Traditional Pubs

Liverpool’s isn’t only famous for The Beatles, world-class football, radical culture and stunning cathedrals. Our traditional pubs are places of worship as well. Here’s a selection that should be on everyone’s to-do list.

Start the journey on Roscoe Street at The Roscoe Head. Step into four small cosy rooms inside this traditional CAMRA-endorsed pub, one of the only five UK pubs to appear in every edition of the Camra Good Beer Guide since it was first published in 1974. Tiled floors and a hardwood bar only add to the friendly charm and atmosphere of the pub, named after William Roscoe, 18th Century scouse historian, poet and anti-slavery campaigner. The quality of the traditional pubs in Liverpool only continues at The Dispensary on Renshaw Street. Another owner of a CAMRA accolade as a former CAMRA Merseyside ‘Pub of the Year’ and it feels just like your favourite local! Etched glass, great cask ales and anda famous warm Liverpool welcome.

Down in the Baltic Triangle, which you can find out more about in our neighbourhoods section, is the Baltic Fleet on 33a Wapping.  This bow-shaped, panelled pub is Grade II-listed and since the 1850s it has served visitors from land and sea. It’s home to its own microbrewery, a wood-burning stove, nautical odds and ends and a top menu. There’s a rumour locally that smugglers’ tunnels exist between the pub and the docks.

On Sugnall Street is where you’ll find the Belvedere Arms, a one-time John Lennon favourite when he studied just across the road. It’s well worth a visit to grab a spot by one of the two original fire places and warm your cockles with the Belvedere’s speciality Liverpool Gin and Tonics. The music posters that adorn the walls here reflect Liverpool’s creative side.

There’s even a great traditional pub on the doorstep of Lime Street Station, so you can head there as soon as you arrive in Liverpool. Doctor Duncan’s on St John’s Lane boasts intricate woodwork, gleaming tiled walls, leather booths and envious high ceilings that all together make this ale-centric hostelry a gorgeous drinking experience. It’s the perfect Hello or Goodbye to Liverpool’s loveliness.

Other city favourites include Fly in the Loaf of Hardman Street, Peter Kavanagh’s on Egerton Street and The Philharmonic on Hope Street, home of legendary men’s toilets. You’ll just have to visit to find out!