Author Topic: Bars/Clubs in town (Read 345238 times)

AlphaDelta · « **Reply #640 on:** September 3, 2012, 08:43:58 pm »

Had a nice daytime session on Saturday, what the hell is the attraction with Salt Dog Slims? Even at 6pm it was rammed. Bit gutted to see the ale in the Philharmonic has gone shite again, thought it was just our pints but another lad from work went in on Friday and his was woeful too. Great shame as its cracking place to sit and drink in.

Went in the Ye Cracke just as the BS game against was finishing

I could hear the howls of anguish before I even entered the pub! Roars of "RUN YER LAZY TWAT" and "JELAVIC YA FOOKIN YARD DOG!" made me chuckle as I took me pint into the beer garden!

thekitkatshuffler · « **Reply #641 on:** September 4, 2012, 07:18:47 am »

Quote from: AlphaDelta on September 3, 2012, 08:43:58 pm

Had a nice daytime session on Saturday, what the hell is the attraction with Salt Dog Slims?

Decent ale seems to be its only attraction. Both the décor and the clientèle in there leave a lot to be desired, so I always swerve it.

Gerrards Boxing Coach · « **Reply #642 on:** September 21, 2012, 08:14:28 pm »

I just moved to Liverpool from the US to do a postgrad thing at the UoL for a year and I'm trying to find a good place to watch the match for someone who's a bit wet behind the ears. I'd come once before a few years ago to watch us play Newcastle at Anfield (was the 08/9 season, think the match was the first of May-- we won 3-nil and Shearer heard it from the Kop, although we couldn't hear it from the Anny Road end), but that whole trip-- starting in Dublin-- basically only exists to me as an excellently drunken haze apart from the thrill of getting to and being at the match. So basically, I remember very little about where we went before and after it.

I read through both some of this thread and another focused just on places to watch the match and also looked over the Liverpool Life guide, so I have some ideas, but as I have a pretty specific idea of what I'm looking for, I thought I'd see if I could get a fitting prescription from a resident pub doctor. Basically, I'm kind of a degenerate boozehound and am enthusiastic about singing/chanting, so I'm not exactly looking for a quiet place to studiously watch the match. I'm single at the moment and think there's lots to enjoy about that, although that might be more of a post-match consideration. On the other hand, I'm green enough in both the city and the UK that I was literally asking about bartending tipping etiquette when I stopped at a pub on my way back from buying stuff for this dorm room I'm in, so I was thinking it might be best if I saved the really local-local pubs for a later date-- but that could actually be exactly the wrong attitude, and I'd be happy to be corrected. A few comments I've seen over the last few years on the forums here have given me the impression that there's a bit of a "fuck off, Yank" sensibility at times with some people around the city that isn't just limited to the leeches who used to own the club, although I haven't actually encountered that in person-- more the opposite, if anything, and not just from people connected to the university.

I'd appreciate any advice. I'm probably going to pop around to some bars tomorrow night to get a bit more of a feel for the night-life, but I'll happily take any recommendations or general advice (ie, scally warning signs, things non-natives do at bars that are stupid I should try to avoid doing, etc.)

Big Red Richie · « **Reply #643 on:** September 21, 2012, 08:37:57 pm »

There's so many to choose from to be fair, so narrow it down a bit for us.

What part of the city/city centre are you living.
What age group are you in.
What kind of music/culture etc are you in to.
What kind of dringing/drink are you after - Quality ale - cheapish beer/lager - something else?
Any kind of bar, or more traditional pub experience etc.

On a short term option for Sunday's match, untill you get the lie of the land, you really can't go wrong with The First national, on James Street down by the Pierhead/water front.

It's a good pub to watch the match in, and will be one of the more livelier regarding atmosphere etc. Be warned though, get down there early, as on a match day it gets Absolutely rammed.
Standing and jostling room only!

On the wider points:

Tipping. If you buy a drink, just say to the bar man/woman, "Take your own", or "and your own/yourself".
Generally this means take a small tip, and most bar tenders will usually take between 20p - 30p ish. Although depending on which kind of bar/pub, some of the top end bars will take up to a £1.00, although very rarely.

