Skip the chain bars. Liverpool has some of the best pubs in the country, with stained glass, snugs, secret histories and cask ale poured by people who know their stuff. If you're in the city centre before a match, start here.
The Big House (The Vines), Lime Street
Locals call The Vines "The Big House", and it's easy to see why. It's at 81 Lime Street, a short walk from the station, and it was rebuilt in 1907 as a Cains brewery pub. It's on CAMRA's National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors. Inside you'll find harvest-themed plasterwork in the smoke room, an enormous stained glass dome in the billiard room, marble cherubs in the lounge and some wonderful "hunting lodge kitsch" in the main bar.
It's grand and busy, not a quiet corner, which suits a matchday.
Ship & Mitre, Dale Street
A proper beer pub. The Ship & Mitre, at 133 Dale Street, is a 1930s Art Deco building beside the Queensway tunnel entrance. It has eight changing beers and no regulars, so there's always something new on the hand pulls, plus real cider and a wide range of world beers. The staff know their beer and will happily recommend something. It's dog friendly, there's food most days, and there's a Thursday quiz.
The Monro, Duke Street
A Georgian merchant's mansion from the late 1700s, turned into a pub. The Monro was refurbished and reopened in August 2024 to bring back its late 19th-century character. It has two floors, two beer gardens that work all year, antiques and bric-a-brac on the walls, a long list of cask ales and stouts, and a menu of hot and cold pies. It's the one to pick if you want somewhere cosy where nobody's in a rush.
Ye Hole in Ye Wall
Liverpool's oldest continually running pub, dating from 1726. Exposed beams, an open fire, old drinking vessels and maritime memorabilia all fit the story behind the name: sailors in quarantine are said to have passed money for their drinks through an opening in the wall.
The Philharmonic Dining Rooms
Built in 1898 and Grade I listed, "The Phil" is one of the most beautiful pubs in Britain. Think mahogany woodwork, Art Nouveau touches, mosaic floors, leather banquettes, stained glass and plasterwork of musical instruments. It's near the Philharmonic Hall. Even if you only have time for one drink, go for a look.
Peter Kavanagh's
A Grade II listed pub, once called The Grapes and renamed after its longest-serving landlord. In the 1920s artists carved panels showing scenes from Dickens and painted ceiling murals of the regulars. There are snugs and carved mahogany seating, and it feels like stepping back a hundred years.
Then on to Anfield
When it's time to head up, leave plenty of room. It's about two miles from the centre, and on matchday allow 55-60 minutes to walk. Or take the 917 express bus from Commutation Row, near Lime Street, which takes about 15 minutes.
Finish at Hotel Anfield
For your last stop before the game, make it Hotel Anfield, 23 Anfield Road. It has live music, street food, and our Stay Left stall with Liverpool tees, caps, hoodies and the new Frequency Collection. It's right on the way to the ground, so you can have one more pint, grab a tee and walk up.
You can also shop the full range at stayleft.co.uk: Liverpool T-shirts, caps and hoodies. Tees are £28 each, or 2 for £40 and 3 for £50.
See you at Hotel Anfield.