Some Of The Best Places in Liverpool For A Date

Dates can be a bit tricky.

Awkward silences, what to wear and where to go. It is all well and good looking dapper and having a silver tongue but, choosing the right place with the right ambiance can prove troublesome. We like to think a drink is a good first date, whether it be a coffee or an Irish version, nobody wants the pressure of having to eat in front of someone for the first time. We’d prefer to release slowly over a period of time our disgusting habits rather than all at once, it can be quite overwhelming. If it’s not your first date, and you’ve accepted and learned to love your partners idiosyncrasies, we’ve got some good suggestions too.

From disco caves to local parks and everything in between, here’s some of the best places in Liverpool for a date.

A MUSEUM

It might have been a whopping 8 years since Liverpool was crowned capital of culture but never has there been a time when Liverpool oozed a certain cultural prowess than now. There are a fine selection of museums on offer and the majority are free. Head to the World Museum to have your mind blown or head to the Liverpool museum to top up your local knowledge and discover some things about Liverpool you may have never expected.

THE THEATRE

Surprise your other half with tickets to a play in the likes of Everyman Theatre, Playhouse, Lantern Theatre, Unity Theatre and more and you’re bound to make their day. Prices vary at each theatre but the average is a couple of pounds per person for a night of entertaining theatre that is a bit different to the norm. It is also extremely good to support local actors, producers, writers, costume designers and more, who all pour their life and soul into these productions.

Kabinett

Recently opened, Kabinett, is the true definition of a hidden gem and the perfect way to show your date how you know all the cool places in Liverpool. Kabinett is a melting pot of fine wine, stunning cheese, marvellous meats and cocktails constructed by fortune tellers. Depending on how strong the alcohol is, your fortune could go one or two ways. The interior is boho-chic and a minimalists dream. If you fancy somewhere a bit off the beaten track that is still relatively in its undiscovered stage, this is the place to take your date. The dutch courage comes in many forms, including wine cocktails, but we recommend starting off with the “Brimful of Asha on a fortified”- Px, Smoke from Mount Pico and Orange Bitters, a sensual and romantic beverage that is a liquid aphrodisiac. Or so we’ve heard.

Address: 2A Myrtle St, L7 7EB

LEAF

LEAF is the city’s premier tea emporium that offers a creative space to come together in but it isn’t a one trick pony. We’d recommend LEAF as a place for the afternoon and the evening, depending on your poison. There’s always a great atmosphere at LEAF so the sound of business meetings, friends catching up and more successful dates can drown out the sound of any awkward silences. Large benches are juxtaposed against more intimate two seat tables, with the addition of the odd Victorian couch and armchair It bypasses the typical imagining of an antiquated tea shop with age old staff to match and is one of Liverpool’s most popular and loved venues for a reason.

Address: 65-67 Bold St, L1 4EZ

Berry & Rye

Berry ’n’ Rye isn’t your usual bar. It is nowhere to be seen, hidden away like a speakeasy behind inconspicuous doors, encouraging patrons to fall bravely between buildings, stairs that betray nothing of what awaits. A self professed ‘dive’ bar’, Berry n Rye boasts a whiskey collection to rival the most zealous of Scot. After a nervous knock on the door you’re greeted and sat down in their intimate venue. You’re presented with a bible with scribes of their electric cocktail menu. This isn’t the kind of place you’d just stumble on and that’s the beauty of it. You leave your inhibitions at the front door the second you walk in and you’ll be perplexed to find anywhere as romantic as this in the city. Go for the old fashioned, it’s a classic, and for a very good reason.

Address: 48 Berry St, Black Door, L1 4JQ

Crosby Beach

A beach in the UK? Yes, we understand the risks of this but Crosby Beach is absolutely stunning in all weathers. A massive part of this are the Iron Men sculptures on Crosby Beach by Anthony Gormley which are known as ‘Another Place’. It consists of 100 cast iron sculptures looking out towards the sea in silent expectation. Head down around sunset and play in the sand, even if it’s raining, chances are you won’t care with a view like that.

Constellations

Constellations is relatively new and in its kaleidoscope stage, the patterns and elements are constantly changing from whatever way you look at it but you know the final picture is always going to amaze. We see it as a Baltic Headquarters, it has somehow reigned in everything special about The Baltic Triangle into their lavish square foot. You know the old saying, “shoot for the moon and if you miss, land amongst the stars”? Well, maybe that is where they got the inspiration for their name. The decor is an illuminati conspiracists dream, it is full of triangles, a suspected ode to the area. There is a nice mix of plants and pots and tables around giving it a garden centre feel by the dilettantish duo. Either in the summer or at night, the space is a sight for sore eyes and the perfect setting to stargaze over a Liverpool Craft Beer. If it gets cold, don’t forget to offer your jacket.