American accent: To be fair, it's not much of an issue really. Yes, when things were at their worst under H&G the accent may of got you a bit more attention than normal, but we're a friendly welcoming city, and have accents from all corners of the globe around the city all the time.
Be warned though, most of us locals will talk to any old waif and stray, so you'll probably find yourself being taking into conversations with strangers every day.
Get used to it.

City in general: If you are reasonably streetwise and not a sap from out in the sticks, then Liverpool is no worse, and usually a lot better than most cities.

As long as you're not making it obvious you're stupid and out of your deapth, and putting yourself is strange or dangerous situations, then you'll be fine.

perth-red · « **Reply #644 on:** September 21, 2012, 09:24:40 pm »

In regards to the above post, having been in Liverpool for the past week I agree with the points mentioned. The people in the city are unbelievably friendly from the cab drivers to the lad outside lime street traino trying to hustle me for 10p haha. On the other hand my one bit of advise is to steer clear of concert square which seems to attract the scum which is a shame as my hotel is 60 seconds walk from it. Got abused for walking passed these dickheads 'area' which infact was the pavement infront of the walkabout pub. Besides that though the majority of pubs/bars in the city centre ive been too are awesome. Best advice would be to go on a pub crawl.

Gerrards Boxing Coach · « **Reply #645 on:** September 21, 2012, 10:01:33 pm »

Quote from: Big Red Richie on September 21, 2012, 08:37:57 pm

There's so many to choose from to be fair, so narrow it down a bit for us.

What part of the city/city centre are you living.
What age group are you in.
What kind of music/culture etc are you in to.
What kind of dringing/drink are you after - Quality ale - cheapish beer/lager - something else?
Any kind of bar, or more traditional pub experience etc.

Yeah, I was thinking I should have clarified that a bit more. Nearby establishments include the Caledonia and the Belvedere Arms, and I just walked past the Flute on Hardman on my way back from getting some dinner. I'm not really averse to walking. I'm 27. Music-wise I prefer rock from a pretty wide range of eras although I've more or less learned to compromise on that past a certain point of intoxication. I don't really typically go in for night clubs, although my frame of reference is limited to experiences with US clubs. I'm a cheap drinker (lots of Budweiser) both from necessity and a lack of interest in cultivating more specific tastes, but I spent the last year bartending in a "craft beer" bar and can navigate a classier selection. As for the last question, I think it's a good one but I'm actually kind of indifferent at least for the purposes of watching this match. More generally, I'm happy to check out a variety of both.

I tend to like bars with either a large age range or a semi-young range (sadly I'm not as young as I used to be-- weird how that works), but I don't really feel comfortable in places where everyone is middle-aged or higher, and that's not to knock people of that age range. I figure I'm probably just annoying to them and feel bad for being a bother. Also, I actually slightly prefer sloppy-drunk party kids to people of any age who will sip two drinks over the course of a whole evening and give you a dirty look if you order a shot, but a happy medium that's less amateur on the one hand and less judgmental on the other would be ideal.

Quote from: Big Red Richie on September 21, 2012, 08:37:57 pm

On a short term option for Sunday's match, untill you get the lie of the land, you really can't go wrong with The First national, on James Street down by the Pierhead/water front.

It's a good pub to watch the match in, and will be one of the more livelier regarding atmosphere etc. Be warned though, get down there early, as on a match day it gets Absolutely rammed.
Standing and jostling room only!

This does sound like just about what I was looking for in a match-watching pub. Maybe a bit of a hike for me, but I did say I didn't mind walking. Although I might possibly save this one-- which sounds reliably lively-- for a less high-profile match at which the atmosphere is less likely to be certain at other places.

Quote from: Big Red Richie on September 21, 2012, 08:37:57 pm

On the wider points:

Tipping.
American accent:
City in general

Awesome info, thank you.

Big Red Richie · « **Reply #646 on:** September 21, 2012, 10:34:40 pm »

For where you're living up Catherine Street way, you've actuall got some of the city's better pubs in my opinion, and within a five minute walk about 10 decent establishments.

