In the past 12 months, Liverpool has welcomed an array of new venues from bars and restaurants to shops and arcades.

It's been a busy year for our ever-changing city once again, so there's no doubt you'll have missed some of the new openings across Liverpool.

Some of the biggest openings included the much-awaited Duke Street Market and Liverpool's first ever vegan chippy, Woo Tan Scran, which sold out of food within hours of opening its doors.

We've taken a look back over the last 12 months to compile a list of all the bars, restaurants and shops we know opened this year.

Mason’s Kitchen and Bar

Mason's Kitchen & Bar is opening on Seel Street
Mason's Kitchen & Bar on Seel Street

The picturesque venue on Seel Street was opened in July by hospitality group EPIC.

The restaurant serves 120 people and offers everything from breakfast through to dinner alongside a stylish lounge where customers can enjoy cocktails.

The concept is inspired by EPIC founders Simon and Fiona Beer’s own home; a warm environment that encourages people to come together and share food, celebrating every occasion.

Rosa’s Thai Cafe

Rosa's Thai Cafe, Albert Dock, Liverpool Photograph Geoff Davies

Launched by Saiphin Moore and her husband Alex in London’s iconic Brick Lane in 2008, the Thai restaurant has taken London by storm.

It now has a host of venues in the most renowned areas of the capital, and when Saiphin decided to expand the brand, she knew Liverpool would be the best place to start.

Rosa’s Thai Cafe is known forThai food inspired by Saiphin’s own family recipes.

The Albert Dock restaurant serves dishes such as salmon red curry, stir-fried aubergine with chilli and basil, and Rosa’s famous Pad Thai signature.

Maray

Maray, Albert Dock

One of Liverpool’s most renowned restaurants and cocktail bars, Maray, opened its third site at the Albert Dock this summer.

Founded five years ago by partners Thomas White, James Bates and Dominic Jones,  Maray  has racked up several culinary awards in its few years of business and the restaurant even received rave reviews from Observer restaurant critic, Jay Rayner.

The menu at the restaurant is the same as the other two sites, serving flavours of the Middle East with a selection of vegetarian, vegan and non-vegetarian small plates.

Slim’s

New restaurant and sports bar Slim's is opening inside the former Love Thy Neighbour
Slim's, Bold Street

 

The restaurant opened in the former Love Thy Neighbour spot on Bold Street in August.

Taking inspiration from high-end New York diners, the venue offers an inclusive menu that caters to a range of diets and lifestyle choices and includes vegetarian and vegan options.

Focusing in particular on comfort food, roast dinners and classic burgers are also a feature on the menu.

Jimmy’s

Jimmy's Liverpool will open inside the former Cabin Club
Jimmy's Liverpool opened inside the former Cabin Club

 

After the success of their Manchester venue, brothers George and Jimmy Craig opened their hotly anticipated Liverpool venue in the former Cabin Club, ensuring the musical legacy of the building lives on.

Jimmy’s is a firm favourite on the live-music scene, after regularly securing big-name gig listings and it seems the Liverpool venue is to be no exception, opening with a bang when The Coral played.

The venue aims to provide live music seven days a week.

Albert's Schenke

Albert's Schenke will open inside the former Hub Alehouse and Kitchen
Albert's Schenke opened inside the former Hub Alehouse and Kitchen

 

Opening inside the former Hub Alehouse and Kitchen on Hanover Street this summer, Albert's Schenke was the latest opening from Mission Mars, the team behind award winning venues such as Albert’s Schloss, Rudy's Neapolitan Pizza and Gorilla.

The bar serves an extensive range of bier and guests can choose the schooner, pint, or take a tour of the taps with a range of bier flights.

The bar is named after Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, and offers the city a 'Bier Halle and Cook Haus'.

Bundobust

 

Having quickly established itself in both Leeds and Manchester, Bundobust opened on Bold Street to open to the public on Friday, May 24.

The 4,000 sq ft venue can be found on the first floor above Cow Vintage and Cycle Republic, right next door to Greggs.

The menu offers customers Bundobust's spin on authentic Indian street food, with classics such as Bundo Chaat, Vada Pav and Okra Fries.

The venue boasts 12 keg and two cask lines.

Patterson’s

Pattersons opens its second restaurant in the former Button Street Smokehouse
Pattersons opens its second restaurant in the former Button Street Smokehouse

The popular city centre restaurant opened its second venue in Liverpool this summer.

Famous for its buttermilk chicken brined for 24 hours in a secret recipe, the new restaurant opened in the former Button Street Smokehouse near Mathew Street.

