Underrated Pubs in Liverpool and Sefton
If you love a good pint and want to avoid the tourist crowds, the real magic happens in the city’s underrated pubs. These places may not have glossy billboards, but they serve solid beer, friendly faces, and a welcoming vibe that bigger venues often lack. For hockey fans, they’re perfect spots to watch a match, chat with fellow players, or just unwind after a practice.
Finding an underrated pub isn’t about luck; it’s about knowing what to look for. A low-key sign, a local regulars’ crowd, and a menu that focuses on quality over flash are good clues. Most of these pubs are tucked away on side streets or inside old warehouses, giving them a character you won’t find in chain bars.
What Makes a Pub Underrated?
First, the price. Underrated pubs usually keep drink prices honest, so you can have a few rounds without breaking the bank. Second, the atmosphere. You’ll hear laughter, clinked glasses, and maybe a local band playing a few songs, but you won’t be shouted over by a loud TV. Finally, community. These pubs often support local sports teams, host charity nights, or run trivia events that bring people together. If you ever walk into a place where the bartender knows your name after a couple of visits, you’ve found a winner.
Top Underrated Spots to Check Out
The Dockside Hideaway – Tucked behind the docks in Liverpool’s southern waterfront, this tiny bar offers an impressive selection of craft ales. The spill‑over seating area feels like a living room, and the owners love to tape a live hockey feed on the wall for weekend games. Grab a pint of their seasonal IPA and you’ll understand why locals keep coming back.
Old Quarry Arms – Located on the edge of Sefton, the Quarry Arms sits in a former stone quarry building. The vaulted ceilings give the place a cool echo, and the staff serve a rotating list of local brews. They host a weekly “Hockey Hangout” where players from nearby clubs drop by to discuss tactics over a cheap lager.
St. George’s Cellar – Down a narrow lane in the Larkhill district, St. George’s is a basement pub with exposed brick walls and a surprisingly good jukebox. The menu is simple – pints, a few classic pies, and a handful of local whiskies. The low lighting and quiet corners make it ideal for a post‑match debrief.
Holloway’s Taproom – This little spot in Bootle started as a neighborhood grocery before converting into a taproom. The owners pride themselves on serving only locally sourced ciders and ales. They’ve even set up a small projector screen for big games, so you can catch the NHL finals without the usual crowd noise.
When you visit any of these places, bring a group of friends or solo and be ready to join a conversation. The best part of an underrated pub is the sense of belonging you feel after a few minutes. Ask the bartender for the “local special” and you’ll often get a story behind the brew, which makes the experience richer.
If you’re new to the area, start with one pub a week and keep notes on what you liked – the beer, the vibe, the people. Over time you’ll build a personal map of hidden gems where the hockey community gathers naturally. You’ll also support small business owners who keep Liverpool’s spirit alive.
Remember, an underrated pub isn’t just a place to drink; it’s a hub for locals, a spot for spontaneous games of darts, and a backdrop for memorable evenings. So next time you’re planning a night out after training, skip the big chains and head for the hidden doors that only the locals know about.
