Forget the famous Cavern Club, there’s a new breed of bar in town. Some front speakeasy aesthetics, others industrial decor; some offer bonkers cocktails and the exuberance of a kid’s birthday party and some will bring you a laid-back, chill-out zone. Whatever you’re looking for, nightlife pros DesignMyNight have hand selected their top picks for the coolest bars in Liverpool for you to sample at your own sweet will.

Red Door

Serving up some of the jammiest drinks this side of the Mersey, this lively Liverpool hangout provides atmosphere by the bucketload. If the cool and cosy interiors and chatty bar staff weren’t enough, Red Door also fronts a very fetching outdoor terrace for when you want your cocktails with a side of sunshine. Billed as an alcohol-filled Narnia, this spot also offers a cost-savvy membership - unlock the door for £5 cocktails and late-night entry.

Ex-Directory

A spot for those in the know, Ex-Directory is the city’s most secretive watering hole. You’ll get there on a wing and prayer, but with some of the most creative cocktails in the city, it’s well worth the challenge. With everything from the location to the phone number kept firmly under wraps, all you need to do is find the right phonebox...

Dirty Little Secret

Opened just a few months ago, Dirty Little Secret is already making a name for itself as one of Liverpool’s top drinking spots. Taking a fun and sassy attitude when it comes to cocktails, the bar whips up drinks such as Ribena Daiquiris, or the Coco Pops and Ketel One ‘Cereal Thriller’ that offers a boozy twist on your childhood breakfast.

Crazy Pedro’s

Offering mezcal, pizzas and a hefty dose of weird, Crazy Pedro’s is a feast for all the senses. Within the nutty, corrugated metal and neon-lit interiors of this Ropewalks restaurant, you’ll find all manner of barmy bespoke booze options and seasonal pizza specials, along with their very own Crazy Pedro’s branded beer pong kit.

Santa Chupitos

This dive bar with a difference may not look like much from the outside, but venture inside and you’ll find a cool and energetic cocktail bar playing all your favourite tunes, all while serving up the best in kooky cocktails. Go for the creative seasonal specials, but make sure you stay for their infamous Five Dollar Shake, a filthy mix of Chambord, vodka, blueberries and ice cream.

For more info on what’s on in Liverpool and across the UK, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and Twitter; @DesignMyNight and @DesignMyNight.