The brand's first venue opened on Gradwell Street in 2015 and quickly became a firm favourite among locals and tourists alike.

Honest Burgers

The Liverpool Special burger at Honest Burgers
The Liverpool Special burger at Honest Burgers

Based at the top of Bold Street, inside the former Petticoat Lane , burger chain Honest Burgers opened to the public this summer, offering customers traditional burgers.

The Bold Street restaurant is the 34th for the chain and one of the first in the North West.

Especially for Liverpool, Honest Burgers created a specialty burger in collaboration with Hafla Hafla called the Liverpool Special, which features beef, British halloumi, Hafla Hafla salt and pepper, spring onion, sriracha mayo and lettuce.

Mann Island Social

The sister venue of St Paul's Social, Mann Island Social is a vast space with views of the waterfront on the Albert Dock.

The 4,000 square foot venue comes from The Avenue Group, the team behind Avenue HQ,  St Paul’s Social  and East Parade Social.

The vast menu offers sharing plates, salad bowls and hand-crafted burgers alongside a selection of brunch classics including pancakes and more.

The drinks menu is as equally varied, offering a selection of cocktails and beers.

Content

Opening on Stanhope Street this summer, the multipurpose complex has been made from re-purposed shipping containers and is a music, arts, drinking and eating space.

Described in plans back in January as a "giant shipping container village", the space will host a range of shows and events.

It is also the home of Bongo's Bungalow , the 'party house' where Johnny Bongo and his team will be hosting their Bongo's Bingo events.

Roxy Ball Room

Roxy Ball Room.(Pic Andrew Teebay).

 

Roxy Ball Room's second Liverpool location opened in May - and it’s even bigger than the first.

The new multi-million pound site opened in the  Cavern Quarter  this week, inside the former BHS café.

Roxy Ball Room Rainford Square occupies two floors and the bridge over Harrington Street that once linked the café to the rest of BHS.

The venue, which is the company’s eighth largest site to date, features a host of leisure and gaming facilities, including a four-lane bowling alley and nine-hold mini golf course.

El Gato Negro

Inside El Gato Negro

Taking over the former The Vincent Cafe & Bar, El Gato Negro opened at the beginning of August, offering diners an expansive menu and an outdoor terrace and private dining area.

The award winning restaurant is known for providing seasonally inspired dishes that reflect a mix of modern and traditional Spanish flavours and techniques, with influences from closer to home, too.

The restaurant was awarded a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand for the third year running and has been acknowledged in Hardens and The Good Food Guide.

Duke Street Market

Inside the new Duke Street Market
Inside the new Duke Street Market

 

Liverpool isn't short of food markets and welcomed a new food hall in Liverpool city centre this year.

Duke Street Market includes six new independent food businesses, flagship restaurant and three bars.

The development has been led by co-founders of Graffiti Spirits Group, Matthew Farrell and John Ennis (the team behind Santa Chupitos, El Bandito, Salt Dog Slims, 81ltd and Santa Maluco) and Alexander Bennett, Joshua Marco and Simon Marco, from food and drink operator, Urban Food & Drink.

Dirty O’Sheas

Dirty O'Sheas on Seel Street
Dirty O'Sheas on Seel Street

From the team behind popular Liverpool bars McCooley's, Soho, Peacocks and Brooklyn Mixer, Dirty O’Sheas is the newest bar to open on Seel Street.

Based in the former Empire nightclub, which was closed in October 2017 following the stabbing and death of Sam Cook who was out celebrating his 21st birthday at the venue.

Pub Invest Group, who operate the site, have decided to keep the basement of the venue closed as a mark of respect to the 21-year-old.

Junkyard Golf

Junkyard Golf Club
Junkyard Golf Club

Junkyard Golf Club  opened its doors in Liverpool ONE in the former Jungle Rumble back in March.

The crazy golf experience already has venues across the country, including popular branches in Manchester, Leeds and Oxford.

While golf is the main feature, Junkyard in Liverpool also has four bars littered around the course allowing guests to drink while they play.

The bar offers a variety of beer, ciders, wines and signature cocktails including Ribena Turner, Hotline Ting and Porn in the USA, all garnished with retro, nostalgic sweets like fizzy laces and party rings.

The bars are open to everyone, whether they’re playing golf or not.

The Bridewell

The outdoor area at The Bridewell
The outdoor area at The Bridewell

 

The Bridewell opened in June and replaced much-loved cocktail bar Furnival’s Well.

The pub offers a traditional atmosphere to pay homage to the history of the Campbell Square building.

The venue has a selection of traditional ales and beers, alongside a selection of five cask ales and quirky continental beers.

