England Guide
The Northwest
Pubs and bars
1 Baby Cream Edward Pavilion, Albert Dock Hedonistic lounge bar that's always fun – a stylish crowd nibbles the "tear-and-share" food and sips cocktails.
2 
Alma de Cuba St Peter's Church, Seel St Far more candles than when it was a church, but the mirrored altar is still the focus of this bar's rich and dark Cuban-themed interior. The mezzanine restaurant has even more dripping candles.
3 Geisha 7 Myrtle St www.geishaliverpool.com Luxurious quasi-industrial venue on an Eastern theme, with huge curving bar. Dim sum, sushi and noodles downstairs and balcony restaurant.
4 Lion Tavern 67 Moorfields Real ale in superbly restored Victorian surroundings, from the tiles to the stained-glass rotunda. Also excellent cheese and pâté lunches (Mon– Fri).
5 Philharmonic 36 Hope St Liverpool's finest traditional watering-hole where the main attractions – the beer aside – are the mosaic floors, tiling, gilded wrought-iron gates and the marble decor in the gents.
6 Ship and Mitre 133 Dale St For the biggest real ale choice in Liverpool – twelve guest beers, plus ciders and imported lagers – visit this renowned Art Deco free house.
7 Ye Cracke 13 Rice St Crusty backstreet pub off Hope St, much loved by the young Lennon, and with a great jukebox, and cheap-as-chips food (daytime only).