The Ship & Mitre

You walk into what feels like Liverpool's answer to a proper beer drinker's paradise – wooden floors that have seen decades of good times, mismatched furniture that somehow works perfectly, and a bar that stretches the length of the room showcasing an intimidating array of taps. The staff actually know their stuff here, happy to let you sample before committing to a pint of something obscure from a Belgian monastery or a local brewery you've never heard of. The food does its job without trying to be clever – think hearty pies, decent burgers, and the kind of Sunday roast that soaks up all that excellent beer. It gets properly busy with office workers during the week and beer enthusiasts at weekends, but there's always space at the bar if you're flying solo.