With the dramatic increase in bartender owned venues around the city, new developments in the Baltic Triangle and chic city centre bars residents and visitors to Liverpool are spoilt for choice when choosing their preferred cocktail experience. We shine a spotlight on three contrasting styles of bar for you to enjoy this autumn.
Dockleaf
The Vibe:
Friendly and relaxed, bright and breezy, resalvaged and restored is how we would describe Dockleaf. Like a phoenix from the flames this and other businesses around it have revitalised an iconic building within Liverpool's history and has now become the city's "go to" destination with an estimated 50 new businesses opening in the last couple of years - supercharged regeneration!
The Drinks:
The cocktail list is cleverly organised by flavours that pay tribute to the different elements of the surrounding brewery. Uniquely, it also includes a number of drinks created by other bartenders in some of the world's finest bars - appropriately acknowledged and attributed. With a wide use of lighter aperitif style products we recommend the Pink and White with Lillet after a long day's work.
Insider's Top Tip:
Following their great success since launching last summer they now have a rooftop terrace so hit them up when the sun's out. Bar owner "Pedro" recommends a Pint of Guinness a bowl of Skaus food and watch the world go by at 5pm and your life will be better for it.
Aether Bar
The Vibe:
Described as like walking into a jewellery box you get that sense of old world glamour, and for us it feels like a venue you want to make the effort for when you go in. With a focus on table service it's a venue you'll spend some time in and enjoy exploring the creative drinks list.
The Drinks:
Brought to you by the Alchemist team there's the same focus on the theatre of the drink and a lot of work goes in behind the scenes to create complex ingredients using homemade ingredients and infusions. The drinks come out with a strong sense of fun and guest engagement with the drinks arranged by the four elements, earth, wind, fire and water. If you're looking for something to make you smile and get you thinking order the Botany Bay - described mysteriously as "The Sea" - we will say no more!
Insider's Top Tip:
The music at the weekend sets this place apart with an interesting selection of live artists playing a range of blues, soul, jazz and hip hop. If you're looking to impress try and get there early and head for the pink velvet booths for a great view of the stage and a more intimate experience.
BOLD STREET COFFEE
You might wonder why a coffee house is appearing in a Cocktails in the City guide, but Liverpool's most highly regarded independent coffee shop will be reopening its doors in partnership with Graffiti Spirits Group who run some of the best cocktail bars in town.
With the unstoppable rise of the espresso martini we can't wait to see how these two companies combine to put out some of the country's finest coffee cocktails and you can try them first at CITC.
If you can't wait until they reopen check them out every morning at Santa Malucos where they hold residency until 3.30pm each day until the reopen.
