The Ultimate Guide To A Night Out in the Ropewalks
The Ultimate Guide To A Night Out in the Ropewalks
The Ropewalks is the name given to the area of Liverpool city centre that runs from Lydia Ann Street to Renshaw Street, and from Roscoe Street to Hanover Street.
Derived from the craft of rope making for sailing ships that dominated the area until the 19th century, the Ropewalks is characterised by its long, straight street running parallel to each other which were built to allow rope manufacturers to lay ropes out lengthways during production.
The bohemian heart of Liverpool, this trendy area is bursting with culture, music and of course a fantastic nightlife.
Home to the quirky Bold Street, lined with an eclectic mix of independent shops, cafe’s and restaurants, as well as the bars and nightclubs of Parr Street and Seel Street, plus a variety of cultural treasures including FACT, the Grade I listed Bluecoat and the Bombed Out Church.
It’s the best place in Liverpool for nightlife, but if you’re struggling to decide which venues to visit and when, check out our ultimate guide to a night out in the Ropewalks.
Early Evening
Jacaranda
Originally owned by Allan William, The Jacaranda was the first home of the Beatles and has been an important part of the Liverpool music scene since 1958.
Reopened and refurbished in November 2014, the Jacaranda, or the ‘Jac’ as it’s popularly known, has once again become an epicentre for new music.
Every Thursday and Sunday it hosts the famous open mic nights, plus there are live bands playing every Friday and Saturday from 8pm.
Upstairs you’ll find Jacaranda records, a distinctly unique concept that combines vinyl, coffee and cake. With Vinyl record players sunk into the tables, you can listen to a huge range of music whilst you enjoy the incredible range of cocktails and beers.
Named after an exotic species of plant, it is famous for it’s effortlessly cool interior featuring a jukebox, chandeliers and plenty of Beatles memorabilia.
Sound
One of the local Liverpudlian’s favourite bars on Duke Street, Sound is a cosy boozer with wooden furnishings and comfy leather sofas.
With regular DJs and a brand new downstairs basement that hosts a range of live music, Sound is the perfect place to start your night out in the Ropewalks.
They also served bottomless prosecco and pizza every Friday for just £25 per person! We’re sold.
Grove Beer Tap
Hidden away just off the vibrant Seel Street, Grove Beer Tap & Grill is a relatively new beer and food spot created by the same people behind Brooklyn Mixer.
They specialise in the best real world beers that are to be enjoyed alongside their mouth watering menu featuring burgers, sandwiches and BBQ options.
It’s a must visit on any pub crawl and is especially good on summer evenings as they have a large beer garden at the front that catches the sun at most times of the day.
Leaf
Facebook.com/leafonboldst
A favourite of Bold Street, Leaf is a fabulous restaurant, bar and live music venue famous for it’s vast array of exotic teas, delicious homemade food and wine, beer and cocktails choices.
Cosy and quirky inside, this popular bar is always full of lively atmosphere and is a truly versatile day and night time venue.
Leaf has become a cool arts hub for Liverpool locals and is always a good way to begin a night out.
Brew Dog
For those unfamiliar with BrewDog, they specialise in beer, lots of it.
A Scottish brewery that has rapidly grown over the past years, Brewdog now have bars in most capital cities in the UK.
The Liverpool branch serve over 30 different types of ale, many of them as strong as a bottle of wine.
Apart from BrewDog’s own labels, which all have edgy names like the signature Punk IPA, Elvis Juice and Anarchy, they stock bottled gear from renowned breweries from all over the globe, including Mikkeller, Flying Dog, Evil Twin, Mad Hatter and Stone.
Cafe Tabac
Located at the very top of Bold Street, Cafe Tabac is an effortlessly cool, velvet encased, candle lit bar with an eclectic hip hop soundtrack.
The closest to a continental experience you’ll get in the city, this neon lit establishment is reminiscent of the Nouvelle Vague period, transporting you to a smoke filled cafe in 60s Paris.
Their cocktails are unrivalled, the espresso martini is a must try for any coffee lover and they have a cracking selection of red wine.
Newington Temple
Once called Bier, Newington Temple on Newington, just off Bold Street is a vibrant and colourful boozer serving great beers, spirits and wines.
Inside, the colour scheme is bold and daring, with white marble table tops and navy and yellow leather seating throughout.
Boasting the ‘best jukebox in the world’, this pub may be slightly off the beaten track, but it’s a great addition to a night out in the Ropewalks.
Rookwood Bar and ‘Cue
You may think Rookwood Bar and ‘Cue is just a place to get banging burgers and craft ale, think again. As well as this, they also have a secret bar in the basement that serves amazing cocktails in a gloomy, candle lit, exposed brickwork lounge.
