After months of uncertainty and a Christmas like no other, we’re urging people to support local businesses that are loved across Liverpool.
Independents have had a difficult year due to the coronavirus pandemic and with restrictions changing constantly, it’s only gotten harder to handle.
But whether restrictions mean you’re able to visit in person or not, there are still ways to support the businesses that need it more than ever.
We’ve taken a look at just some of the incredible independents working tirelessly across Liverpool to get back to normal.
East River
Independent cocktail bar East River opened in 2018, bringing a slice of New York’s Lower East Side to Liverpool.
Specialising in creative cocktails and bagels, East River is designed to be two types of places, firstly a coffee-and-linger daytime hangout and secondly a cocktail and drinks kind of place at night.
Allerton Road, Liverpool
Thoughtfully Cafe
Just minutes from Liverpool ONE, Thoughtfully is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Serving up a range of breakfast and lunch dishes, including cheese toasties, granola and more, Thoughtfully is known for its tranquil atmosphere.
Cleveland Square, Liverpool
Merseymade
Just a stone’s throw from Liverpool ONE, Merseymade stocks a range of local creations from art work and jewellery to gin and gifts.
You can shop online here or visit Merseymade at 98 Paradise St, Liverpool L1 3HJ
98 Paradise St, Liverpool L1 3HJ
Ten Streets Market
Tucked away inside an industrial warehouse on Cotton Street, Ten Streets Market is the perfect retreat from high street shopping.
In the market, you can find plants, jewellery, hand made masks, vintage clothing and a mix of retro and up-cycled, one of a kind pieces of furniture.
Cotton St, Liverpool L3 7BX
News from Nowhere
Your bookworm friends will definitely appreciate a gift from this Liverpool institution.
News from Nowhere has been based on Bold Street since 1989, with shelves filled with some of the most thought-provoking books you’ll ever read.
96 Bold St, Liverpool L1 4HY
The Brunch Club
This independent serves up brunch classics with a twist.
The venue was taken over by the team behind Ghetto Golf in 2019, who transformed the space into “the most bespoke bar experience in town”.
The venue boasts a woodland-inspired interior and even offers bottomless brunch.
Duke Street, Liverpool
Love Lane Brewery
If you’ve got a love for beer, this might be the perfect place for you.
Love Lane Brewery is based in the city centre and even has an online shop stocked with everything you could need, including its own-brand beers, gift vouchers, glassware and even The Ginsmiths of Liverpool gin.
You can shop online here .
62 Bridgewater St, Liverpool L1 0AY
The Nakery
An award-winning vegan treat shop based on Berry Street, The Nakery sells some incredible treats whether you’re vegan or not.
For your friends and family with a sweet tooth, you can pick up everything from cake jars and billionaire shortbread bars to weekend treat boxes.
44 Berry St, Liverpool L1 9DF
Lunya
One of Liverpool’s most-loved independents, Lunya is an award-winning Spanish deli, bar and restaurant.
Lunya opened its doors in the city back in 2010 and won the hearts of many.
Specialising in authentic Catalan and Spanish food, the eclectic menu features everything from patatas bravas to Iberico solomillo.
Hanover Street, Liverpool
Liverpool Tea Warehouse
Is there anything more comforting than a good cup of tea?
Hidden away between Liverpool ONE and the Baltic Triangle, Liverpool Tea Warehouse is home to more than 200 teas and infusions from around the world.
Using tea merchants from around the world, owners Deborah and Mark stock an enormous range of teas from Japan, India, Vietnam, Brazil and even further afield.
37 Shaws Alley, Liverpool L1 8DE
A Slower Space
Located on Liverpool’s world famous Penny Lane, this small shop is filled with plants and friendly staff.
You’ll be able to find a selection of gifts, including jewellery, chocolate, candles and beauty products, many of which are made by local traders. You can even grab a coffee while you’re there.
Penny Lane, Liverpool
Angela’s of Liverpool
Established since 1977, Angela’s of Liverpool have prided themselves in sourcing the very best of exclusive and affordable children’s clothing designs.
The store caters for all occasions, from casual wear to special event wear, so it’s perfect for a special Christmas gift.
College Road, Crosby and Stanley Road, Bootle
The Quarter
One of the Georgian quarter’s most-loved restaurants, The Quarter serves up everything from breakfast to pizza, pasta and cake.
The Italian-inspired cafe is perfect for a quiet meal, breakfast or a coffee stop, with a vibrant atmosphere and stunning views of the Liverpool Cathedral.
Falkner Street, Liverpool
Baby Melanie
This independent shop specialises in baby clothes with shops on Broadway in Norris Green, Belle Vale Shopping Centre and St Johns Shopping Centre.
They sell designer baby and children’s clothing aged from newborn to 14.
Norris Green, Belle Vale, Liverpool city centre
Tiny Rick’s
Having relocated to Smithdown Road, Tiny Rick’s is beloved by cereal and board game enthusiasts. The venue has many weird and wonderful cereals from around the world to tuck into and more than 300 board games for customers to play during their visit.
Smithdown Road, Liverpool
Red Brick Market
A shoppers haven in the Baltic Triangle, Red Brick Market is home to multiple traders selling clothing, furniture and accessories.
It’s easy to lose a few hours perusing the vast selection of fabric, clothes and bric-a-brac available while potentially bagging a bargain too, especially in the run up to Christmas.
Stanhope Street, Liverpool
The Painted Ladies
The Painted Ladies is tucked away on Hope Street, nestled right between the famous Everyman Theatre and The Pen Factory – you’ve probably passed it several times without spotting it.
The Painted Ladies launched in April 2015 and offers tattooing and piercing by a group of people who are as friendly as they are talented.
The studio offers gift vouchers for your tattoo-loving friends, which you can buy here .
Hope Street, Liverpool
R and H Fine Wines
When it comes to wine and spirits we actually can’t imagine there are many people in the city who know more than owner Devin does.
The shop is a wine merchants, specialising in hand-made wines, and you can even get advice on what to buy based on yours or your friend’s tastes.
Queen Avenue, Liverpool City Centre
Voglio Gift Shop
This gift shop has some lovely ideas for Christmas gifts.
Inside you’ll find a selection of handmade jewellery, children’s toys, candles, bags, Liverpool themed products, and much more.
Voglio is on the same stretch of Allerton Road as other much-loved independent stores including Adam’s Apple green grocers, Clarke B R and Family butcher, B. Shrigley and Son Fishmonger and M. Ray’s Bakery.
Allerton Road, Liverpool
Liverpool Cheese Company
A haven for cheese-lovers, this Woolton shop is a must.
Liverpool Cheese Company offers everything from day-to-day cheeses to selection packs and hampers. You can order online here .
29A Woolton St, Liverpool L25 5NH
Probe Records
Probe Records is a Liverpool institution and has been providing a service to music fans from across the world since 1971.
It has been the go to place for alternative music for decades, so now is the time to explore it as there’s something for everyone.
The Bluecoat, School Lane, Liverpool L1 3BX