering real ales and ciders from microbreweries which deliver only one barrel at a time – which explains why there are beer menus dotted around the boozer. They serve quality burgers in The Gallery area and they also have a bottle shop in the city centre, where you'll find an equally fine array of bottled ales, ciders and 'weird/wonderful beers'.
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The Philharmonic Dining Rooms
Step back in time and experience the luxurious grandeur of our pub. Built between 1898-1900, this gem was masterfully crafted by Walter Thomas with artisans from what is now known as University of Liverpool for local brewer Robert Cain. You'll find captivating metal gates outside - voted Britain's best Art Nouveau work! Inside each room on five floors has been decorated to reflect a different musical theme – take your pick or explore them all before making sure you don't miss out seeing the famous men’s bathrooms that no other establishment can quite match up against! We've never forgotten where we came from either, welcoming renowned stars such as Buddy Holly and Paul McCartney over the years who have had their own memories created here too…
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Ye Hole in Ye Wall
It's officially Liverpool's oldest public house, dating back to 1726. Built on an old Quaker burial site, Ye Hole is pretty tiny and tucked away off Dale Street, but for a back-street boozer it boasts bags of atmosphere, with wooden panelling, an ornate fireplace and stained glass. They also serve seven cask ales and proper chips. Not those skinny 'American fries', proper chips
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Ye Cracke
Ye Cracke, the favourite watering hole of Beatle-legend John Lennon, is a well known (yet slightly tucked away) pub in Liverpool. It has an old bohemian flair with pews and murals throughout - such as one depicting Britain's legendary Battle of Waterloo - adding to its charm! You can also sample their delightful beer garden on sunny days or opt for some darts at the back bar; making this spot perfect no matter what mood you're in!
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Peter Kavanagh's
Just 6 minutes’ stroll from Hope Street, this quirky pub is in the Georgian Quarter. With stained glass windows, a copper bar and massive selection of real ales and great beers, it’s one of the most popular traditional pubs in the city. It also hosts regular live music, attracting local, tourists and students alike to revel in this unique and quirky pub.
Step inside this 1844 watering hole and experience the most eccentric of Liverpool pub vibes with Charles Dickens-inspired murals, a dazzling display of vintage knick knacks like clocks hanging from the ceiling, transistor radios – they even have loads of old photographs to add extra charm. But that’s not where its fame lies. This local is also hotly contested as being home to one Adolf Hitler in 1912? Conspiracy or truth…you decide!
The Globe
The Globe Pub in Liverpool is an iconic watering hole that has served locals and visitors alike for decades. Built in 1888 it is a cozy and classic English pub, with friendly staff and classic decor. The bar boasts an extensive selection of drinks from both local and international brands, as well as delicious pub fare including their world famous fish & chips. During the summer months, the outdoor seating area is filled with customers enjoying a pint in the sunshine. Inside, live music fills the space each weekend evening - making it a great spot to meet old friends or make new ones. The Globe Pub truly brings a unique atmosphere that has made it one of Liverpool’s top pubs for so many years.
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Roscoe Head
The Roscoe Head has been defying the test of time since 1870, and its main claim to fame is that it was arguably once home to one Adolf Hitler – at least according to local urban legend - though this hasn’t ever been confirmed. History buffs will love browsing through a collection of trinkets like transistor radios, clocks hanging from the ceiling along with ornaments and old photos adorning the walls. Even more interesting is fact that his brother Alois lived on nearby Upper Stanhope Street in Toxteth for several years alongside Irish wife Bridget Dowling who sparked off whispers about her famous former guest when she mentioned him visiting them as part of their family between 1912-13!
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Ma Egerton’s
Step back in time and feel the energy of showbiz legends at Ma Egerton's Stage Door. Built in 1846, this historic Liverpool pub is named after its longest-serving landlady - Mary Egerton. She was more than just a landlord; she brought superstars to her doorstep like Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Charlie Chaplin and even Harry Houdini! You can almost hear their stories on the walls adorned with photos from Old Hollywood who have graced these premises before you. Although it still continues to attract performers from stage and screen alike – why not follow suit for an evening of starlit nostalgia?
