Hardman Street We Love You – Here’s Why

This is how one Liverpool street, filled with an eclectic mix of shops, clubs, restaurants and bars, has made its mark in the city centre.

Hardman Street – the top end of town. The hill might be a killer in heels but the sloping street that leads from the Phil to the Bombed Out Church has been the scene of many an amazing night out in the city. We’re throwing Leece Street in to the mix too because who has ever been for a few drinks this way and not ended up in Hannah’s or the Scouse institution that is Nabzy’s?

From the cobbled Georgian Quarter to the bustling Bold Street, Hardman Street is a hive of activity day and night. This carnival and charity fun run thoroughfare links the city’s university campus, fast food chains and post exam bevs with sophisticated Sunday lunches, 5am taxi’s and so much more.

Here’s 12 reasons why we bloody love Hardman Street…

1 – The Philharmonic Pub

“The price of fame is no longer being able to have a pint in The Phil”. Former regular John Lennon measured his success having called this historic pub his local. Macca returned not that long ago to play an intimate gig at The Phil too and well, who doesn’t know about the most famous pub toilets in the world? A great pint, comfy seat and a good natter – guaranteed at The Phil. More on the Beatles pub crawl here. 

2 – The Florist

Easily the city’s most Instagram-able venue The Florist opened it’s doors in 2018 and has been a hive of activity since. The former School for the Blind building lends itself beautifully to the interior decor which will take your breath away. That staircase though! Restaurant, cocktail bar, hang out, weekend hot spot and winning Sunday lunch, The Florist should be on your Insta-story every week.

3 – Nabzy’s

What more needs to be said here than red salt chips after a mad night out? If you don’t already know, Nabzy’s is a chicken shop take away, official on Leece Street. It’s chicken burgers, red salted chips and service with a smile and banging playlist is legendary in the city. Never had a Nabzy’s? Get one! More here. 

4 – Bye Bye Bumper

For 12 long, glorious years, Bumper nightclub was at the forefront of going home at 5am. One of the only clubs in the city to have an extended license – Bumper is where all curly blows went flat, shoes came off and dubious necking occurred. It was boss.

The last song ever played when it closed it’s doors in 2016 was ‘Pull Up to the Bumper’ by Grace Jones. We heard there were tears. Even if you never went, you’ll have definitely took a picture of the ever changing light board sign outside. Have a reminisce here.

5 – Hot Water Comedy Club

Have you seen the weekly line up at Hot Water Comedy Club? Hardman Street is filled with laughter on the regular as the likes of Paul Smith, Adam Rowe, Sam Avery, Tom Stade, Phil Chapman, Markus Birdman and loads more take to the stage to make you giggle. There’s regular free ticket nights too! Find out more here. 

6 – Hannah’s Bar

Hannah’s Bar has to be one of the busiest venues in the city. Overlooking the Bombed Out Church, there’s always banging beats, drinks deals, live footy and a boss atmosphere on offer. The top floor function suite has seen many a wedding, christening, stag, hen and birthday celebration spill out into the main bar downstairs as everyone joins in the party. Anyone else fall off the step outside all the time or is that just us? Hannah’s events here. 

More: Here’s all the info on the bigger and brighter River of Light 2019 

7 – 92 Degrees Coffee

If you’re looking for an independent coffee shop that’s friendly, warm, filled with local art and serves up a top class Americano/Hot Chocolate/whatever, it has to be 92 Degrees Coffee on Hardman Street. Seriously, we could sit back and watch the world go by all day long here. Pull up a pew, literally and read, work, chat, have a cuppa and a bite to eat while people watching on Hardman Street. Menus and more here. 

8 – Bullet

If you’re into your vintage and hand made fashion, you’ll definitely know Bullet. A stalwart of Hardman Street for years, this boutique stocked amazing retro gems, 70’s style festival and holiday clothing and some beautiful handmade accessories. The window display always caught your eye and a little mooch inside would result in a whole new wardrobe. Bullet has now moved to nearby Hope Street but that monochrome shopfront will remain in our hearts. More on Bullet here. 

9 – The Flute

The Flute has always felt like a local in the city. Bridging the gap between the trendy city bars and your comfortable, familiar local, The Flute is a huge pub with pool tables, a tasty menu and loads of screens to watch all the live sporting action, all year round. Student deals at The Flute are amazing – huge discounts on food and ale all for a £1 card. Find out more here. 

10 – Grilla

We can’t get enough of the amazing Greek food and the warm welcome at Grilla Handman Street. If its a seriously delicious feast with your mates or family, date night or even to line your stomach before a night in Liverpool, book a table at Grilla and get ready for all the carbs. You won’t regret it. Menus and more here. 

11 – MacKenzie’s Whisky Bar

Channelling the legacy of the OG William Mackenzie (safely ensconced down the road on Rodney Street) Mackenzie’s Whisky Bar stocks possibly the city’s largest collection of whisky, plus a full bar of all your favourite tipples and screens to watch the footy. The outside terrace is a real gem in the summer time too, grab a chair and enjoy a wee dram under the twinkly lights. More here. 

12 – Buyers Club

Sticking with the twinkly light theme, Buyers Club is a bar, restaurant, garden and live music space with amazing regular guest DJ sets. Legendary Sunday Roasts, sangria-fuelled garden parties, breath taking photography exhibitions and the likes of Anti Social Jazz Club and Melodic Distraction on the decks, this is why Buyers Club is Hardman Street’s best kept secret. See what’s on here. 

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