The Red Lion is a pub in Bold Street, Liverpool. Rated 4.6 stars from 502 Google reviews. Known for cask ale selection & pricing and characterful interior & layout. Best for groups and solo drinkers. Price range: £1–10.
Rankings updated May 2026
The Red Lion
Across 499 Google reviews, 93% gave four or five stars.
Quick Verdict
A beloved neighbourhood pub serving outstanding cask ales at unbeatable prices in a characterful, rambling Georgian townhouse that rewards exploration.
You want to discover a traditional Liverpool pub with serious beer credentials and a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere.
About The Red Lion
The Red Lion is a converted Georgian townhouse on Bold Street that has become a cornerstone of Liverpool's pub scene. Reviewers consistently praise its deceptively large interior—a warren of interconnected rooms, nooks, and a rear beer garden—that invites lingering and exploration. The pub's strength lies in its cask ale selection, described as "excellent" and "brilliant," with knowledgeable staff who understand their stock. Prices are repeatedly flagged as "bargain" and "unbelievably cheap" compared to nearby venues, making it a standout value proposition. The atmosphere is described as "quirky," "cosy," and "laid-back," with distinctive vintage decor that sparks conversation. Live performances—notably a Wednesday manouche jazz session—add cultural texture. Dogs are welcome, Wi-Fi is free, and the venue attracts a diverse crowd: locals, tourists, groups, and LGBTQ+ patrons. Service is consistently warm and friendly. While food is limited to pies, the focus remains on drink and atmosphere.
What Stands Out
Cask ale selection & pricing
Multiple reviewers highlight 'excellent beer choices on cask' and 'unbelievably bargain prices' — a rare combination that sets it apart from pricier Bold Street competitors.
Characterful interior & layout
Described as 'like the inside of a house' with 'lots of nooks and crannies' and a 'deceptively large' footprint that rewards exploration across multiple rooms and a rear beer garden.
Welcoming, knowledgeable staff
Reviewers note 'friendly,' 'ice' (excellent) service and staff with genuine expertise in their beer selection, creating a relaxed, unpretentious vibe.
In Their Own Words
Review highlights surfaced by Google, in the language they were written
“We just had drinks but it is a quirky place with great atmosphere and ice staff.”
“Great selection of beers didn't eat but excellent service”
“Class pub, really good vibe and a cracking pint of Guinness!”Practical Information
Opening Hours
Contact
36 Slater St., Liverpool L1 4BX, United Kingdom
Visit WebsiteCommon Questions
How consistently good is The Red Lion?
Across 499 Google reviews, 93% of visitors gave four or five stars — placing The Red Lion among Bold Street's most reliably rated pubs.
Does The Red Lion have outdoor seating?
Yes — The Red Lion offers outdoor seating. Outdoor tables are popular during warmer months so arriving early or booking ahead helps.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Red Lion
Yes. The pub's rambling layout across multiple rooms makes it ideal for groups of varying sizes. It's popular with friends meeting for drinks and can accommodate busy Friday and Saturday nights, though seating fills quickly.
Outstanding. The pub specializes in cask ales with a rotating lineup described as 'brilliant' and 'excellent.' Staff are knowledgeable and prices are significantly cheaper than comparable venues nearby.
Limited. The Red Lion serves pies, which reviewers describe as 'good,' but the focus is firmly on drink and atmosphere rather than dining.
Yes. Dogs are allowed, making it a pet-friendly option on Bold Street.
Yes. A lively manouche jazz session runs every Wednesday evening, adding to the venue's cultural appeal.
Absolutely. The friendly atmosphere and knowledgeable staff make it welcoming for solo visitors, and the quirky decor provides natural conversation starters.
Also in Bold Street
View all2 venues changed rank in Bold Street this week → See full zone ranking
How We Rank Venues
Rankings are recalculated monthly from live Google Business Profile data. Our Hot Score weighs review velocity (new text reviews in 90 days), recency (how fresh), baseline rating, and Google Business Profile completeness. No editorial picks, no paid placements — just what the data says this month.
How our monthly rankings work