Smokie Mo’s at Grand Central

Smokie Mo's on Renshaw Street

This huge venue opened in July in the iconic Grand Central building, replacing the Grand Central Food Bazaar.

Smokie Mo's, named after its owner Maureen Bramwell, first opened in Liverpool back in 2007.

Morphe

Shoppers can pick up the latest Morphe collections at the store

 

The iconic beauty brand opened a store on Paradise Street in Liverpool ONE this summer - much to the delight of makeup enthusiasts everywhere.

Famous for its popular eyeshadow palettes, which are available at the store, the brand has a loyal online following and global fanbase.

Offering a range of makeup essentials alongside a selection of brushes and tools, the store also has a variety of accessories and offers makeup tutorials and product demonstrations.

St Paul’s Social

A new bar and restaurant has opened in Liverpool city centre, in St Paul’s Square.

The venue is open from morning till night, from early coffee, to well-deserved after-work cocktails.

St Paul’s Social food menu includes a selection of breakfast , lunch and light bites, with a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options.

St Paul’s Social will be open from 7am until late on Monday to Friday, with a Happy Hour running every day.

Silk Rd

A dish from Silk Rd Hope Street
A dish from Silk Rd Hope Street

 

Silk Rd , which already has restaurants in Liverpool city centre, Heswall and Bramhall will expand to Hope Street.

Following the success of Silk Rd’s first site launch in July 2017, the business duo Chris Williams and Javier Mellado have welcomed approximately 70,000 guests in to their restaurants and employed over 100 people across the North West.

Taking inspiration from the Silk Road trail, which spans three continents from the Pacific to the Mediterranean, the restaurant brand serves up authentic cuisine in the form of small plates and tapas.

The Watering Can

Inside The Watering Can
Inside The Watering Can

Greenbank Park in South Liverpool has welcomed a cafe and bar.

Serving breakfast, small plates and cocktails, the venue is set to bring a new element to the much-loved family park.

In the day, customers will be able to choose from breakfast, sandwiches, salads and an extensive selection of freshly-made cakes and pastry.

The evening menu features a fusion between British and Mediterranean small plates.

Champagne and Fromage/ Coucou Canard

First-look inside Champagne & Fromage on Victoria Street, Liverpool. Photo by James Maloney

 

The restaurant, which many will know from its time in Grand Central Food Bazaar , is one of the company’s first branches outside of London.

The bistro specialises in artisan French farmhouse cheeses, charcuterie and smaller grower champagne.

Champagne + Fromage will be serving favourites such as sharing boards, baked Camembert and fondue, afternoon tea, tartines and macaroons, with a selection of champagne to compliment each.

Coucou Canard has also made the move from Grand Central Food Bazaar.

The new restaurant is French-inspired, utilising simple recipes and using seasonal and locally sourced produce.

Open from 8am daily for its popular breakfasts, Coucou Canard is set to serve French bistro-style sharing dishes created by Head Chef Dawid Glinkowski.

Christakis

The new Christakis restaurant on Duke Street, Liverpool
The Christakis restaurant on Duke Street, Liverpool

Christakis returned to Liverpool earlier this year, despite owner Christakis Georgiou retiring a year ago.

The new restaurant, on Duke Street, comes after Chris changed his mind about returning to Greece - and got bored sitting at home.

The menu features dishes straight from the grill, including the Christakis Platter which is made up of a mixed grill, lamb chops and ribs, chicken kebabs and wings, halloumi and more.

Six By Nico

The restaurant will replace Spanish tapas restaurant La Vina
The restaurant replaced Spanish tapas restaurant La Vina

 

Replacing La Vina, which closed unexpectedly in September, Six By Nico is a brand new concept which sees its menu change every six weeks.

With successful restaurants already established in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Manchester, Six by Nico has brought a new dining experience to Liverpool.

The menu sees food used as a narrative, with each new menu telling a different story and taking guests on a new journey each time they visit.

Each new menu is kept secret until two weeks before it becomes available.

Woo Tan Scran

Liverpool's first vegan Chinese chippy has opened on Lark Lane, called Woo Tan Scran
Liverpool's first vegan Chinese chippy has opened on Lark Lane, called Woo Tan Scran

 

Liverpool’s first vegan chippy, Woo Tan Scran, launched on Lark Lane in October, next door to Keith’s Wine Bar.

The plant-based chip chop sold out of food within hours during its opening weekend and continues to do so on a regular basis.

Trattoria 51

Popular Liverpool restaurant Trattoria 51 opened its third Merseyside venue in September on Whitechapel.

The new restaurant, based inside the former Bellini, seats 120 people and serves Trattoria 51 classics its fans are used to.

