Gladstones Bookshop & Cafe

Gladstones combines three of my favourite things: coffee, food and books.
A homely café with lots of colourful bookcase, it has friendly staff and a cluster of tables inside and out. There’s cafetieres of fresh coffee, pots of steaming tea and lots of home-​made cakes, scones and biscuits. They also serve fresh soups, salads, ciabattas and jacket potatoes.
There’s just one problem: the books are all about God, Jesus and Bible Studies. A bonus for Christians but a massive disappointment for non-​believers!

Gladstones is a small independent Christian book shop and café combination. They have a very small selection of wares.
If you want a better range of Christian books to browse, try Oasis on the outside of St John’s, or Pauline on Bold Street.

Gladstone’s or, as it is known in our family due to my own rather childlike observation that the books on sale here are Christianity related, «The God Shop», is so quaint and quiet, it’s perfect for a nice peaceful lunch. We have always come in groups of around four, but you’ d be quite content sat with a cup of tea and piece of cake on your own. The food is delicious: freshly prepared sandwiches and snacks, a great selection of hot and cold drinks and an array of homemade cakes and puddings. I always remember the «Mars Bar» cake– I don’t know whether this was the official name or another coinage of mine– it was absolutely divine; a crispy base of rice crispies soaked in sticky toffee and slathered with a thick layer of rich, sickly smooth chocolate. mmm.
Gladstones was always really reasonable, cheap even, in comparison to the surrounding cafes, but they soon caught up and the much loved Mars bar cake increased by about £1.50.
There’s ample seating and even a little courtyard outside which although small, is lovely.

Gladstones is a little gem of a place because you’re getting two for the price of one here: a book shop and a café.
The books they sell would mainly attract Christian people as most are related to bible studies and similar. The shop is a unique combination. Their full breakfast is scrumptious for just £3.40 including free tea or coffee. They serve this from 9am to 2.30pm Monday to Saturday. It is quite a relaxing environment with several tables and an outdoor seating area where you can enjoy the sunshine.
I would recommend their breakfast because it is hot and served quickly as well as being one of the most tasty I’ve had in Liverpool. Next time, I will be tempted to try one of their small selection of cakes!