Venture downstairs as if you were going to the toilets, but keep going past the barrels and metal cages until you come to the trendy, but cosy bar.
It gets really busy later on in the night, so if you don’t want to wait a while to get a drink, head there slightly earlier and make the most of their exotic tipple menu.
Kazimier Gardens
The Kazimier Gardens are a must on any night out in the Ropewalks.
This cosy wonderland is one of Liverpool’s first and best loved hidden gems, favoured by Liverpudlian locals and those new to the city looking for somewhere a little bit different.
Fondly known as ‘The Kaz”, this alternative hideout fuses earthy hippy vibes with electronic music, in a festival environment tucked away behind the most urban streets of Liverpool.
Kazimier Garden is a rustic, botanical haven filled with mismatched furniture and outdoor décor that makes the perfect place to catch up and soak up the sun.
Late Evening
Alma de Cuba
The heart of the Ropewalks area, Alma de Cuba fuses electrifying Cuban, Hispanic and Latin American culture into Liverpool’s nightlife scene.
Located on Seel Street, this vibrant bar was once Liverpool’s oldest Catholic Church and is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade II listed building.
The insides of the former church are illuminated by ethereal candles and dazzling chandeliers, with the stunning alter still intact today.
Renowned for its delicious cocktails, you can expect everything from shimmying Salsa dancers to mesmerising petal shows and vibrant entertainment from Alma’s resident DJ.
This stunning converted church is sure to be the highlight of your night.
Motel
A quirky dive bar on Fleet Street, Motel combines the spirit of American graphic novels with a post-punk edge to create a trendy establishment that is the perfect destination for any Ropewalk’s night out.
Broody and intimate, inside you’ll find hipster-esque exposed brick work and a raw, industrial feel. The walls are covered in original artwork by illustrator Dave Baddeley and bold neon signs willing you to forego sleep.
The cocktails are delicious and they have a great selection of lagers and craft ales, what more could you want.
Some Place
A hidden gem on the city scene and found amongst the Seel Street doors, Some Place is one of Liverpool’s best secret bars.
This basement bar is a rare find, heralded for its selection of absinthe, this green tinged venue is characterised by a hum of glasses clinking, vintage board games and smatterings of ivy.
Served in the traditional way, enjoy your absinthe in pure Parisian servings and sugar cubes laced with green liquid that may or may not conjure up the green fairy herself.
Look for the green lantern hanging at the top of the staircase above the street and you’ll have found Some Place.
The Merchant
The Merchant is one of the best places in Liverpool to stop off for a tasty gin goblet or cold craft beer.
Sleek and industrial inside with quirky hanging plants and lots of copper features, this bar has become a firm favourite with locals and students alike.
Head outside to their spacious yet homely garden area, equipped with plenty of sociable seating space and just the right amount of cosy spots for intimate catch ups.
Hosting a range of events promoting Liverpool independents, The Merchant is sure to be one of the highlights of your night out.
Oh, and don’t forget to grab a slice of heavenly pizza from Nightcrawler pizza bar, located within the bar itself.
Be At One
Set slightly back from the hustle and bustle of Seel Street, Be At One is a cocktail heaven for anyone who’s into their mixology.
The 32nd venue from a longstanding chain that began in London in 1998, this unique bar offers drinkers over 150 different types of cocktail, from classic favourites, decadent ice cream concoctions and mocktails to suit every taste.
Inside it’s playful and bright, with colourful seats, faux grass hedges and neon signs that blend Liverpool’s musical heritage with pop art. There’s also an outdoor courtyard, which is perfect for enjoying the sunshine with a delicious icy cocktail.
There’s Happy Hour every day, which lasts at least three hours and all day on Sundays.
Aloha
Liverpool’s favourite tropical hideaway, Aloha is a staple of the scouse night out. This bright tiki bar, set on Colquitt Street, instantly transports you to warmer climates with its elaborate exotic décor.
With its roots firmly in Hawaiian and Polynesian culture, the bar serve their cocktails in a variety of weird and wonderful vessels including coconut shells, volcanoes, conch shells and of course treasure chests.
Find yourself transported to a tropical paradise and dance the night away to rock ‘n’ roll and reggae sounds whilst sipping on a range of colourful concoctions.
Arthouse Bar
As the night goes on, it’s time to really get the party started with a visit to the Arthouse Bar.
Located on Seel Street, this movie-themed bar offers cocktails inspired by film stars and classics from the silver screen.