Oracle

The Oracle has opened on Duke Street
The Oracle has opened on Duke Street

An 1800s themed bar inspired by Victorian gambling dens, The Oracle is based on Duke Street inside an 18th century merchant’s house.

The bar features opulent marble fireplaces, dim lighting and cosy furnishing to create the perfect atmosphere.

The Oracle also features magicians who perform close-up acts of magic, including sleight of hand and psychological techniques to astound guests.

There are three rooms for visitors to experience to play card games, including The Gunroom, The Players Room and The Parlour.

Collective

Inside The Bar That Stole Christmas

Collective will be home to five different independent businesses, spread across two buildings and three storeys, including a bar, cafe, speakeasy, wine bar - and a few surprises too.

The new venue is currently home to The Bar That Stole Christmas until January 5, before it will become something completely new.

Just one floor is currently available to the public at first, featuring a spot to grab lunch, a glass of wine and maybe even dance the night away.

The main bar will be a Victorian-inspired parlour which will focus on the best Liverpool has to offer with a selection of finely crafted drinks, before more independents are revealed over the coming months.

You can find the five businesses across two buildings at 28 Slater Street, Liverpool.

Abditory

Abditory , is based on Queens Avenue - the almost secret street based off Castle Street close to Liverpool's business district.

The bar is being operated by Camp and Furnace co-founder Steven Burgess and Josh Moore who have a long term vision for the venue to "become a well loved contribution to the city's growing collection of amazing spaces."

They added: "Everything in Abditory will mean something to us, from the names of drinks to the soundtrack to the toasty fillings. We could not be more excited about having our own place in the city centre."

Abditory’s menu features a variety of wines, cocktails, beers and food such as toasties and sharing boards.

The King John

The King John launched in November inside the Rubber Soul Complex as a traditional old English pub.

With a medieval theme and warm old English features and fittings, The King John takes its name from King John, who ‘founded’ the area of ‘Liuerpul’ and granting it the status as an official town in his Royal Charter.

The pub offers a range of beers and cask ales, along with whiskeys, gins and other drinks.

Only Fools Bar

Liverpool artist Paul Curtis has painted an Only Fools and Horses mural on Seel Street for the new Only Fools Bar
Liverpool artist Paul Curtis has painted an Only Fools and Horses mural on Seel Street for the new Only Fools Bar

 

Based on Seel Street, Only Fools Bar offers an immersive experience aims to make customers feel like they’re inside the popular 80s TV show.

The bar is filled with recreations of the now iconic sets and backdrops from the show - and even serves a Del Boy-inspired cocktail list with a menu to match.

Only Fools Bar features a Nags Head area, dedicated to the much-loved fictional pub, with a fully functioning bar inside.

Liverpool artist Paul Curtis painted a huge mural on the outside of the Seel Street location, so the bar is definitely be easy to spot.

Balls Deep

A bar dedicated to ball pools and gaming, Balls Deep launched in November.

The bar is next door to the Only Fools Bar, on Seel Street, though customers have to find the secret entrance to get in.

Balls Deep features a huge custom-built ball pool with a swing inside, ping pong tables, retro arcade games and more.

The menu also features Instagram worth cocktails with colourful designs and creative glassware.

Balls Deep is open 6pm - 2am Monday to Friday, and 3pm - 2am at weekends.

The Butterfly & The Grasshopper

Liverpool pub The Roscoe Arms has become The Butterfly & The Grasshopper after undergoing a £750,000 refurbishment.

The investment gave the venue a completely new look, expanding the pub across three floors to include a ground-floor bar and dining area and a top-floor gin and cocktail bar.

Jurgen’s Bierhaus

Inside Jurgens Bierhaus - the city's new LFC bar

 

Taking over Tom Hall’s Tavern, Jurgen’s Bierhaus is made up of two bars - the main bar area and the Boot Room which seats 120 customers and is used for football events, meals, sports dinners and more.

Inside, the venue is filled with signed shirts and boots from players past and present, while the menu includes pizzas such as The King Kenny as well as beer-soaked hot dogs.

Local artist Paul Curtis was commissioned to create two main feature walls.

NQ64

Replacing much-loved bar Aloha, NQ64 is completely dedicated to retro arcade games.

The bar is an underground drinking den filled with classic consoles and arcade games such  as Pac-Man, Donkey Kong and Space Invaders, N64, Megadrive and SNES.

Downtown

 

Cains Brewery Village welcomed a new bar, Downtown, in March 2019.

Downtown is an outdoor food market , bar, event space and cinema, utilising a subway train as a makeshift bar and serving food inspired by cities around the world.