The Caladonia and the Belvedere are both half decent boozers, to be fair, but around your area you have.

Heres a good starting point for you to find the lie of the land in your neighbourhood etc.

It's the site of Liverpool Camra (campaign for real ale)
http://www.liverpoolcamra.org.uk/attachments/article/94/Passport%20main%20map.pdf

It being about ale, it's more for the discerning drinker, and not Bu...Bud...Budw....Budwater..... sorry I can't even say it.

What it does do though is give a map of a shit loads of pubs in your area, and many many fine drinking establishments.

Just a few you might want to check out, all within five minutes walk of Catherine St/FalknerSt etc.

The Peter Kavanagh - Egerton Street ----Old traditional pub, quite quirky and a must see.
Ye Crack - Rice Street. ---Good drinkers pub with a mix of all ages.
The Pilgrim - Pilgrim Street -- godd drinkers pub with a mix of all ages/students
The grapes - Knight Street -- cracking little pub with a bit of bohemian feel and a mix of all ages.
The Philharmonic - Hope Street - Fantasticly ornate traditional pub, all ages but more towards the 30+ group
The Flute. - Hardman Street -- Cheap and cheerful kind of place - all ages, more towards the 20s and student set*
The Fly In The Loaf. - Hardman Street -- all ages. mostly 30s/40 group*
Hannah's - Hardman Street - all ages, plus do live bands, Its an bit of an American style bar, and it's owned by a New Yorker.
The Rosco Head. - Roscoe Street - Traditionl pub, fantastic ale, wins many awards, age group mostly from 30s up.
The Dispensary - Renshaw Street - traditional pub, wins load of ale awards, mostly 30s and up
The Cambridge. - Mulbery Street - traditional pub, mostly 20s-30s group, student bar as it's in the middle of campus.
Baa Baa - Myrtle Street -- mostly students, as on the edge of campus.
The Casa - Hope Street - decent pub, more for the 30+ age group.
Hop & Anchor - Maryland Street --- student bar*

Thats just to name a few, and that should keep you going for a while.

*Although pretty much every pub in the city will have the match on Sunday, these ones are probably your best bet for being decent and close by. There's better pubs for quality ale, but if you're a Budweiser man, you obviously don't mind drinking piss.

Gerrards Boxing Coach · « **Reply #647 on:** September 21, 2012, 10:54:13 pm »

Quote from: Big Red Richie on September 21, 2012, 10:34:40 pm

For where you're living up Catherine Street way...

Phenomenal. Thank you.

Quote from: Big Red Richie on September 21, 2012, 10:34:40 pm

...but if you're a Budweiser man, you obviously don't mind drinking piss.

To be fair, it's an upgrade from the Keystone Light we used to drink when I was 19-21. I hope to God they haven't foisted that shit on you too.

Veinticinco de Mayo · « **Reply #648 on:** September 22, 2012, 04:43:29 am »

Folks if you want to save one Liverpool's better little bars / music venues get on this ASAP

http://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=297853

archie87 · « **Reply #649 on:** September 23, 2012, 10:01:12 pm »

Just been to 'Brink' for the Sunday night film. The film was a documentary about a record shop in Teeside called 'Sound It Out'. Great documentary and a brilliant little gaff. I'd advise everyone to check it out (and the documentary also). I'm an instant convert so i'll be there every Sunday. 'Full Metal Jacket' next week. Nice one.

Cesar · « **Reply #650 on:** September 24, 2012, 02:09:29 pm »

Checked out 'Sound Food & Drink' (Duke st) on Saturday afternoon. Well deffo be back

Mad Max · « **Reply #651 on:** September 25, 2012, 01:24:19 pm »

If you want cheap ale go to Kozys Bar on Whitechapel only £1.75 a pint and £2 for a bottle.

Big Red Richie · « **Reply #652 on:** September 25, 2012, 01:31:09 pm »

Yeah, but even in these hard times, price isn't everything.

Kozy's is the archetypal Star Wars bar. In every way.

And Could He Play · « **Reply #653 on:** September 25, 2012, 01:45:03 pm »

Kozys, fuck that you'd have to pay me to get me back in there.

