Hugely popular Liverpool hangout and still one of the city’s best informal venues. Not particularly living room-like in style, if we’re honest, it nevertheless look impressive – expanses of dark wood, big windows, plants and candlelit round tables. At lunchtimes it’s an airy refuge for Victoria Street’s younger, smarter set; at night it’s full of lively clubbers, cocktail drinkers, and the occasional soap star. The atmosphere’s always great. Especially when live sets are performed on the white baby grand piano every night from 8.30pm. An eclectic range of food is prepared, presented and served with a level of care that brings people back again and again. Bestsellers include fillet steaks, crispy duck pancakes and fuss-free steak, ale and mushroom pie.