20 of the top Crosby & Waterloo eateries that prove village living is sweet

Like a West Liverpool version of Lark Lane, foodies are flocking to L23.

Crosby Village has an incredible history. Taking its name from the old Norse word for ‘cross’ and the Scandinavian for ‘by’, what started out as a Viking settlement, first mentioned in 900AD, is now a thriving shopping and social hub which is consistently attracting brand new business.

From Nordic settlements to tales of ancient loot hidden in the village, 17th century sundials, secret religious gatherings, The Molyneuxs, The Blundells and battles over land rights, it’s said this former part of West Lancashire was once connected to New Brighton by a forest, right across the mouth of the River Mersey!

Cut to current day Crosby and Waterloo and you’re looking at two of the most sought after neighbourhoods on Merseyside. Average house prices range from £187k to £330k and with an abundance of top rated schools, green spaces, coast line and an emerging social scene, this former Viking settlement has certainly moved with the times.

Connected by three Merseyrail stations (Waterloo, Crosby and Blundellsands) which run Liverpool to Southport services and a variety of bus routes, Crosby isn’t just about village life. The stunning Crosby beach is just a short walk from the village and showcases the Antony Gormley ‘Another Place’ art installation. The coastal path and Marina, with stunning views across to Wirral and of the city skyline, is a favourite among families, couples, keen cyclists and Sunday wanderers alike. Not forgetting The Plaza!

The Plaza Cinema is famous for opening & closing on the same day when war broke out in 1939. This beautiful Art Deco themed cinema makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time before you lose yourself in a movie and with adult ticket prices of just £4.90 you can enjoy a night out in Crosby for less.

Calling all parents, The Plaza is offering special screenings at Christmas of classics like ‘Its a Wonderful Life’ & ‘Elf’ this winter and the local NCT hold baby friendly screenings of the latest releases once a month for £3 a ticket too. Click here for more.

The food scene in particular has enjoyed a huge revamp in recent years, putting Crosby and Waterloo on the map as a destination to dine. Boasting more than 100 years worth of family-run baking, food festivals, community run coffee shops, tacos, pasta and fluffy pancakes and now its own roastery, you can have the world on a plate around these parts.

St John’s Road is basically the west Merseyside version of Lark Lane, there’s a whole street of independent retailers & restaurants lining up locally-sourced, delicious food for all tastes. So, bring your appetite…

These are our top 20 Crosby & Waterloo eateries….

1 – Spitroast

South Road’s Spitroast serves up the most succulent chicken and this winter you can dine or take it home for a cosy winter tea. More here.

2 – La Parrilla Mexican Bar & Grill

Did someone say tequila? Another South Road eatery this time offering to spice up your life with wedges, tacos, burritos and more. Check out the menu here.

3 – Timberwolf Grind & Tap

Timberwolf manager Tony and the team invite you to enjoy a night out in Waterloo with plenty of gin, dark spirits, craft beer or even a speciality coffee. Fab place for girls night or a date. More here.

4 – Crosby Coffee

Crosby Coffee has now opened its own roastery on Oxford Road. They are always at the Spring & Autumn food & drink festivals and despite opening their bigger premises, the queue is still always out the door. Do yourself a favour and check them out here.

5 – Caz’s Kitchen

Calling all cake connoisseurs! Caz’s Kitchen is an absolute must on your next visit to Waterloo. Rated 5/5 on Facebook, this sweet treats emporium is filled with freshly baked cakes, biscuits, traybakes and more. Go on, treat yourself. Click here for more.

6 – Waterloo Place

Waterloo Place is definitely one of our favourite cafes as their selection of delicious pices, cakes and coffee never fails to impress. The café is also dog & toddler friendly too with lots of local art on the walls to marvel at while you dine! More here.

7 – The Little Macaron Shop

When a shop consistently sells out of its top products due to overwhelming demand, you know you’re missing out on a good thing. The Little Macaron Shop bakes and sells amazing loaves, pies and the incredible ‘maclairs’. Get yours here.

