Secret Liverpool 2: More hidden gems that you need to explore

Want to know a secret? Then listen closely.

We’ve told you a few before in our previous Secret Liverpool piece and we know that you did a good job of keeping it, so we’ll tell you the rest of the story now.

Liverpool has a lot of hidden secrets and we’re letting you in on the scoop. If you’re looking for something to do with a twist, or just want to be in on the ground floor with some of the most cutting edge spaces and events in the city, then look no further.

Record Stores

The amount of shops in the city from which you can get vinyl has grown exponentially in the last few years. Yes, there are of course big hitters like HMV, but for the intimate experience there are basements and backroom chocked full of the plastic stuff. Soho, on Bold Street, has Dig Vinyl in its basement, while the quaint café that is 81 Renshaw has the same – and you wouldn’t even know. There are some rare records to find in these places as they focus on finding the best and most interesting pieces for your collection.

Queens Avenue

When you think of social or shopping strips in the city you’d be forgiven for thinking of Church Street, Bold Street and Seel Street, however, there is a portal to another world located just off Castle Street. Home to Dot Art Gallery, R and H Fine Wines and Hair Transform, Queens Avenue is quite possibly one of the cities best kept shopping secrets. The street once housed Liverpool’s oldest tailors and coffee shops and, although they have now left, the charm of that time still remains. This one is perfect for a Christmassy shopping trip, making you feel like you’ve stumbled into a Harry Potter book.

The Lock In

It doesn’t get more secretive than this. Organised by the bands playing, alongside Out Of Context, we don’t know much more than what is on the poster. We do have the date though and it is Wednesday 28th November. The bands announced are all friends, and the venue is going to be intimate with only 90 tickets available, making it a “who you know, not what you know” type of affair. We don’t even know the venue, and probably won’t until it’s too late if you don’t get a ticket. Those confirmed as going will find out on the day and will be treated to an extra special guest. It’s all hush hush, which is getting us in a paddy because WE WANT TO KNOW NOW!

More info on the Lock In Facebook page here.

St. Georges Hall

We know what you’re thinking – “St. Georges Hall!? That’s one of the cities biggest attractions! That’s no secret!” And whilst this may be true, there is much to this historic venue than one might first think. The Footman Tours are a must see for anyone interested in the hidden history of the city. It is by far, the most exciting journey through the city’s history and an exciting expedition through the hidden areas of the building. Explore all the nooks and crannies as this year visitors, for the first time in over 100 years, will be invited to discover the magnificent Grade I listed building’s hidden depths and unseen places – from the old rickety wooden structures of the dark corridors above The Great Hall, down to the recently discovered lost tunnel. Get your tickets now, but be warned, it may not be for the faint of heart, they run the first Saturday of every month. Book your ticket here.

MORE: What else is on at St George’s Hall? Christmas classics in the Concert Hall and more this way.

Cains Brewery

Yes, another one that is now not that much of a secret. But Cains Brewery Village is certainly worthy of being featured in any of our articles. Baltic Market continues to flourish, with a brand new mezzanine coming soon! Venues around it seem to be doing the same now too. Dockleaf and Kiosk are both stunning for very different reasons; each is set in a part of Liverpool’s rich history, placed in the grounds and actual main building of the immense and historic Cain’s Brewery. Yet they both have the same DNA, too, featuring a sumptuous range of food and drink in environments which further continue to enhance the city’s reputation as a destination for those seeking inspiration away from more conventional locations. Lots of wintry events around Cains all venues mentioned above. Check the Baltic Triangle website for more.

Liverpool is always growing. It’s one of the few places that keep in touch with its history yet is always developing. When things are moving forward so quickly, it can be hard to make sure that you catch everything, especially when they are being purposefully secretive, however with this list you can give visitors, and yourself, something a little different on your next trip out.

If there are any hidden gems that you want to tell us about, get in touch: alex@theguideliverpool.com and of course get us on Twitter @TheGuideLpool.