The Baltic Triangle has developed beyond all recognition over the last ten years, but even though the area is now recognised as the central hub for Liverpool’s creative community and amazing cafe culture and nightlife scene, there still remains so much to discover.
Today, we shine a light and pay tribute to some of the hidden gems of the Baltic Triangle. Sure, there are the more well-known places such as the amazing Baltic Market and the fantastic venues such as Camp & Furnace, Constellations, Hinterlands and District et al. However, this is about celebrating the lesser known jewels that offer so many great experiences and bring so much value to the area.
Yard
Work hard, play Yard-er in one of the few sun-traps in the Baltic Triangle and attached to the iconic District music venue. Embrace the industro-Caribbean surroundings and enjoy a wide-range of music and drinks whilst you relax or socialise in Yard’s outside oasis.
Now that the summer is on the horizon, remember to catch Yard’s FREE Summer Opening Party which takes place April 5th – 7th and go listen to the many amazing acts and DJ’s that will be playing over the course of the weekend and bringing back that Yard vibe. For the re-opening weekend don’t miss acts such as: No Fakin and DJ Jimmy Allen on Friday, Saturday’s headline acts Fingerman and Derek Kaye, finish up with Zeke Tafari and D Fresh on Sunday. Be sure not to miss out on this hidden-gems wild weekend and even bring your pooch as Yard is dog- friendly!
Tusk
Located in the Northern Lights building, uncover this amazing dog-friendly hidden gem and relax by the log fire. Behind its colourful exterior, feel welcomed into Tusk’s mellow environment and enjoy a craft beer, glass of wine, or cocktail from a wide-ranging drinks menu. Feed your soul and revel in an exceptional menu made with love, featuring a variety of delicious plant-based, pescatarian and meaty menu option. Spend the evening indulging on Tusk’s food delights ranging from ‘Island battered Fish Goujons’ to ‘Sticky Cauliflower’, with something to suit everyone’s taste-buds.
Join Tusk for one of their many events like the ‘Doggy Social’, which gives dogs and their owners to socialise on a lazy afternoon and try some legendary Doggy Beer and doggy snacks. Or, if you aren’t a pet owner head to Tusk for their upcoming ‘Jazz & Martini Night’ and add a touch of sophistication to your evening. Take part in the event that will be filled with mouth-watering Martini’s, including the ‘Tusk-tini’ and ‘Scouse-tini’ which will be available all night and accompanied by live music from Jazz singer Valdora and her pianist. This is an event not to be missed!
Don’t forget to visit an adjoining hidden gem, the Royal Standard Art Exhibition which showcases a variety of artists, artwork and exhibitions.
Dockleaf Roof Terrace
Take a leaf out of our book and get yourself to Dockleaf’s roof terrace and look out onto the rich history of the Cain’s Brewery village. The building was the original ‘Brewery Tap’ pub many moons ago servicing the brewery workers at the end of their shifts. After restoring the filtration room, Dockleaf decided to take advantage of the old laboratory and revamped it into a roof terrace, dining room and kitchen. Kick start your summer and have a drink from the seasonally changing cocktail menu, a selection of fine wines and a huge choice of craft beer and soak up the rays from the roof terrace. Head over on a Sunday afternoon and enjoy a gorgeous roast as part of the Dockleaf’s ‘Sunday Roast Club’, which also offers a vegan-friendly option. Make sure to check out this local modern pub with an urban soul.
Botanical Gin Garden
The Botanical Gin Garden is in bloom, so step inside one of the Baltic Triangles best kept secrets. Hidden between graffiti walls and behind a jigsaw entrance of colourful wooden doors, explore this wonderful gin oasis, with lots of surprises and quirky settings. Inside, have a seat at the VW camper van bar and take in the colourful wall art or enjoy the spring-sunshine outside on the grass steps with a gin-cocktail in hand, guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Whether you prefer tantalizing Tanqueray or a mouth-watering Martini, with over 25 gins to choose from, everyone can pick their preferred poison.
