Al fresco lunching has become Liverpool’s favourite thing since restaurants opened up their outdoor spaces.

Not only is it usually easier to book a table than it is at night, you get the best of the sunshine and if you’re smart with juggling WFH and the school run you don’t even have to limit it to the weekends.

Crack open the afternoon prosecco – here are 11 lunch places you can book right now …

The Courtyard at Art School

This is a post-lockdown must in our opinion. Head Chef and owner of the Art School Restaurant Paul Askew has transformed the venue’s courtyard into a idyllic dining space underneath the hustle and bustle of the beautiful Georgian Quarter. From set menus to small plates, there’s something for everyone, making it the perfect al fresco lunchtime spot.

Papillon

Everything about this pink place on the corner of Falkner and Hope Street says long, lazy lunch opps. It’s got tables on two sides so you get double the chance of getting one and piling it up with small plates and a whole load of nibbles (they do a gorgeous sharing rosé sangria too).

Lunyalita

Sitting outside and having lunch in the sun seems like a very holiday thing to do, so it makes sense to do it with fabulous Spanish tapas. The terrace at Lunyalita, Albert Dock has a great selection of meat, fish and veggie tapas to get you dreaming of scorching hot days by the Med.

The Old Stables

Sitting out on the sunny terrace at the Old Stables at Allerton Manor feels like a million miles from the city centre. Built on the former stable block and courtyard of the estate, it’s the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine and a deli board of starters to share.

The Italian Club

This is one of the restaurants that’s taken full advantage of the #WithoutWalls closing off of Bold Street to traffic. It’s got tables outside now so you can have a pizza or one of their amazing Club sandwiches al fresco. And dolci, because in Italy it’s a crime not to order dessert.

Justino’s, Aigburth Road

Justino’s on Aigburth Road has been packing them in to its heated outdoor tables since reopening so the good times of Italy are well and truly back in Aigburth. There’s a new set lunch and summer drinks menu (including a Limoncello spritz) and if you fancy brunch instead of lunch, that starts from 10am.

Polidor 68, Lark Lane

Small is beautiful when it comes to outdoor dining on Lark Lane because as well as its tables out front, Polidor has a lovely little heated back courtyard which is a fantastic spot to while away the afternoon hours with a few drinks and nibbles, small plates, flatbreads or a sharing deli board.

Salt House Tapas

If you’re shopping or working in town and fancy treating yourself to an outdoor tapas lunch then Salthouse Tapas on the corner of Hanover Street is one to try. It’s serving a reduced menu at the moment but there’s still plenty of Spanish classics to choose from plus a dedicated gin bar.

ASK Italian

Fancy a little taste of Italy right in the centre of town? If so then ASK Italian on Queen Square has lots of outdoor seating for pizza al fresco or you could try the antipasti classico platter with loads of nibbly bits to graze on while you keep nicely hydrated with Aperol spritzes.

Chamber 36

Berry Street has been one of the liveliest places in the city centre since restaurants reopened outside and Chamber 36 couldn’t be better placed, facing the Chinese Arch. It’s got a great set lunch menu of dim sum and small plates as well as new summer cocktail specials to pair them up with.

Pioneer in Crosby

Imagine anything nicer than homemade chunky chips that you haven’t had to make yourself – and then having them outside with a cocktail? Honestly, we can’t either, which could be one of the reasons why Pioneer on Liverpool Road is such a popular place for lunches. Its sharing boards are pretty special too.

51 Mill Lane

We’re loving all the secret gardens that have popped up in time for outdoor lunches and 51 Mill Lane in West Derby – sister to Almond restaurant – has a little sun trap one. The small plate sharing menu is perfect for weekend afternoon catch-up with sangria, summer cocktails and a few mates.

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