Pen Factory, Liverpool

The Pen Factory was completely empty during a bank holiday Monday evening visit, which I think also surprised the barman because he asked me if everywhere else was quiet, I lied and said yes. Although this place is usually closed on Sundays and Mondays so maybe they didn’t put the word out enough that they’d be open. Anyway, the rectangular interior is open plan with brown banquettes and chairs along its length with fairy lights wrapped around the exposed HVAC overhead. There’s an open kitchen in the right-hand wall, unfortunately due to it being so empty the fat from the kitchen hit the nostrils. The counter across the right-hand side of the rear wall supports premium keg and six hand pumps that were drawing Kirkstall’s Bitter, Arbor Ales’ Mosaic and Shangri-La, Ossett’s Jet, Rooster Brewing’s Birds of a Feather and Lilley’s Cherries. One interesting feature was a log burner behind some glass in the wall that had the look of a furnace from a distance. It’s hard to judge somewhere when it’s completely empty, but the decent ale choice and friendly service gave me good vibes, so I’d pop back in if passing for a second look.

I did as BS below.... nearly walked past the subterranean bar. Down a flight of steps and into a room on the left which had all the appeal of a brightly lit school canteen. Rows of bench seating - but three comfy chairs in the far corner. The only place I wanted to sit. From my Oakham Citra - a justified choice for the GBG. Also Titanic Plum Porter and keg Sierra Nevada could have been picked on a different day. Nice courtyard, sheltered garden. So much choice in Liverpool, I wouldnt choose to come back again.

It's very easy to walk past this bar without noticing it, even if you're actually searching for it. Also, be aware that the bar only opens 5 days a week (closed Sunday and Monday), something which has caught us out a few times before. This is a subterranean bar that still manages to attract lots of natural light and it also has a pleasant courtyard garden to the rear, which we sampled for the first time yesterday. Whilst it has the feel of a cafe bar, the Pen Factory still has a good selection of real ales and ciders and regularly features in the Good Beer Guide. Titanic Plump Porter is the regular beer. Guests yesterday were Lister's IPA, Beartown Lit, Salopian Shropshire Gold & Kirkstall Pale Ale. The 3 ciders were Farmer Jim's Dry, Thistly Cross Whisky Cask & Seacider White Peach. In addition, craft beers are also represented with The Kernel Table Beer and Beartown Rinse & Repeat. Staff are friendly and there's a nice, relaxed vibe about the place. If it wasn't so far from the station, with a reasonable hill to negotiate on the way, I think we'd be here much more often. As it is, if you are doing the pubs in the Hope Street area of Liverpool, this one should be close to the top of your list.

Open plan cellar bar specialising in food but also serving good beer. Softy industrial finish with school canteen tables and chairs but does have a certain charm

Finally got to visit this place during an afternoon trip to Liverpool on a Tuesday. Much bigger than it looks from the outside. You go down a few steps to a large refectory style room with refectory style long tables. Loads of bare brick and an industrial look ceiling. 6 handpumps on the bar, all on, one of which was a cider. There's an outside courtyard, but as it was raining this wasn't an option. My pint was in good nick, but I didn't feel at home in here at all.

According to the opening times on their door, this was supposed to be open until 18:30 on a Sunday. Definitely closed at 17:30 and looked like it had been all day.