Harrison’s Bar and Kitchen

Harrisons Bar and Kitchen on Victoria Street

 

Sports bar Harrison’s launched in March this year after a 12 month refurbishment of the former Beaconsfield pub.

Inside the venue has been decorated with specially commissioned artwork by local artist Paul Curtis, who is best known for the Liverbird wings in the Baltic Triangle.

Black Barrel

Staff from the Black Barrel Bar.

 

Replacing the former Izakaya on Castle Street, rum bar Black Barrel opened in March 2019.

The intimate bar sits around 40 customers and offers a menu packed with rums, spirits, cocktails and small plates.

Super Megabite

Games available include Operation Wolf, Golden Axe, and Street Fighter II Super or Turbo

 

Award-winning bar and restaurant group Graffiti Spirits Group has launched a gourmet chicken takeaway and hidden retro arcade inside the former Slim’s Pork Chop Express on Seel Street.

Super Megabite takes visitors on a nostalgic experience, offering a range of dishes and 20 different arcade machines.

Gamers can choose between Operation Wolf, Golden Axe, Street Fighter II Super or Turbo, Wonder Boy, Wrestle Mania, Tetris, Donkey Kong, PAC Man, NBA Jam, Paper Boy and many more.

The menu at Super Megabite features a variety of sandwiches, fries, burgers, nachos and ice cream, as well as a vegan selection including buffalo cauliflower wingers and a vegan burger.

Albert’s

New bar, Albert's, opens on Seel Street

Inside a former garage on Seel Street, Albert’s opened just this week next door to Heebie Jeebies.

The bar will be opening early in the day to show sporting events across 11 TVs and two large projectors.

At night, the lights will be dimmed and music will take over, giving visitors the chance to dance the night away.

Albert’s is split across two floors, the ground floor and basement, with a mezzanine area offering some extra privacy, while there are apartments overhead the bar.

Too Faced

Boutique makeup brand Too Faced opened in Liverpool ONE in September, replacing another makeup store, Urban Decay.

The Liverpool store is Too Faced’s flagship North West venue.

Home Bargains, Paisley Street

Home Bargains finally opened its new store inside the former Toys R Us in November and announcing plans a year before.

Home Bargains has spent around £800,000 refurbishing the site, which became vacant after Toys R Us went into administration and closed all its UK stores.

Customers can get their hands on all their Home Bargains favourites across several departments including homeware, health and beauty, food and more.

Virgin Holidays

A Virgin Holidays store is opening in Liverpool ONE
A Virgin Holidays store has opened in Liverpool ONE

 

A Virgin Holidays store opened its doors in Liverpool ONE earlier this month with its own prosecco room and secret cinema.

The store features a green ‘living’ wall, lounge-style seating, and a dedicated children's area to keep the little ones entertained.

The hidden cinema is available to give customers the chance to get a feel for the Virgin brand while tucking into some tasty popcorn.

There is also a lucky red vending machine, with treats and surprises for customers.

Oliver Bonas

High street retailer Oliver Bonas opened in Liverpool ONE in August, selling everything from clothing and accessories to homeware and furniture.

Rox

ROX is now open

 

£1 million jewellery store Rox opened in Liverpool ONE in November, inside the former Michael Kors’ site.

Liverpool’s Rox concept boutique focuses purely on its own range of diamond jewellery, silver and luxury goods.

As well as focusing on the jewellery Rox is known for its private shopping lounge including the Moet and Chandon champagne bar, which makes the shopping experience all the more exciting.

My Cookie Dough

The shop is dedicated entirely to cookie dough
The shop is dedicated entirely to cookie dough

 

A shop dedicated entirely to cookie dough with a cult following, MyCookieDough launched in Liverpool in October.

The menu features a host of freshly-baked cookie dough delights including red velvet, Oreo cookie dough and even the Instagram-famous stacks.

MyCookieDough frequently changes its menu to add new products throughout the year, including special editions for Easter and Christmas, though flavours such as Banoffee Pie and Cinnamon Bun are always a popular choice.

Polo Ralph Lauren

Replacing Dune in Liverpool ONE, Polo Ralph Lauren arrived in Liverpool in April.

The global fashion brand occupies a 1,800 square metre unit on Peter’s Lane and sells both women’s and menswear.

Lush

Lush's new store on Church Street

 

Liverpool’s Lush store relocated to Church Street in September and its the biggest in the world.

Inside the new store there is a bigger spa, florist, hair salon and a perfume library.

Ahead of Christmas, the new store even had a whole floor dedicated to festive products.

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