Address: 35-39 Greenland St, L1 0BS

Mowgli

A restaurant that needs no introductions. The Norwegian wood and the antithesis of the hot jewel greens of the lush east will strip away your expectations of Indian cuisine and provide a nice spot to spend the remainder of the evening. Although we’ve personally never done it, apparently you can “share food” and it’s encouraged here. Lean in close to your partner and whisper to them that they can have the last chat bomb and you’ll live happily ever after.

Address: 69 Bold St, L1 4EZ

Fancy saving money and shopping local? Check out the Independent Liverpool Membership Card and take advantage of this huge sale whilst you can. It’s just £8 for one card (usually £15!) or £12 for two (usually £20!) for a year of amazing discounts at close to 100 places. Save money at places like American Pizza Slice Whitechapel, Lucha Libre, Free State Kitchen Liverpool, Lunya, Utility, 92DegreesCoffee, Liverpool Cheese Company and more! Grab yours here.

Jenny’s

Previously a sea food restaurant, the name is the same but the menu is different. Rather than being reborn it has evolved into one of Liverpool’s best bars. It is just off Fenwick Street, down a mysterious and intriguing stretch of cobbled wizardry that has likeliness to Diagon Alley. Inspired by the groovy 70’s, this is a place where turtlenecks and dodgy moustaches are not only allowed, they’re encouraged. The jungle wallpaper on the roof is the actual wallpaper that Elvis Presley had in his New York hotel and there is an array of intimate booths or tables for you to take your pick from. They have some of the best cocktail makers and shakers in the city and we recommend the first round to be the “Linda Love Lace”, Jenny’s rather brilliant take on a porn star martini.

Photo by Mark McNulty

Address: The Old Ropery, Fenwick St

Some Place

Absinthe is shrouded in mystery, the neon green substance is as intriguing as it is terrifying. Wikipedia will tell you a shot of it will turn you blind, a sore head the morning after is more realistic. Some Place is dedicated to educating the world through absinthe, one sip at a time. There’s something special about a secretive twist on bars as it makes it all the better when you find it. Here are our, vague to say the least, instructions on how to find it; find the green light on Seel Street and follow it up the stairs. If you do find it, you’ll agree that Some Place is absolutely beautiful inside, it’s simple and its sleek and it’s not accidental. The bar is illuminated absinthe green, there are some very unusual cocktails on offer and the melted candle wax becomes borderline art after a few drinks. This is the perfect place to take a date to go from tipsy to club necking in one swift drink.

Address: Green Light, Seel St.

Go The Park

This is as close to The Great Gatsby as you’re going to get. If you fancy some extra brownie points, get a nice basket, a nice cloth (here’s when Mum’s come in handy, they’ve got entire drawers dedicated to this kinda stuff) and fill it with a few of your partners favourite things and watch them weep with happiness. Head down to Calderstones park, Sefton park, Stanley Park, Greenbank Park or The Festival Gardens for surroundings suitable for the occasion.

Cafe Tabac

Well known for the three C’s; coffee, cocktails and cinema, Cafe Tabac is the closest to a continental experience you can get in Liverpool. The exterior of the shop is lit up with neon red signs, taking you away from Bold Street and onto the cobbled streets of Amsterdam. The interior is reminiscent of the Nouvelle Vague period which will make you feel like you are 60’s Paris. An intimate and elegant area that transforms into a romantic haven at night when the space is illuminated only by the light of candle. The electric blue booths are perfect for a drink and a get to know you. We recommend the Espresso Martini, the alcohol will get you relaxed but the Espresso will sober you up enough to not spend the whole evening talking about your ex.

Address: 126 Bold St, L1 4JA

VESTEY TOWER

The Liverpool Cathedral is one of the world’s great buildings. Beautiful from the inside and out, you can also climb to the top and see the whole of Liverpool from Vestey Tower. It is 101 metres up so expect some incredible views, a lot of wind and a dash of vertigo. The tower is open to the public most days and costs just a couple quid to go up to the top, click here to find out more.

Photo by Dan H

Kazimier Gardens

One step into the gardens and it feels as if you’ve stumbled upon some sort of secret paradise. The unavowed space is a refurbished car park and you could quite easily blink and miss it. The Gardens is a special kind of place and offers something for everyone. The natural light during the summer brings this place alive but it is underestimated at this time of year. The whole space is covered in colourful fairy lights and the darker it gets, the more romantic the scene. They’re well known for the beer selection but what you might not know is that they have an incredible wine selection, hand picked from local wine merchant R&H Fine Wines. Grab a bottle of red and take it up to the fire in the balcony or keep that information quiet and and stay outside to get closer together. We won’t tell if you wont, you smooth individual, you.

