The Shipping Forecast

Despite only opening in 2010, The Shipping Forecast has already become something of an institution with Scousers. The 'Alehouse and Eatery' has a New York loft/industrial feel, is packed chock full of shabby chic furniture, old video games to play and esoteric machines made of Bakelite for decoration, all against bar brick and exposed steel beams. Find a home on the ground floor in one of the nooks and crannies, or share one of the large tables with a group of strangers. Downstairs they have live gigs and DJs playing and Liverpool's hip young things queue round the block to face clipboard-wielding door police.

You haven't come here for cocktails - there are some twists on 'Mojitos, Mules and [Bloody] Marys' on the menu - but more interesting is the changing selection of cask ales and beers from around the world on draught, along with a choice of homegrown draught ciders and a decent range of international bottled beers. A short wine list rounds off the selection. An unpretentious food menu is focused on a list of 'boutique burgers'.