Why the Baltic Triangle has become a must-visit location

I thought I would write some thoughts on one of the fastest growing and exciting areas of the city – The Baltic Triangle. I’m lucky enough to live only 5 minutes away from it, but for visitors to Liverpool it’s only a short walk or taxi ride from the city centre and has become a must visit location full of fantastic bars, shops and things to do. I’ll tell you what’s on offer in a minute, but first a little on why the history of the area has always fascinated me…

This area was originally the site of warehouses for timber which was imported from Norway and brought in via the Liverpool Docks. It was also home to a profitable Whaling industry named after the fishing grounds and if you take a walk along Park Lane you will come across the fantastic Nordic Church, which was created for the 50,000 Scandinavian emigrants who were passing through Liverpool. The church was completed and opened around 1884 and it was designed by young architect William Douglas Caroe. It stands today as one of only 4 octagonal church buildings in the UK and was the first Swedish church to be built overseas. It’s classed as a Grade two listed building and if you get the chance you must look inside – it’s beautiful!

Talking about beautiful buildings, another lovely area to note of historical significance is the Cain’s Brewery which has been totally transformed inside. You will find the main entrance to this off Grafton Street / Stanhope Street and is where you’ll find me most weekends! The Grade 2 listed building was once a bustling and busy brewery created by Robert Cain, founded in 1858. 

It was bought out and taken over on many occasions by different brewers, Walkers, Higsons, Whitbread, Boddingtons etc. before finally closing its doors for good in June 2013. The façade of the redbrick building has not changed much as all but inside it has been transformed with new business, Red Brick Vintage is a great place to have a good root and toot with all the different stalls to choose from and once you have built up an appetite you’re in the perfect place for choice between The Baltic Market,  Ryde, Peaky Blinders Bar, Birdies Bar, The Tank Room, LuBan Restaurant and Punch Tarmy’s. There is so much for you to go and try! 

If you want to entertain yourselves there is the fab Ghetto Golf, which you’ll see straight away has such a lovely atmosphere with visitors relaxing and meeting up with friends. I love the fact that it’s also dog friendly! If you get the chance go and have your photo taken with the Abbey Road Crossing that has been painted onto the wall outside the entrance to Punch Tarmy’s on Grafton Street, just one of the fantastic art creations from talented local artist Paul Curtis that you’ll see around the city.

So, once you’ve enjoyed all the delights from this area, there is more to see as part of the growing quarter. There’s even more wall art to see along Jamaica Street including more of Paul’s designs. It’s even had Royal approval in the form of the Duchess of Cornwall standing against the most photographed Liver bird wings - and she’s not the only one! Go and have a go yourselves.

Along Jamaica street are more bars and new independent businesses to take in. The area is completely different to 5 years ago and every time I walk along something new is opening.  The Baltic Hotel is due to open soon and will add another dimension to the area and carrying on the tradition of brewery’s in the Baltic you’ll find the fabulous Love Lane Brewery just around the corner, who conduct tours and tastings which can be pre-booked.

Also in this area is Hobo Kiosk, Camp And Furnace and The Baltic Social. Each of these bars have their own quirky theme or décor. If that isn’t enough there is Constellations, one of my favourite little haunts. They have a fab garden terrace which is fantastic when the weather is nice. I’ve spent many a warm night in this vicinity.

All these new ventures came about when the area commenced with redevelopment from 2010 via The Baltic Triangle Area CIC and mixing old buildings with new. We now have one of the most quirky and cultural areas of the city and it’s constantly evolving and being developed. As mentioned, it is only a 10-minute walk from town or low fee in a taxi. On an evening out the area offers so much choice or even if its just a relaxing Sunday afternoon you’ll find there’s such a lovely vibe in this area as you’ll find that you are mixing with the locals too! I’ll certainly see you there!!