Top Bars in Liverpool – Most Viewed (2025)

Tucked beneath what was once the iconic Rapid Hardware store in Liverpool’s Ropewalks district, Little Hardware is a hidden cocktail bar that marries nostalgia with modern mixology. Guests are invited to locate a rusty wheelbarrow marking the entrance on Cropper Street, descend into the basement speakeasy and step into a space where old-hardware shop memories meet candlelit sophistication. Inside, the décor hints at its origins—industrial touches, tool-themed accents, barebrick walls and low lighting create an intimate atmosphere. But it’s not just about the look; the drink menu delivers. Bartenders craft hardware-inspired cocktails served in unconventional vessels and with imaginative presentations, catering both to cocktail connoisseurs and those seeking something quirky. Opening hours are limited, adding to the bar’s exclusive feel: typically Wednesday to Sunday evenings, with more relaxed hours on Saturdays. The bar is compact—seating around 45 guests—so it’s ideal for dates, stylish evenings out or small celebrations rather than big party crowds. While the cocktails and atmosphere draw praise, some reviews note variability in service and value—especially during busier times—so an early reservation or arrival is recommended. In summary: Little Hardware is a clever, cozy and design-aware spot for cocktails in Liverpool, especially if you enjoy a bar with character and a story.

Tucked away at 48 Berry Street in Liverpool’s Ropewalks district, Berry & Rye delivers an intimate, prohibition-style drinking experience that feels both exclusive and welcoming. Enter through an unmarked black door under a simple awning, and you'll find yourself in a dark, velvet-curtained world of candlelight, exposed brick and leather seating. Inside the bar, the atmosphere is rich with blues and jazz music, leaning into the speakeasy aesthetic with wooden pew-style benches, well-worn tomes that serve as cocktail menus, and a stance of subtle exclusivity. The cocktail list is meticulously curated, with a strong focus on whiskey and gin, and bartenders who are happy to tailor drinks based on your preferences. Staff-led experiences like an Old Fashioned blending session or a Martini master-class add to the sense that this is a place for drink lovers rather than party crowds. Because the venue is small (capacity ~45) and access is by “just turn up and if there’s room you’re in,” there’s a relaxed sense of arrival rather than forced partying. It’s ideal for a sophisticated night out — whether you’re a whiskey enthusiast, a cocktail aficionado or just looking for something special away from the mainstream bar scene. Arrive early though: expect a queue or wait especially at peak times.

Perched in the heart of Liverpool’s nightlife district (Ropewalks/Seel Street), The Oracle offers a cocktail experience like no other. From the moment you ring the discreet doorbell and ascend to its shadowy upstairs quarters, you’re transported into a space of whimsy, craft and illusion. The décor channels a refined speakeasy aesthetic: dim lights, crimson and navy accents, plush seating, burnished wood, and lanterns casting soft glows. Yet the star of the show isn’t just the ambiance—it's the seamless blending of mixology and magic. As reviews detail, walkers in might receive mind-bending sleight-of-hand performances at their table, from seasoned magicians who treat each guest like the protagonist of a trick. Cocktails follow suit: you’ll find everything from expertly made classics (think smoky Old Fashioneds) to inventive signatures with theatrical names and presentations. For example, reviewers mention a lipstick-red “Prophecy Potion” and a trick-enhanced “Poison Chalice”. Service is attentive and table-led: the venue emphasises an intimate experience rather than a bustling bar scene. It’s ideal for special evenings, date nights, or anyone who enjoys being entertained as well as drunk (in the best sense). Walk-ins are welcomed but there’s often a door list or wait; a small cover fee may apply.