The Magnet (permanently closed)

Address: 45 Hardman Street, Liverpool, L1 9AS , United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)151 709 4000
Website: view The Magnet’s website

Door: Open door/walk-ins
Style: Music bar

Recently reopened following a refit, and now owned by music and clubs group Tokyo Industries, The Magnet is a late-night bar just east of the town centre up right between and equidistant from the Metropolitan Cathedral (that's the modernist one) and the Anglican one (the older looking one). Trusted locals tell us that this is a short walk too far for only the most dedicated bar hoppers - on the other hand, Magnet is suitably far from the stag and hen party circuit.

Waiting for you is a site with a 50-year pedigree - one of some historical musical importance. It was previously called the Sink Club and entry was granted only upon proof of membership (a numbered sink plug on a chain). Freddie Mercury played with Brian May here before their Queen days. Today there's a street-level bar with big speakers above the booths, and a live music basement with a list of up-and-coming bands, DJ sets and "alternative rock 'n' roll" acts. The cocktail list resides in the bartenders' heads, but they have a decent spirits selection and can knock up a decent drink, though promotions abound so you are likely to see rounds of Jagerbombs going out. Don't expect it to get busy until later.