Outdoor Bars

Summer’s here at last, and that means two things… gorgeous sunny weather (we can always hope!) and al fresco drinks to cool off.

Liverpool is full of great outdoor venues, from beer gardens tucked away in the city centre to rooftop bars giving fantastic views over the city’s iconic skyline.

And, of course, there are some beautiful terraces to make the most of the sunshine, including Titanic’s own Stanley’s Bar & Grill where we serve drinks and food on the colonnades overlooking Stanley Dock – there’s no better place to enjoy a cocktail or a glass of champagne.

Here are The Navigator’s alternative picks for chilled drinks this summer …

Goodness Gracious

There’s no such thing as a bad view if you’re on a Liverpool rooftop, but this one has to be a contender for the most stunning riverfront location. Right opposite the Royal Liver Building, Goodness Gracious is the rooftop garden of Oh Me Oh My, eight floors up and with lots of decked areas and seating, perfect for relaxed cocktails. It’s open until September, Wednesday to Sunday from 12 noon, weather permitting and there’s no need to book.

Burnt Milk Hotel

The little sister venue to Mexican restaurant Madre, Burnt Milk Hotel has claimed a super-sunny neighbouring spot in Anchor Courtyard so it’s fast becoming one of Royal Albert Dock’s busiest go-tos. It’s got a fine selection of wines – it’s also a bottle shop and holds regular tastings – plus house cocktails, coffees and pastries. Open every day except Tuesday, from 11am on weekdays and Sundays and 10.30am to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Botanical Garden

The Baltic Triangle is packed with quirky indie coffee shops and bars so it’s always worth a wander to see what you can find. During the summer months, search out The Botanical Garden in the yard of an old ice cream factory on New Bird Street. It doesn’t look much from the outside, you’ll probably only find it from the queue, but inside it’s a real urban oasis with outdoor tables, grassed-over areas and a fabulous selection of gins.

Tempest On Tithebarn

In the heart of the business district (before WFH was even a thing), Tempest on Tithebarn is a popular venue during the day for laptops and coffee. It also serves delicious food downstairs, day into evening, but it’s the rooftop space which makes this place even more special – it’s actually home to Tempest’s own bees which produce their in-house honey! If the weather holds up, it’s open all summer from 5 pm on weekdays and 12 noon at weekends.

Titanic Hotel Liverpool

Boasting a picturesque panorama across the historic Stanley Dock, Titanic Hotel Liverpool’s own colonnades offer a serene escape from the bustling city centre. With elegant outdoor seating areas, whether you're seeking a romantic setting for indulgent al fresco dining, a place to celebrate with friends over sundowner cocktails or to catch up with family to enjoy Afternoon Tea, the enchanting space promises an unforgettable experience.

Riva Blu

Castle Street has become a major foodie destination in the city centre and Riva Blu’s big outdoor terrace has a prime suntrap corner facing the Town Hall. The restaurant specialises in Italian dishes, so if ever there was a place to live la dolce vita then this is it. Grab an outside seat and wind down the Italian way by sampling aperitivo cocktails or choose from its dedicated spritz menu including Aperol, Campari and a Riva made with limoncello.

Bombed Out Church Garden Bar

The Bombed Out Church, at the top of Bold Street, is a striking landmark in the city centre. Surrounding the historic ruins of St Luke’s Church, which was badly bomb damaged in the May Blitz, there’s a garden bar & café with outdoor bench seating and huge umbrellas for some shade. It’s open Thursday to Sunday from 5pm on weekdays and 12 noon at weekends and the bar’s income supports the church maintenance and community programme.

PINS

PINS on Duke Street is the place to go for indoor gaming if you fancy trying your hand at bowling, shuffleboard, pool and ping-pong, but there’s way more to it than that. Keep heading upwards and you’ll find PINS rooftop, a cool outdoor space to try out cocktails including frozen margaritas and strawberry daiquiris or dip into the dedicated – and dangerous sounding – tequila menu. Open Thursday to Sunday until late, from 5pm weekdays and from 12noon at weekends.

Kazimier Garden

On Seel Street in the Ropewalks, the Kazimier Garden was one of the original beer gardens in the city centre and it’s still much loved by locals and visitors for its relaxed atmosphere, DJs and live music programme giving a showcase to Liverpool artists covering lots of different genres. There are plenty of outdoor tables and shed-type booths under twinkling strings of lights where you can try out a great selection of European and craft beers with food.

£60 per person