If there’s one thing Liverpool is not short of, it’s places to get a decent bevvie, from traditional old city centre boozers through to mad clubs. But what this city does best is incredible cocktail bars, and when we say incredible, we mean mind-blowing-ly amazing. Not content with banging out an average margarita, these spots take their concoctions to the next level with weird designs, stunning locations and a massive party atmosphere, read on for five Liverpool cocktails bars that you need to add to your bucket list.
Ex-directory
You’re going to have to work hard to find this mad Liverpool cocktail bar. The first challenge is locating Ex-directory which is hidden away in a telephone box in the city centre. The next step is cracking the entry code which is only passed on with a booking, and then just maybe you will be permitted to enter the secretive basement spot. The hard work is worth it though, especially when cocktails include the likes of gin in a mini bath tub, tequila and absinthe mixes, and flaming Tiki tipples.
Hidden in a telephone box, Ex-Directory is only accessible with a booking and secret code.
Alma de Cuba
From one temple of worship to another, Alma de Cuba is set in a former catholic church. The gorgeous venue still has much of the original detail, such as exposed brick walls and high ceilings, as well as a few added quirks (stag antlers, anyone?) Come weekends, the bar takes you straight to the heart of a Brazilian fiesta with a line-up of scorching DJs, the occasional carnival dancer and a list of cocktails that are as boozy as they are delicious. Slurp on a Espresso Jalisco (Patron XO Cafe tequila, Stoli Vanilla Vodka, coffee and cinnamon gomme and a shot of espresso) and get on that dance floor.
Alma de Cuba is set in a former Catholic church and now puts on some of the most fun South American style parties.
Some Place
Absinthe gets a bad name, most likely due to its association with teenage holidays in Europe. Another secretive cocktail bar in Liverpool, Some Place is about to change your mind on the green spirit. Discover the quaint spot by heading to Seel Street, locating the green light and following its glow up to this cavernous little den which is decked almost entirely in green, from the bottles on shelves through to the walls. Open Wednesday - Sunday, the bar takes its mixing seriously, with bartenders serving the Ernest Hemingway classic ‘Death in the Afternoon’ - a muddle of absinthe, fresh lemon, prosecco and sugar.
Thought you didn't like Absinthe? Some Place in Liverpool will make you think again.
Neighbourhood
Inspired by the city cool of New York, Miami and Los Angeles, Neighbourhood is a Grade-II-listed cocktail bar and restaurant that combines old school with brightly modern. Starting life as Alliance Bank in 1868, the building still has much of its original features with carved ceilings and towering marble pillars, sitting alongside candy-coloured booths and neon signs. Their cocktail list nods towards the USA with ingredients including candy floss, pop corn and bourbon; if you’re feeling peckish, grab a side plate of mac n cheese.
Neighbourhood brings a piece of the USA with neon lights and bright colours in a former bank building.
Maya
Combining hip hop, RnB and the Mexican Day of the Dead, Maya is a basement bar that takes punters on a trip to another world. Hidden below Lucha Libre, the bar goes hard on the death theme with fluorescent crosses, prison-like corners and exposed brick walls. Things hot up on the weekend with the bar staying open until 3am, giving you plenty of time to work your way through a cocktail list that includes many tequila-filled concoctions as well as five different types of margaritas.
Inspired by the Mexican Day of the Dead, Maya is a basement bar filled with dark corners, neon signs and delicious cocktails.