Mad Max · « **Reply #654 on:** September 25, 2012, 01:48:47 pm »

Quote from: Big Red Richie on September 25, 2012, 01:31:09 pm

Yeah, but even in these hard times, price isn't everything.

Kozy's is the archetypal Star Wars bar. In every way.

It is a bit of a Star Wars bar, but not as bad as the Penny Farthing and there's some totty in at the Weekend.

Mad Max · « **Reply #655 on:** September 25, 2012, 01:50:13 pm »

Quote from: And Could He Play on September 25, 2012, 01:45:03 pm

Kozys, fuck that you'd have to pay me to get me back in there.

You can get 6 pints for just over a tenner.

And Could He Play · « **Reply #656 on:** September 25, 2012, 01:56:31 pm »

Quote from: Mad Max on September 25, 2012, 01:50:13 pm

You can get 6 pints for just over a tenner.

i'd expect a blowjob off the barmaid as well.

Big Red Richie · « **Reply #657 on:** September 25, 2012, 02:12:18 pm »

Quote from: And Could He Play on September 25, 2012, 01:56:31 pm

i'd expect a blowjob off the barmaid as well.

Only if she puts her teeth in first.

S.Red please · « **Reply #658 on:** September 25, 2012, 06:30:17 pm »

Watched the United game in Rileys. Seemed alright first time ive been there but they weren't doing food at the time ofr some reason. Big screen was good though and plenty of seats when I arrived. Would probably go back again to watch another game.

FoynesLFC · « **Reply #659 on:** September 26, 2012, 12:01:12 am »

And Could He Play · « **Reply #660 on:** September 26, 2012, 12:10:44 am »

Quote from: FoynesLFC on September 26, 2012, 12:01:12 am

PINK

MAKES THE BOYS WINK.

Mad Max · « **Reply #661 on:** September 26, 2012, 10:15:29 am »

Quote from: FoynesLFC on September 26, 2012, 12:01:12 am

PINK

Eh?

zamagiure · « **Reply #662 on:** September 26, 2012, 06:34:57 pm »

Quote from: FoynesLFC on September 26, 2012, 12:01:12 am

PINK

Gay bar,club ?

Roady · « **Reply #663 on:** September 26, 2012, 10:57:24 pm »

Quote from: zamagiure on September 26, 2012, 06:34:57 pm

Gay bar,club ?

gay bar.ive actually been in.not gay,but properly enjoyed watching the lesbians on the dancefloor.

poberto_baggio · « **Reply #664 on:** October 2, 2012, 01:55:26 pm »

I went to mansion on saturday. It was pretty poor.

Also got the knock from Kindom because i didnt have a shirt and shoes on ?

Shirt and shoes ? Is this 1992 ?

weebroalan · « **Reply #665 on:** October 6, 2012, 09:02:46 pm »

Where would you lads recommend as good real ale bars in Liverpool city centre?

Ive had a look on Liverpool CAMRA - the Baltic looks good but have never tasted their ale, any good?

Jonathan Hall ☆☆☆☆☆☆ · « **Reply #666 on:** October 6, 2012, 09:11:00 pm »

Any of the following will be fine.

Ship & Mitre
Lion
Vernon
Rigbys
Dispensary
Grapes (not the Mathew St one)
Belvedere
Baltic Fleet

Plus many more

weebroalan · « **Reply #667 on:** October 6, 2012, 10:10:18 pm »

Cheers mate

And Could He Play · « **Reply #668 on:** October 7, 2012, 09:17:15 am »

Quote from: poberto_baggio on October 2, 2012, 01:55:26 pm

I went to mansion on saturday. It was pretty poor.

Also got the knock from Kindom because i didnt have a shirt and shoes on ?

Shirt and shoes ? Is this 1992 ?

they tried to stop me going into the baa bar on victoria street the other week cos i had a hugo boss polo on, "no hugo boss", just fucking laughed and went in.

really? no hugo boss?

