Berry & Rye

First time I went was quite good. But second time I went, apparently I knocked too hard (???) and the bouncer said we weren’t allowed in because it was affecting people inside.
Apparently knocking once for about 3x raps is too much.
Just left after an awkward and bewildering conversation thinking how needlessly weird that was.
I guess I won’t bother again.

This is a fascinating place. It is set up like a speak-​easy to a ridiculous extent. There is no sign or advertising at all. It is set up to look like a library with the menus printed in books. The drinks are great. There is a good mix of prohibition era drinks along with some more modern cocktails. The cheeseboard is also good.

Is Berry & Rye the coolest drinking establishment in Liverpool? Very possibly.
With its complete lack of signage, its blacked out windows and front door and the fact that you have to knock on said door to be allowed entry (if the doorman likes the look of you) you already know you’re dealing with somewhere fairly high on the ‘hipometer’.
When you get in (and you could be waiting outside for a while on a Friday or Saturday as it’s only small and VERY popular) you are greeted by a décor which is at once understated and incredibly clearly themed. You just feel like you’re in Prohibition era in the Deep South.
The staff come over with cocktail menus and glasses of water (again, very cool — this is no place for binge drinking) and give you plenty of time to pick your drink which is just as well as there is a LOT to choose from.
The cocktails are sorted into spirit based groups which makes things pretty easy if you’re a gin person versus a whisky person. Myself, I was immediately drawn to a cocktail called the Corpse Reviver. Not that I particularly needed reviving — it just sounded fun. It was.
This is a lovely place to start, end or spend your entire night if you enjoy a relaxed and cool atmosphere and being able to hear yourself and your companions speak. Very classy joint indeed.