7 reasons why Hope Street is well worth a visit in the summer

Hope Street’s always worth a visit, but when the sun’s shining and it’s got that carefree summer vibe, it’s even more amazing than ever.

Hope Street has it all! With bars and restaurants, theatres, and a world-famous orchestra able to call the area in the Georgian Quarter home, it’s got some fantastic places to shout about – and did we mention it’s got a cathedral at each end?!

If you’re in any doubt about paying the Hope Street area a visit over the next few months, here’s seven reasons why it needs to be on your ‘to-do’ list, and these are just the start.

Outside seating

Who doesn’t love a bit of al-fresco dining and drinking in summer, and there’s no shortage of outdoor seating spaces along the whole of Hope Street, from the more obvious pavement areas of The Quarter, Frederik’s, Papillon and The Philharmonic Dining Rooms, to hidden gems in places like The Pen Factory and Buyers Club, the terrace at The Arts Bar, and cute tables for two outside the likes of The Casa Bar. 

The Quarter

The Quarter on the corner of Falkner Square has got one of the prettiest pavement seating areas with fab floral decoration, heating for when it gets a little cooler, and THE best twinkly lights for when it starts to go dark.

There’s always a relaxed atmosphere which makes it perfect for whether you’re brunching, lunching or late-night dining, and you can watch the world go by while enjoying something from the Italian-inspired menu. 

For more on The Quarter click here.

Art School summer menu

You can always rely on chef patron Paul Askew and his team to serve up the best menu if you’re planning to celebrate a special occasion, and this summer’s no different.

There are three amazing new menus to enjoy at the prestigious destination restaurant in Sugnall Street – Prix Fixe, Menu Excellence, and Tasting Menu – all boasting lush seasonal dishes and ingredients.

His Menu Excellence, which includes Champagne on arrival with a selection of Chef’s snacks, offers starters like pan fried scallop with hazelnut crumb, cauliflower puree and apple gel, summer black truffle jus & pressed apple terrine; mains from roast breast of salt-aged miso duck with beetroot puree, pak choi, Tokyo turnip & bonbon of confit leg, to a vegan and vegetarian wonder of rack of green and white new season asparagus, potato gratin, wasabi mayo, pea purée & cherry tomato dressing, and delicious desserts including “Nalesniki”, a Ukrainian inspired pancake layered gateaux of hazelnut buttercream, raspberries, baby pine cones and pine honey, and  Tomlinson’s Yorkshire rhubarb & ginger baked Alaska.

Have we lingered a little too long on this one??

For more on The Art School click here.

The Pen Factory

Tucked below the hustle of bustle of Hope Street, The Pen Factory bar and bistro is one of those places that puts you a great mood the minute you walk through the door as the sound of chat and laughter instantly hits your ears.

Food and drink are key, but so’s the chance to get together and chill, and everything comes together perfectly, helped by regular live music and games nights.

There’s a fab small plates menu that changes twice a month to keep things seasonal and creative; a deli – stocked freshly each morning – and its own secret garden seating area made gorgeous by tumbling fig trees and creeping vines.

For more info click here.

Buyers Club

Just around the corner from Hope Street in Hardman Yard, Buyers Club could be another of those surprise venues that you never knew were there – until you do. It’s in a setback, quirky cobbled courtyard with a great outdoor seating area that sits beneath a canopy of lights. 

The courtyard’s definitely the place to wine and dine and catch a few rays in those balmy sunny days, and it’s just as lovely after dark. There’s a mouth-watering Italian-influenced menu and, if you want your pet pooch to be one of your dining companions, they’re welcomed inside and out.

For more info click here.

Take in the sights of the Georgian Quarter 

And there’s quite a few to take in, starting with – of course – the impressive Liverpool Cathedral, designed by Giles Gilbert Scott (who also created the red telephone box) and the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King with its circular design and stunning stained-glass windows, which bookend Hope Street.

You can go and see the Grade I listed Philharmonic pub, hailed as a ‘cathedral among pubs’ for its outstanding ‘architectural quality and magnificent interior’ – not least the gents which are among the most Instagrammed toilets in the UK – see a show at the Everyman Theatre or listen to music at the Philharmonic Hall, or visit ‘A Case History’ by John King, otherwise known as ‘The Hope Street Suitcases’ sculpture.

Free State Kitchen courtyard

Serving a contemporary twist on the East coast American classic – think burgers on locally-baked artisan bread, buffalo hot wings, hot dogs, Boston clam chowder, and salt beef reubens – this relaxed dining favourite also offers up one of the best secret gardens in the city. 

Hidden away in Maryland Street, just off Hope Street, it’s complete with a lawn to kick back on, picnic benches to sit at, and parasols to shade you when the sun gets a little too hot.  A real oasis.

For more on Free State Kitchen click here.

For more on Hope Street in Liverpool click HERE.