Veinticinco de Mayo · « **Reply #669 on:** October 7, 2012, 10:40:50 am »

Quote from: And Could He Play on October 7, 2012, 09:17:15 am

they tried to stop me going into the baa bar on victoria street the other week cos i had a hugo boss polo on, "no hugo boss", just fucking laughed and went in.

really? no hugo boss?

Seems a pretty good rule to me. Should be applied to leaving the house.

Veinticinco de Mayo · « **Reply #670 on:** October 7, 2012, 10:43:00 am »

Went to Sound for the first time last night. I like it. Good to have another laid back place with some decent tunes going on.

And Could He Play · « **Reply #671 on:** October 7, 2012, 10:45:20 am »

Quote from: Veinticinco de Mayo on October 7, 2012, 10:40:50 am

Seems a pretty good rule to me. Should be applied to leaving the house.

are you messing? get the joke like but, really stopping someone for going into a bar because he has a polo top on, when you get people in their dressed like arseholes who have had to jump off their wardrobes to get into their jeans.

not Like hugo boss is scruffy clothes really is it? actually quite smart , if you get the right bits. Go shop in H&M and topshop though, and you'll fly into any bar. City has gone student mad.

Anyway, didnt stop me getting in, not having no pube of a doorman telling me i cant get in because i had a £90 top on. Weapons.

Veinticinco de Mayo · « **Reply #672 on:** October 7, 2012, 10:55:05 am »

So fucking easy.

With that attitude though maybe the bouncer has hit on a relevant correlation and realised that the sort of feller who spends ninety notes on a hit polo shirt clearly has issues.

And Could He Play · « **Reply #673 on:** October 7, 2012, 11:01:40 am »

Quote from: Veinticinco de Mayo on October 7, 2012, 10:55:05 am

So fucking easy.

With that attitude though maybe the bouncer has hit on a relevant correlation and realised that the sort of feller who spends ninety notes on a hit polo shirt clearly has issues.

i bit didnt i? like took a massive bite, i'll be in the corner.

Veinticinco de Mayo · « **Reply #674 on:** October 7, 2012, 11:33:28 am »

Quote from: And Could He Play on October 7, 2012, 11:01:40 am

i bit didnt i? like took a massive bite, i'll be in the corner.

I'll send a pint over

And Could He Play · « **Reply #675 on:** October 7, 2012, 11:34:46 am »

DOUBLE JD MORE LIKE.

Carllfc · « **Reply #676 on:** October 7, 2012, 09:35:46 pm »

Quote from: weebroalan on October 6, 2012, 09:02:46 pm

Where would you lads recommend as good real ale bars in Liverpool city centre?

Ive had a look on Liverpool CAMRA - the Baltic looks good but have never tasted their ale, any good?

Doctor Duncans is also decent.

Jonathan Hall ☆☆☆☆☆☆ · « **Reply #677 on:** October 7, 2012, 09:40:58 pm »

Quote from: Carllfc on October 7, 2012, 09:35:46 pm

Doctor Duncans is also decent.

The beer is fucking awful to be fair. I had to drink bloody Strongbow in there a few weeks back due to crap ale.

Carllfc · « **Reply #678 on:** October 7, 2012, 09:43:50 pm »

Quote from: Jonathan Hall ☆☆☆☆☆ on October 7, 2012, 09:40:58 pm

The beer is fucking awful to be fair. I had to drink bloody Strongbow in there a few weeks back due to crap ale.

Fair enough, not been there for a while like. Which is the best one to go to do you reckon?

Jonathan Hall ☆☆☆☆☆☆ · « **Reply #679 on:** October 7, 2012, 09:52:12 pm »

Quote from: Carllfc on October 7, 2012, 09:43:50 pm

Fair enough, not been there for a while like. Which is the best one to go to do you reckon?

A crawl of about five would be fine...

You can do Dale Street end of town which will cover Ship, Excelsior, vernon, Rigbys / Lady of Mann and Lion. Also close by you hav Victoria Cross and Richmond and Carnavon Castle.

Or Hope St end, you could probably do Peter Kavanaghs, Blackburne Arms (beer is up and down), Belvedere, Ye Cracke, Little Grapes and Dispensary.

And i've probably missed out a few.