Address: 32 Seel St

Botanical Garden

Find yourself some dutch courage in the form of gin. We all know a good boozy beverage can relax the nerves on a first date and you’ll be struck to find a much nicer place to do so. Botanical Garden is Liverpool’s premiere gin garden and is a place where sun worshippers and juniper lovers unite in a unique environment. If the weather isn’t looking good, head to their indoor greenhouse space and get on the couch under a blanket. And remember, what happens in the greenhouse, stays in the greenhouse.

Address: New Bird St, Baltic Triangle

Oh Me Oh My

The sister venue to LEAF, Oh Me Oh My is a spectacular venue off the beaten track on Water Street in West Africa House. It might not have the footfall of Bold Street but people will happily walk to it and after five seconds of being inside, you’ll realise why. The architecture, both inside and outside, is as good as it gets in Liverpool. The inside looks like a Marilyn Monroe makeup set, large mirrors with incredible details on the frame are lit up with fairy lights that cascade themselves around it. Piano pieces treacle out the sound system and it all makes for a classy and romantic affair. The perfect place for a daytime hot drink as they’re a tea emporium with a got a huge selection of loose leaf teas as well as coffees. They also specialise in weddings so who knows, if that first date goes well, you could be walking down the aisle in the very same venue you first nervously met. If the aim is to show off the hopeless romantic in you, this is the place.

Address: West Africa House, 25 Water St, Liverpool L2 0RG

FARMERS MARKET

In our humble opinion, a farmers market can be the perfect cheap date. It might not be the first thing you associate with romance but we guarantee you’ll have a lovely time. There is a monthly one at Lark Lane on the 4th Saturday of every month and sporadic ones throughout the city. What could be better than a collection of butchers, baristas, cheese mongers, chocolatiers and more, all together with a treasure trove of deliciousness just waiting to be devoured?

The Quarter

The Quarter is a buzzing and vibrant restaurant on the cobbles of Falkner Street. Whilst being renowned for its food, the venue is understated for its romance. The Quarter brings the best of Europe together; the road looks like something out of Amsterdam, the decor is reminiscent of Paris and the food is Italian inspired. It doesn’t get much more continental than that. It is the perfect place to drink lattes and look at the stunning views of the Cathedrals. During the summer, you can sweep your date off their feet and sit outside on the benches and chairs and soak in the rays as you discuss hobbies over prosecco. Ironically, your main hobby might be that very scenario but don’t forget to tell them you love long walks on the beach. It is a guaranteed laugh and who knows, might actually be true.

Address: 7 Falkner, L8 7PU

THE CINEMA

Going to the cinema is a classic date but the modern cinema experience almost requires you to remortgage your house once you’ve got your drinks, popcorn and sweets. Now, because we know you’re all so extremely honest and wouldn’t sneak any sweets in your bag into the cinema, we’d suggest a visit to a small cinema, an independent venue just off Victoria Street where the blockbusters are replaced by local film makers film. Usually they’d just ask you to throw a couple quid in the bucket and it provides a pretty unique and extremely cheap date. Check what’s on this month here.

Maray

Maray is named after the Bohemian district ‘La Marais’, a district renowned for its abundance of falafel shops, and more recently, very cool cocktail bars. In this Parisian meets Liverpool love story, the chances are they’ll live happily ever after and this might be the perfect venue to take your date in search of that same ending. The interior is simple done well with a communal and festival-like bench being the centrepiece of the space. Slim fresh flowers in vases on each table with candles-lit at night is the recipe for romance. Maray is as versatile as it is stunning and it is perfect for a hot drink or a strong one as they have an ever-changing effervescent cocktail list that’ll give you the confidence of Will Smith and the illusion that you’re as sought-after as him.

Address: 91 Bold St, L1 4HF

A Secret Lounge

Everybody knows Hope Street is home to a plethora of culture and some picturesque views. Two cathedrals adorn either side of the stretch and fine dining, theatre and some pretty great watering holes fill the gap. 60 Hope Street is elegant, contemporary and puts traditional twists on the best of British. It is one of the best known for the city’s most ambitious restaurants and occupies an imposing and beautiful Georgian Grade ll Listed building with arguably one of the prettiest facades in the city. Follow the spiralling stairs away from the distinguished dining just a floor above and a whole other world reveals itself. Welcome to The Lounge, Liverpool’s best kept secret. Put your feet up by the fire, grab a coffee and chat.

Address: 60 Hope St, L1 9BZ