Go local in Liverpool 2020 with 15 independent shops and restaurants every Scouser should support

Liverpool has a host of amazing independent businesses doing great things, here are just 15 of many that we all should support in 2020.

They’re super friendly but fiercely individual, unique but familiar and wonderfully welcoming – and the one thing all indies have in common is the feel-good service you get for free. Our local community of retailers and restauranteurs need your support more than ever, and the brilliant thing is, they offer so much more than hurried thanks and a receipt. 

Every purchase you make not only guarantees an item or experience you won’t find anywhere else, but you’re also contributing to the local economy by helping our community thrive in making great ideas a reality. The small independents of today are the well-known businesses and artists of tomorrow, so make it your mission to shop indie today!

1 - Lovelocks - Old Haymarket

Like all the best places, Lovelocks started out as a daydream before it began serving up beautifully presented, fast, fresh food and fresh ground coffee. An instant favourite with family and friends, call in for a healthy breakfast, stylish sandwiches, enjoy Vegan and Gluten-free options if you’re being good – or indulge in homemade cakes worth ditching your diet for. We also need to mention the Lovelock’s range of merch! Confident keepsakes that are what being an independent’s all about.

Take a look at Lovelock’s menu here

2 - Heritage Bar & Restaurant - Castle Street

The Daily Telegraph described Heritage as, “a tiny, loud, friendly, almost definitely unpretentious little place in Liverpool.” We’d add that the generations of family recipes which inspired the Heritage name – all cooked to an exceptional standard, seven-days-a-week – and great, personal touches like an online recipe page and bringing your own bottle of wine along on Sunday and Monday, make this brilliant indie one of the best.

Visit Heritage here

3 - The Nest - Royal Albert Dock

Creative, colourful and undoubtedly collectable, whether you’re after keepsakes, candles or cute baby clothes The Nest is home to a showcase of high-quality Liverpool-born Art and Design. The lovely folks you’ll meet behind the counter say they want to offer something a little bit special without it having to be exclusive or expensive, which we think is pretty much everything you need in an indie.

Visit The Nest here

4 - Baltic Market - Cains Brewery Village, Baltic Triangle

Where do we start? Since it opened in 2017 the city’s unsurpassable indoor selection of small, independent street food brought to you from a Global kitchen and lovingly arranged for our dining delight has brought a new lease of life to Liverpool. We love the space – the lower floor benches that encourage camaraderie and conversation – but most of all, we love our grub, and that’s what Baltic Market continues to do, just that little bit differently.

Oh and if that wasn’t enough the lads behind Baltic Market also love their indies as they are the brainchild of Independent Liverpool too!

Visit Baltic Market here

5 - Owen Drew Boutique - Birkenhead

Owen Drew was disappointed with the soot marks and lacklustre fragrances left by other brands before creating his own range using natural ingredients and essential oils – plus wonderful wooden wicks which crackle as they burn. Since launching in 2016, Owen Drew has been featured in Vogue, become a fragrance house collaborating on sensory experiences for Sefton Palm House and The Florist among others – and filling our homes with scent, soft lighting and nothing but support for this homegrown indie success story.

Visit Owen Drew here

6 - Baby E Coffee & Deli - Temple Square, Dale Street

Renowned for a decent roast dinner, hired for its intimate atmosphere, eat in or take out at this bustling basement venue filled with elegant plates of phenomenally good food, an Industrial design edge, and evening menus worth shouting about. If you’ve got a big event coming up Baby E transforms into private function space so you can sit back and take all the credit. As for the E? It stands for Elephant.

Visit Baby E Coffee & Deli here

7 - Lock and Key - Duke Street

There’s a real sense of a destination at the unique hotel, bar and restaurant you’ll find behind the doors of this Grade-II listed Georgian townhouse, which the Sunday Times Top 100 British Hotel guide described as “…full of heart, with stand-out service.” As well as unbelievably good Brunch, Pasta and Pizza menus – which you can call-in to takeout – their pancakes have us going crazy, and we might as well try a cocktail while we’re there.

No wonder it’s a hotel. We don’t think we want to leave…

Visit Lock and Key here

8 - Scouse Bird Shop - Crosby Village

If she’s stylish, sassy, and she takes no sh*t – she’s a Scouse bird! So with their trademark ability to get noticed everywhere they go, it’s only right our local girls get their own independent. Scouse Bird Blogs made her name on social media and has now expanded her offer to retail too. For everyday Liver Bird Beauty, Home, Drinks & Gift essentials like the I’m Dead Posh…postcode range or our personal favourites – the highly offensive and deeply hilarious Scouse Bird slogans which we can’t possible repeat on our website but you can find on instagram…

Visit Scouse Bird Shop here

9 - Cucina di Vincenzo - Woolton Road, Childwall

Whether it’s a table-for-two, family gathering or private party, this multi-award-winning family restaurant knows how to dish out equal servings of homespun hospitality, heart-warming authentic Italian food – and the kind of inviting atmosphere and ravishing menu guaranteed to transform meals into memories.

Visit Cucina di Vincenzo here

10 - Liverpool Gift Gallery - Mill Lane, West Derby

The creative concept of husband and wife team Ellie & Steve, Liverpool Gift Gallery is a cheerful independent bringing the work of over 40 local artists – including Ellie – to West Derby village as well as attracting the attention of online Art lovers. There’s a framing service available and gorgeous gifts including cute, personalised items for every occasion.

Visit Liverpool Gift Gallery here 

11 - Pioneer Bar & Brasserie, Liverpool Road, Crosby

This elegant local eaterie keeps diners bustling at breakfast, treating themselves to afternoon tea, stopping by for coffee, perusing an Internationally-inspired menu, or working up an appetite for bar snacks – with live music and a wonderfully relaxed late night ambiance which means the Pioneer is never short of company.

Visit Pioneer Bar & Brasserie here

12 - The Bluecoat - School Lane

The perfect excuse to visit the oldest building in the city centre The Bluecoat! Discover hidden gems in the form of gorgeous indies including Dressology Evening and Bridal boutique, R&J Porter Silversmiths, Lalligrass Himalayan goods, Roots Houseplants & Mary Mary Florals and Probe Records.

Visit Bluecoat retailers here

13 - Quinns Bike Centre - Edge Lane

Harry Quinn Cycles opened in Walton in 1890, a family owned high-end bicycle manufacturer, Harry became an influential figure in British cycling with his hand-built bikes ridden competitively. Today, Quinn’s bikes is synonymous with great advice, a range of just about any model and make of bike you could wish for, and a passion for all things cycling that gets us lot on wheels.

Visit Quinns Bike Centre here

14 - Literally - Atherton Street, New Brighton

If you ask us, there’s nothing like finding a new book store. While there’s a host of well-established indie book shops around Liverpool, a new discovery, like a new book, can feel like your very own world. You can find Literally opposite New Brighton train station. It’s organised enough so you can find things, chaotic enough to make it interesting – and if there’s something in particular you’re after, owners Peter and Cathy will find it.

Visit Literally here

15 - MerseyMade - Paradise Street

Welcome to the latest indie in the neighbourhood – MerseyMade – Shops, Studio and Café open 7 days a week and featuring 10 open plan studios where you can watch and chat to artists and producers at work, and a range of shops offering everything from gin to jewellery, homeware, beautiful gifts, fashion and floristry you won’t find anywhere else.

Visit MerseyMade here