Designed to bring back the memories and style of the black and white movie era, you can’t help but be bowled over by the venue’s impeccable design, which offers plush black and white booths, projectors playing black and white movie clips and candelabras dramatically adorning each table.
The bartenders also look the part, dressed in black tie that’s reminiscent of the iconic film era of the 1920s and 30s. It’s a great place to carry on your night out in the Ropewalks.
Empire
A four floored wonderland at the heart of Liverpool’s Ropewalks, Empire is it’s very own little kingdom.
There’s the unique ‘States’ floor which features a chic LA bar and sleek decor, the ‘Grande’ floor with an exclusive VIP section, a quirky Tzar floor and finally the lower floor, Dojo, has a distinct oriental theme with Geisha girls and a Sintillate music policy that never fails to get feet moving.
Empire is a prime nightlife hotspot playing everything from disco, funk, hip hop, RnB, deep house and club classics mixed by local and international DJs.
The Peacock
Peacock sits at the top of Seel Street and is the perfect destination for a late evening tipple.
As the night draws in, the bar turns into a full-fledged club with DJs and a dance floor to die for.
Sip on cocktails and spirit mixers as you boogie on the various floors.
Salt Dog Slims
Seel Street’s resident dive bar may be known for its steins and brine, but Salt Dog Slims also comes alive after dark with crafted signature cocktails and big beats.
A combination of German and American culture, this popular bar is the creation of the wizards behind Santa Chupitos and El Bandito so expect a similar vibe.
Whilst ordering a cocktail you can speak to one of the bartenders if you would like to try get upstairs to the secret speakeasy 81 LTD or alternatively visit www.81ltd.com and apply to get the elusive daily code.
It’s one of the best kept secrets in Liverpool . . . well, maybe not anymore.
Midnight
Maya
This ‘day of the dead’ themed cocktail bar is nestled in the basement below its sister restaurant Lucha Libre, near Wood Street.
Famous for their unusual fusions and potent concoctions, the cocktail menus with drinks displayed on tarot cards and the unique cave like interior, this venue is one of the coolest places to go in Liverpool.
‘Just look for the red cross.’
El Bandito
Continuing with the tequila and Mexican theme, El Bandito is a tiny cocktail bar on Slater Street that is hidden in plain sight.
A self proclaimed tequila haven, this little venue serves unique cocktails that really pack a punch.
If you’re after something particularly strong and unique then try out their Homemade Desperados.
Although we can’t promise you’ll remember the night if you do.
Santa Chupitos
A firm favourite in the Ropewalks, Santa Chupitos is a cosy little cocktail bar on the corner of Parr Street and Slater Street.
You may have to look a bit harder to find it as this trendy bar is set in an inconspicuous looking building with a minuscule sign, but once discovered it’s hard to leave.
Featuring an impressive rum emporium and extensive menu of tipples, this venue is famous for having some of the best cocktails in Liverpool and expert mixologists.
It’s a must on any night out.
Attic
Perhaps still one of the most secret bars on Parr Street, Attic is the perfect destination for a drink on a summers evening.
Situated above the famous Studio 1 and 2, this colourful hideaway has a great sun terrace, retro interiors and a great selection of beers, wines and cocktails.
As you walk up the stairs, you’ll see the various murals of the best musicians from the 20th and 21st century draped on the walls and as you’d expect there’s always a great line up of music on offer.
Friday and Saturday sees DJs such as X Ray Kat, Jamie Holligan, Beaten Tracks, D Fresh, Ryan Ellis, Matt Seamless and Mix Knots spin some records, and Every Wednesday and Thursday there are open mic nights and live bands hosted by the likes of Stephen Hedley, Josh Johnston and Stop Drop.
Ca Va
Don’t let the French title fool you, Ca Va is a little taste of Mexico nestled at the bottom of Wood Street that’s become a regular haunt for any night out in the Ropewalks.
Cosy, dim-lit and full of character, Ca Va boasts one of the largest selections of Tequila this side of the Atlantic.
Priding themselves on their astounding range of flavours, you can pick your poison at a pound a pop from the many glowing bottles of Jose Cuervo.
Whether you play it safe with a delicious passion fruit, sample the infamous baked bean shot or shock the senses with chilli, the choice is yours.
Iconic film posters hang from the walls, while DJ’s spin a great mix of hip hop, RnB and alternative rock, giving Ca Va an unparalleled buzz.
Upstairs you’ll find even more tequila and you can crash on the inviting leather sofas while you decide whether shot number five is a good idea or not (of course it is).
Berry and Rye
Do you like whiskey, blues, jazz and gin? Well, you may have found your new favourite bar.
Tucked away on Berry Street, this hidden cocktail bar shows no indication it even exists from the outside, with no sign above the door.
