Food & Drink
How many of Liverpool’s newest restaurants and bars have you tried?
5 years ago
There’s a new venue to check out almost every week in Liverpool, we give you the lowdown on 14 of the newest additions.
Feeling hungry? Looking for a new bar for pre-drinks? Is live music your jam? Planning a family meal? Firmly establishing itself as a culinary hot spot, our city now has more restaurants and bars serving up world cuisine and world class cocktails, than ever before.
From Exchange Flags to the top of Bold Street, the spectacular waterfront to the heart of the Georgian Quarter, all four corners of the city centre has a different taste and feel. We’ve rounded up 14 of the best and newest Liverpool restaurants and bars that you need to try. Take a scroll, get a booking in the diary and see which is your favourite.
How many of these new Liverpool bars and restaurants have you tried?
1 – Roxy Ballroom, Rainford Square
Since throwing open its doors back in May, this colossal, two storey bar and adult playground has gone down a storm. Based at Rainford Square (former BHS cafe) just a stones throw from Mathew Street, the venue boasts ping-pong tables, shuffleboard, beer pong, crazy golf and even a 4 lane bowling alley! See more here.
2 – Rocket & Ruby
Approaching its first birthday on Castle Street, Liverpool restaurant, Rocket & Ruby offers city dining with a contemporary twist. The fourth venue from the owners of Bacaro, Salt House Tapas and Hanover Street Social, this stylish venue serves us breakfast, brunch and small plates until late with something for everyone. Menus here.
3 – Aether
Aether at Chavasse Park is a sophisticated, intimate bar which draws its inspiration from the four elements. The decor is sleek, the seating is comfortable and lends itself perfectly to cosy cocktail dates. With regular live music and an outdoor terrace overlooking Liverpool ONE, bars don’t get much more stylish than this. New cocktail menu here.
More: Slim’s gets ready to open its Bold Street NYC diner-inspired restaurant later this month
4 – Maray, Albert Dock
The third Maray restaurant opened at the Royal Albert Dock Liverpool earlier this summer and its an absolute stunner. Overlooking the inner dock, you can now dine on Disco Cauliflower and sip your Seychelles Sanctuary cocktail in style. Featuring antique Parisian light shades, reclaimed parquet flooring and of course, a sensational menu, the new Maray is a must-see. Info here.
5 – Rosa’s Thai Cafe
Bringing a traditional taste of Thai street food to the Albert Dock, via Carnaby Street, Rosa’s Thai Cafe owner Saiphin invites you to truly experience Thai dining. With an informal and homely feel, Rosa’s Thai Cafe serves up everything from curries to stir fries, salads, rice and noodles. But the jewel in this eastern crown is most definitely in the spring rolls. A fabulous addition to the Liverpool restaurants scene.
6 – El Gato Negro Tapas
Located on Exchange Flags, El Gato Negro Tapas has brought an authentic taste of Spanish cuisine to the Liverpool restaurants and bar scene this summer. With an outdoor terrace and spacious restaurant and bar, this brand new venture is a summer must-do. Traditional tapas (padron peppers, patatas bravas) line up with seasonal, freshly prepared specials – giving you a reason to return again and again. Menus and more here.
7 – Smokie Mo’s, Grand Central
Smokie Mo’s bagged itself a brand new home in Liverpool this summer. Now part of the historic Grand Central complex, this popular Liverpool institution was crying out for another incarnation. Putting the neon-lit entertainment back into nights out in the city, a singsong and a pint at Smokie Mo’s is a rite of passage. More info here.
More: N64 takes Liverpool nights out to the old school arcades
8 – Present Company
The former Hole In The Wall Café opposite the Bluecoat (behind Primark) has undergone a huge transformation. Opening on the down low back in May, Present Company offers a cool, minimalist interior which lets the drinks and atmosphere do the talking. It’s laid back, unpretentious and all about who you drink with. Find out more here.
9 – Liverpool Art’s Bar
Occupying the ground floor of Hope Street’s Masonic Building, Liverpool Arts Bar also launched earlier this summer and offers the Georgian Quarter a new concept in socialising. A real hub of creativity, this bar doubles up as a performance, rehearsal, jamming, writing, social hot spot where the city’s creative community come together to well, create! Find out more here.
10 – Jimmy’s, Bold Street
When you launch a new venue with an intimate gig with The Coral, it’s safe to say it’s going to be pretty special. Located on Bold Street, directly opposite our beloved Bombed Out Church, Jimmy’s serves up its own brand lager, beer and VPA with a big old shot of amazing live music. Eagle eye music lovers head this way.
11 – Bundobust
One of the latest additions to the Bold Street family, Bundobust offers a feast for the senses with a winning Indian Street Food and craft beer combo. This Liverpool restaurant boasts a chilled atmosphere and big flavours combine perfectly and with the like of okra fries, Bundo chat, massala dosa on offer, it’s actually pretty healthy too! Menus and more here.
12 – Junkyard Golf
Known as ‘the ultimate crazy golf experience’ Junkyard Golf Club opened its Liverpool ONE doors back in Spring. IT’s neon-lit 3 course playground and old skool pic n mix combination makes for a brilliant pre drinks venue or night out starter. Made entirely from the craziest reclaimed junk, plus themed cocktails, kiosk snacks and all the photo ops, do you even golf bro? More info here.
13 – Mason’s
Mason’s on Seel Street is the first restaurant from Epic-apart Hotel owners Simon and Fiona Beer. Opening its doors in July with a fun-filled bash this family friendly venue offers all day american style dining with the best of British style service. Serving up breakfast, light snacks, lunch and dinner. The perfect spot for dining with friends, family and colleagues. Menus and more here.
14 – Alberts Schenke
One for the beer lovers. Alberts Schenke is now open on Hanover Street. Starring the very best biers and pilsners on the planet from Bavaria and Bohemia, alongside the best local craft biers from the Liverpool area, the venue offers over 20 biers on tap, curated by the on-site bier masters. The Cook Haus deals in hearty dishes to accompany your pint, the Raclette Burger is a must-try for sure. Info here.