10 Liverpool businesses you should definitely check out

We might be biased, but Liverpool has some of the best independent businesses going!

It is always so important to shop local, now more than ever. The cost of living crisis is hitting everyone hard, so if you can, make sure you’re supporting our local Indies – from independent gift shops, to local touring companies, opticians, and beauty parlours – we have everything we need on our doorstep – here’s 10 you need to check out!

Waterloo Eye Centre 

Waterloo Eye Centre are an independent Opticians who have been serving the local community for almost 30 years. The experienced team are committed to providing an excellent customer experience and a wide range of stylish, quality eyewear. 

Each summer their collection of designer sunglasses in store and on Instagram grows. Their focus is on ensuring they provide every patient with the best eye-care based on their individual needs.

For more info click here. 

Shiverpool 

The devilishly funny award-winning Shiverpool deliver famous street theatre shows to large and small audiences, tailored tour immersive experiences for schools and colleges, universities and corporate audiences! They also run a schedule of shows open to all, from families to tourists from all over the world.

In an age where we are bombarded by Tweets, News Parcels and fragments of film, Shiverpool invite you to step inside the magical, ancient world of Ghost Stories. You are guaranteed a spine-chilling experience with phantasmagorical fun to suit all ages (coffins) and shoe sizes! 

Shiverpool also engages with emerging artists to develop their professional practice whether it be through performing arts, creative writing, theatrical make-up, film making or creative design.

For more info click here. 

The Scouse Bird Shop 

Scouse Bird Shop is a gift shop based in Liverpool that sells products with an added Scouse twist. The Iconic pink & leopard print store front (painted by Paul Curtis) can be found on Tarleton Street (just a stones throw from William Square, in Liverpool’s City Centre, just a stones throw from William Square. 

The Scouse Bird Shop has got all sorts! From her own branded hot chocolate to candles – and more recently custom mugs, coasters and fridge magnets. Famous for hating all things “Tory” – the shop attracts customers from all over the UK and beyond with their worldwide shipping. 

For more info click here. 

The Nest

The Royal Albert Dock Liverpool is home to The Nest – a design shop which showcases local artists and their incredible creations. From chopping boards to original prints of iconic Liverpool clubs, sparkly Liver Bird pins, cushions and artwork to exquisite handmade jewellery, The Nest is where proper Liver Birds get their little piece of the city.  

They proudly sell the work of our wonderful local artists, designers, photographers, and makers, and often collaborate with their creative buddies to bring you unique and exclusive goodies.

For more info click here.

Dafna’s Cheesecake Factory

Currently closed for refurbishment and opening again very soon, Dafna’s on Smithdown Road specialises in producing quality cakes, all made to non-commercial recipes. Their cheesecake, produced in ten flavours, is the most popular product.

They stock a range of wheat-free cakes,vegan cakes and dairy free cakes. In addition to over fifty cakes and desserts, Dafna’s sells quality confectionery and imported Belgian chocolates. 

For more info click here. 

The Bus Yard 

Set for relaunch on April 7 – The Bus Yard has two locations one in Cain’s Brewery Village and another in Crosby Mariner. 

The Bus Yard is an outdoor space with a fully licensed mobile bar inside a double-decker bus! On the lower deck is the bar to get your fantastic cocktails and upstairs there’s a roof top terrace. They have a kitchen container serving some boss street food too. So get ready for a double decker of a party because these guys know how to do it right!

For more info click here. 

L1 Nails

The famous Liverpool nail salon had its own TV Series “Nail Bar Boys” which aired on the BBC in 2021. The nail bar based on Lord Street in the city centre is popular with all the locals. Get creative and collaborate with bespoke designs a speciality and Shellac polish from £20. 

You can keep up to date and book via their instagram here. 

News From Nowhere 

News From Nowhere is Liverpool’s not-for-profit radical & community bookshop – established in 1974, and run collectively by a workers co-operative. This means that there is no boss & no individual owner! The workers share tasks, responsibilities & decision-making. 

No-one makes money out of the bookshop. Any profit remains within the business, paying for essential running costs, maintaining the building, & building up their stock. (The workers earn equal rates of pay, set at the living wage rate.) 

They’re committed to social justice – and hope that the literature they stock empowers & inspires people to make positive changes in the world – from challenging the power of corporate capitalism to breaking down prejudiced attitudes to others. 

For more info click here. 

Matta’s International Foods 

Family-run Matta’s on Bold Street has been established in Liverpool since 1984, selling food from all around the world. Ever since its inception, it has been an integral part of the city, not just because of the products it sells, but because of the community spirit that it brings.

Mattas is open seven days a week and is fully stocked with products from every corner of the globe, including India, Japan, Mexico and more.

For more info click here. 

Merseymade 

MerseyMade is the perfect place to spend the day here in Liverpool, whether you want to pick up some artwork, get creative, or enjoy locally sourced food. The community hub supports local artistic talent and provides a place for them to showcase their work and sell their creations.

Their unique, inventive and community driven space can be found on Paradise street in the centre of town, inside an old building with a rich history.

For more info click here.