Decorated with thick velvet curtains, vintage and worn wooden tables lit by twinkling candles and a vast array of cocktails, Berry and Rye is a secret you’ll want to keep all to yourself.
Late Night
La’Go
Located just off Seel Street, LA’GO keeps its doors open late and resident DJ’s provide a top mix of funk-fusion so you can groove into the early hours.
Free entry and great deals on booze, you can top up and soak up the lively, intimate atmosphere without spending a packet.
Follow the bar along and you’ll find sofas and a foosball table for a fun and fair method of deciding who buys the next round.
LA’GO’s is the perfect destination if you’re looking to have a boogie into the early hours.
Heebie Jeebies
Renowned for its bustling courtyard and three floors of music, there are few bars with better spaces to mingle with locals than Heebie Jeebies.
A right of passage for Liverpudlians and for good reason, with a multitude of lively bar areas and dynamic dance floors, you’re almost guaranteed to leave with a couple of new best mates.
Expect eclectic DJ nights and live music attracting a diverse crowd of people, from fresh-faced students to working professionals looking to relax.
And of course, you’ll find those most dedicated to Liverpool’s thriving indie scene at Heebies any day of the week, always happy to lend you their lighter in the courtyard.
Revolution
A dynamic bar set in the ground floor of the Tea Factory building, Revolution is famous for its cheap cocktail deals and great atmosphere.
Boasting 4 stylish yet unique bars, a bright and welcoming restaurant area and a recently refurbished state of the art basement club, Revs is the perfect place to continue your evening in the Ropewalks.
Red Door
Quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations for a night out in the Ropewalks, Red Door is an edgy bar with a vibrant atmosphere.
Situated on Berry Street, this bar plays a range of different music, from hip hop to dance.
But no matter what your personal tastes are, you’re sure to find yourself on the dance floor, under the red neon lights.
Head outside to the courtyard and up the staircase to Red Door’s Tiki Bar on the terrace and sip on one of their amazing Hawaiian inspired cocktails.
And of course, don’t miss out on a drunken snap in the photo booth before the night comes to an end.
Moloko
Moloko, the name inspired by the milk bar in Stanley Kubrick’s ‘A Clockwork Orange’, is a relatively new bar on the Liverpool scene.
Specialising in hard milkshakes that are deliciously over the top and stacked with goodies, this seems to be the only link to the dystopia novel and film.
The interior captures the spirit of an American diner, fitting with the menu and drinks choices.
They’ve also just unveiled their brand new beer garden, decorated with white lanterns and fairy lights, it’s a great place to spend a warm summers evening.
Brooklyn Mixer
Back to Seel Street and Brooklyn Mixer, known for its ‘big beats’, this venue hosts regular DJ’s and events throughout the week.
The bar is stocked with Brooklyn beers, as well as an extensive cocktail menu and all the spirits you could dream of.
Choose from a wide selection of weird and wonderful beers from all over the world, including classic European lagers, strong stouts, dark ales and seasonal specials.
Brooklyn Mixer splits party across 3 floors every night, featuring resident DJs and a different vibe to every floor.
Early Hours
Black Rabbit
Getting to the early hours of the night, one of the best places to end your night out in the Ropewalks is Black Rabbit.
Just a stones throw from Concert Square, this bar specialises in shots, offering drinkers a choice of over 50 different types.
With a wacky interior and a soundtrack of old school R n B, old school tracks, techno and everything inbetween, Black Rabbit will do the job when it gets past 2am.
MOJO
For some, MOJO is the only way to end a night out in the Ropewalks and we have to admit, we agree!
Playing the best rock classics and a few from this decade, this indie, rock n roll establishment prides itself on playing ‘music for the people’.
With plenty of tables, bars, and even stools to climb up and dance on, MOJO has become famous for its busy dance floor and electric atmosphere.
So, if you find yourself at as loss at 2am, head to MOJO and get ready to sing along to the summer of ’69 at the top of your lungs.
MODO
Probably the best bar in Liverpool’s famous Concert Square area, MODO is a premier cocktail bar with a large outdoor seating area.
Playing a mix of house, RnB and chart hits, it’s a safe bet when the night is coming to a close.
Level
Level opened in 2014 and ever since then it has grown as one of the most popular nightclubs in Liverpool.
Made up of three different floors, this unique club offers house music on level one, the freshest RnB and Hip Hop on level two and level three is all about the chart hits, with resident DJs playing all the songs you can sing along to.
With some of the world’s biggest acts and DJs, Level is on a mission to bring Liverpool back to its prime clubbing heyday of the 90s.
