Where to go for the May Bank Holiday in Liverpool

Enjoy the relaxed vibe at Free State Kitchen and discover its HUGE secret garden at 1 Maryland Street, in the heart of Liverpool’s Cultural Quarter.

Free State Kitchen serves a contemporary twist on American classics, with quality, locally sourced produce. Home to classic homemade dishes such as the award-winning burgers (there’s eight flavours on the menu, so take your pick), buffalo hot wings, hot dogs, crab cakes, Boston clam chowder, deli sandwiches, seasonal specials, homemade desserts AND sundaes! Phew. This menu packs an absolute punch and has something for everyone. Whether you’re having a special weekend away or hanging out with friends, this is the perfect location to soak up some sun and soak up the summer cocktails. If you’re not planning on drinking this bank holiday, you have to try Free State Kitchen’s range of house lemonades; original, raspberry and strawberry. So refreshing.
This restaurant is also independent and family-owned since 2013, which really comes through in the hospitality, vibe and food. It also uses homegrown produce from the FSK garden throughout the year and saves coffee grinds to fertilise the soil. So, when you dine here, you know you’re supporting a truly ethical and conscientious business.

Mani is a delicate and charming Italian tapas restaurant located in the middle of the bustling Lark Lane. Mani not only has beautiful food, but a beautiful courtyard towards the back of this quaint and intimate restaurant. The menu has been carefully selected and changes seasonally to bring you the finest ingredients; we highly recommend that you try as many dishes as possible.

The food menu offers a delicious selection of Italian-inspired small plates, from hand-stretched pizzettes to classic Italian seafood dishes, not to mention a mouthwatering array of vegan options. The ‘big plates’ are not that big… well, not when you have an appetite like ours! So, we would recommend ordering at least one big plate and two small plates, as the small plates are not enough for a full meal, but they pack a punch of flavour nonetheless! You obviously need to leave room for the refreshing cocktails too of course. Expect everything from fruity and long to sharp and short, all your cocktail needs will be sorted, including non-alcoholic ones. This is a special restaurant for an intimate bank holiday or a quiet wind-down after a weekend of partying.

Located opposite the city’s iconic Three Graces, West Africa House lives in the heart of historic downtown Liverpool. Built in the 1920s, it was home to the former bank of West Africa.
– hence the name. Fast forward 90 years and OH ME OH MY was born. The original vision was to create a casual and creative space: a tea house through the week and a unique events space by night and at weekends.

This venue undoubtedly has one of the best views in Liverpool.Take a mighty hike (or get the lift) to the roof garden on the eighth floor of the building and you’ll be faced by the infamous Liver Birds.

If you want to indulge in something really special, OH ME OH MY offers a beautiful Champagne Afternoon Tea for £33.50 per person on its glorious rooftop. Booking is essential, but why not kick-start your bank holiday celebrations in style? Over the weekend, this venue only offers drinks on its rooftop terrace. OH ME OH MY is the perfect city location to bring together family and friends for a bank holiday to remember.

Tempest likes to keep things fresh and local, from its in-house bakery to the bees on the roof producing the honey in its food and cocktails. A forthcoming herb garden on the roof will bear produce later this year to further enrich the food served to you. And if the staff here can’t grow it or make it, they’ll endeavour to source the most local, independent suppliers.

A huge light bathed, plant-filled area for eating and drinking is Tempest’s main space. Available for large table bookings, business lunches, after work drinks and so much more. At the rear of the main bar you’ll find a library area, which can be booked separately.

If the sun’s out, Tempest offers the best view in town to bask in the glorious sunshine with a birds-eye view of Liverpool.

MOLOKO is a great suntrap, located just off Concert Square, right on Seel Street in Ropewalks and not far at all from Liverpool Central train station. It’s a great location to sunbathe, eat, drink and be merry this bank holiday weekend! MOLOKO has been the original destination for damn good drinks and even better pizza since 2008.
The food menu consists of classic Italian pizzas as well as options that are a bit more experimental. Then, there’s loaded fries and lots of little bites as well if you just need something to go with your drink. MOLOKO is stylish, sometimes chill or sometimes ready to party – it all depends on you… and how many cocktails you’ve drunk! Priced at £7.50 or below, the drinks are cheap, the music is great and the pizza is fresh to order. What more could you want for a three-day weekend?