Brass Monkey

You'll spot the swinging chairs before anything else – they're not just a gimmick, they're genuinely fun after your second Negroni. The tiled walls and crackling fireplace give this School Lane spot a homely feel that's rare in Liverpool's cocktail scene, like drinking in your mate's front room if your mate happened to be brilliant at mixology. The cocktail menu doesn't try too hard with molecular nonsense or Instagram-bait garnishes. Instead, you get well-made classics and a few house specials that actually work. The comfort food menu keeps things simple too – think proper bar snacks that won't break the bank. It's the kind of place where you pop in for one drink and end up staying until close, especially with those weekend 2am finishes.