8 – Storyhouse

Run by St Nicholas Church, Storyhouse is an absolute winner amongst local foodies and their families. This community café bakes everything from scratch in its on-site micro-bakery and offer regular quiz nights, pre-school story time with plenty of jam butties! Find out more here.

9 – CAN

One for the vegan’s among us. CAN, St John’s Road serves up a tasty, varied 100% vegan menu and is a plastic free restaurant which in current times is an example we can all follow. Ps – their homemade slaw is amazinggggg! Check out the menu and more here.

10 – EATALY

Another new independent on St John’s Road which is bossing it in 2018 is Eataly. How inviting do these cheese and charcuterie boards look? A perfect Italian venue for a date night with your other half in Waterloo. Get booked in here.

11 – Moose Coffee

We’re all familiar with the city centre, Moose Coffee and Moose and Moonshine, but did you know, College Road Crosby has its very own brunch, coffee and amazing pancake purveyor? It’s quieter out in the burbs so swerve the city queues and stop in for brekkie. More here.

12 – Roast

Crosby Road North is the home of Roast Coffee & Kitchen and if you’re looking for a fab venue to enjoy brunch with the girls, a coffee with your mum or a sweet treat with the kids, this is it. The waffles are an absolute delight. More here.

13 – Ellington’s

When it comes to fine dining in a stylish, sophisticated restaurant, it has to be Ellingtons. This Liverpool Road venue opened its doors in 2016 and has gained legions of fans thanks to its seasonal menu of great British classics. Find out more here.

14 – The Courtyard Café

Head to The Courtyard Café in historic, Little Crosby for a traditional full English and banish those winter blues. The team is also serving up a traditional xmas sarnie so nab a place by the fire and toast old Saint Nick this December. More info here.

15 – So Salsa

Get your hit of summer sun in the middle of Crosby Village as So Salsa serves up traditional Spanish tapas to the masses. Loved for its atmosphere, brilliant dining deals ( 3 tapas for £10) and tasty weekly specials, you can’t go wrong with patatas bravas here! More info here.

16 – This is Livin’

OMG have you seen the Sunday roasts being served up at This Is Livin’, Crosby Road North? If you like a full plate of delicious, traditional Sunday Roast, lashings of gravy and to dine in restaurants where former LFC stars celebrate their birthdays (hey Carra), this is the place for you! Menus and more here.

17 – The Tipsy Monkey

Another 2018 additional to the area, The Tipsy Monkey, has become really popular thanks to its weekly changing menu. Currently serving up nibbles, small plates and dessert alongside a fabulously festive Christmas cocktail list, this has pre-drinks written all over it! More info here.

18 – The Little Deli Crosby

Food that not only curbs your hunger but also nourishes the soul is how we’d describe the offering from The Little Deli. A firm favourite at the food and drink festivals, the team produces locally sourced meals, take away lite bites, platters and the amazing Buddha bowls, overflowing with goodness. Check them out here.

19 – Pioneer Bar & Brasserie

Crosby’s premier wine bar, Pioneer Bar & Brasserie is the place to be for a glass of vino in style. With regular live entertainment and a mouth-watering menu (including a ridiculously good Sunday roast and generous Afternoon Tea), this Liverpool Road venue is the life and soul of the party. Menus and more info here.

19 – Satterthwaites Bakehouse

We had to finish on a Crosby heavyweight. With more than a century of legendary baking experience behind it, Sattertwaites Bakehouse, Coronation Road is like a lifelong friend to many locals.

The original chain closed in 2012 after over 100 years of baking & serving up their delicious pork pies & Bavarian slices. Sarah & John Wills reopened the original bakehouse in April 2013, re-employing some original staff & using all the same recipes that everyone knew and loved. It is always busy in there but if they ever have any left over stock it goes straight to the local soup kitchen. Find out more here.

Kindness and community spirit, exactly what village living is all about.