The Best Pubs and Restaurants in Liverpool
Welcome to Liverpool, a city that beautifully interweaves history and modernity, creating a tapestry of culture that is as rich as it is vibrant. From its humble beginnings as a small fishing village in the 1200s to its meteoric rise as a bustling maritime hub in the 18th century, Liverpool's past is as intriguing as its present.
Today, this city is a buzzing metropolis, attracting over 71.7 million visitors each year with its iconic landmarks and tourist hotspots, including The Beatles Story, the Maritime Museum and the Tate Liverpool, as well as the home grounds for Liverpool, Everton and Tranmere Rovers. How's that for popularity?
But as you’d expect from a port city, Liverpool is also famous for its gastronomic scene – a tantalising blend of traditional pubs and innovative restaurants. So, are you ready to embark on a culinary journey through some of the best eateries in and around Liverpool?
Browns Liverpool
First on our list is Browns Liverpool. You’ll find it on Paradise Street, within the Liverpool One shopping district. This elegant brasserie offers a delectable menu that will take your taste buds on a culinary adventure, all within a sophisticated and inviting setting – perfect if you’re loaded up with shopping bags full of goodies and need to relax in gorgeous surroundings.
Browns Liverpool offers large group bookings if you’re travelling with a crowd, live music, outdoor dining when the weather is fine, plus some must-try Afternoon Tea and Brunch options.
The Philharmonic Dining Rooms
Next up, a real slice of Liverpool history - The Philharmonic Dining Rooms. Known to locals as 'The Phil', this Grade I listed three storey pub is as famous for its stunning architecture as it is for its traditional British fare. Built between 1898 and 1900, the Phil still boasts many original features.
More recently, it also hit the headlines as the pub where Paul McCartney played an impromptu set while filming Carpool Karaoke with James Corden. We can’t guarantee musical legends will be on-location when you visit, but can you think of a better way to enjoy a pint in Liverpool than in a place dubbed the most ornate pub in England?
The Anchor Inn
Heading away from the city centre for a change of pace, there's The Anchor Inn, a cosy and welcoming pub that will make you feel right at home with its hearty meals and friendly service.
If you find yourself feeling a sense of history as you settle down for a meal, that’ll be because the pub has been welcoming guests since the 1700s, and while a few home comforts have been added since then, the exposed-brick fireplaces and wooden beams across the ceiling above you will provide a few clues to the pedigree of the building. It’s dog-friendly too, so perfect if you’ve got a four-legged friend in tow.
The Devon Doorway
If you're in the mood for a bit more of a drive, head to The Devon Doorway for a taste of the countryside. This charming pub offers an extensive menu of delicious dishes that are sure to satisfy.
For us though, it’s the history of the place (perhaps an equal mix folklore and truth, but fun all the same) that makes it extra special: it’s said that a local man actually built the pub back in 1930 as a way to fund a family move down to Devon.
Other versions say that it’s called the Devon Doorway and looks the way it does as a little bit of a homage to the south-west county. What’s undeniable is that this cosy pub is a real hidden gem – we’ll see you by the firepit in the pub garden!
The Chimneys
Further afield, in Heswall, you'll find The Chimneys. Overlooking the River Dee, this eatery offers stunning views and an equally impressive menu. The pub, which dates back to 1857, was home to RAF pilots during World War II who were tasked with the job of protecting the nearby docks from German U-Boats.
There’s even a note that can be found in the Imperial War Museum that calls out the Chimneys as a target for German bombing campaigns – needless to say, it survived. So, if you visit, be sure to raise a glass to sky in honour of the young men and women who were based here. Cheers to them!
The Pheasant
And last but not least, we have The Pheasant in Higher Burwardsley. Nestled in the heart of the Cheshire countryside and the Peckforton Hills, this traditional inn offers a warm welcome, fantastic food and breathtaking views of the Dee Valley.
The building dates back to 1580 when it was originally a farmstead. Since then, it’s been known as the Leche’s Arms, the Carden Arms, and now The Pheasant. It’s a great pub with a beautifully welcoming atmosphere, and well worth a visit when you’re next in the area.
So, fellow food lovers, isn't it time we celebrated the rich culinary tapestry that Liverpool and the surrounding area has to offer? From iconic pubs to innovative restaurants, there's something here to satisfy every palate. So, why wait? Let's set out on this delicious journey and revel in the joy of good food, great drinks, rich history and even better company.