Whilst you’re there grab a bite to eat from this year’s on-site street-food KNEAD pizza, one of Liverpool’s best pizza slinging establishments, offering alternative flavours and interesting combinations. With a chilled-out vibe, an extensive range of gins and sets from local DJ’s, what’s not to love about this enchanting gin-filled hidden gem?
Coffee & Fandisha
Take a break and stay grounded at this speciality coffee shop and luncheonette hidden in side streets of the Baltic Triangle. Whether you pop-in to enjoy a coffee and a baked good, or a light lunch with a locally source craft bar, Coffee and Fandisha has you covered. They take inspiration from the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony where freshly brewed coffee is served alongside popcorn and other little bits and pieces. The team behind this hidden gem have also held bottomless prosecco brunches and ‘vegan eve’ events so keep your eyes peeled for more upcoming events.
If you are a local artist in the area, then the ‘yellow wall’ inside Coffee & Fandisha will leave you purring in appreciation. This is a space solely for local creatives to display and exhibit unique pieces of artwork.
Ryde
Chill and take it easy at this spoke-tacular bicycle café located in the heart of Cain’s Brewery village. This hidden gem has combined a passion for great coffee, food and bikes and has established itself as an important part of Liverpool’s cycling community. Ryde serves freshly prepared food all day, with a range of options for breakfast or lunch. Cakes from local bakers are also available and can be paired perfectly with an Allpress coffee to suit any occasion. Dig-in to the culinary delights including freshly made naan pizza’s, quesadillas, paninis, homemade soup, or wonderful waffles.
Ryde’s bike workshop is also fully equipped, and offers a wide range of bicycle repairs and services, from a simple gear tune to a full bike strip down and rebuild, so why not grab a smoothie and a slice of cake whilst you wait?
Sugar & Dice Board Game Cafe
Roll the dice and try something different at the Baltic Triangle’s signature games cafe, as this bright and bold café offers hundreds of board games to choose from. Play the classics like Monopoly and Scrabble or, for anyone wanting to try something new, Sugar & Dice’s board game collection can help you build a castle or save the world from a deadly virus. Their knowledgeable staff will curate and help you choose the perfect game for you and your friends. Stay for an hour or an entire afternoon in this fun-filled café.
Eat whilst you play and enjoy a selection of light-bites ranging from bagels to spicy veggie nachos or satisfy your sweet tooth with a Haribo and jelly-bean bowl. Keep an eye out for Sugar & Dice’s monthly events like a ‘Dungeons and Dragons Taster’ or ‘Rainbow Gaming’, a sure way to suit every gamers needs.
Hobo Kiosk
Fall down the rabbit hole into this cool and quirky bar that is one of the jewels of the Baltic Triangle. Visit this social pub and feel right at home in this comfortable and chatty environment, hosted by local legends Tristan and Delia whilst sipping on a locally brewed ale. Try Hobo Kiosk’s delicious own brand pale ale ‘Hobo Ghost’ and start your evening right. This community pub encourages story-telling and conversations, but if that’s not for you then just sit back and absorb the art filled surroundings. Born from the owners love of community and cabinet of curious artwork, Hobo Kiosk offers a friendly feel whilst also acting as a sit-down museum. Tucked away on the corner of Jamaica Street, Hobo Kiosk and its wrestler-baby visual moniker is a gem not to be missed!
Red Berry Club
If you’re feeling fruity stop by the Red Berry Club and soak up a friendly and familiar vibe while you sip on a lovely latte. The atmosphere in this coffee shop is different from your average Starbucks as a warm welcoming atmosphere is created alongside friendly chit-chat by proprietor, Mark Hayes.
Pair your filter coffee with a freshly baked pastry, cake, or a vegan chocolate brownie as you escape from the daily grind. With service that goes beyond a ‘hello’, this venue shows a genuine interest in its customers and consistently creates delicious coffees that are affordable and can be enjoyed in cosy surroundings. So, if you enjoy nice coffee, good music and are looking for a place to unwind, head over to the Red Berry Club.
