Black Cat Bar, Liverpool

Blue Scrumpy left this review about Black Cat Bar

This bar has recently changed hands. It is now part of the Black Cat chain. I haven't been to the Mossley Hill branch, since it was Pi, but the Smithdown Road branch always attracts a lot of students. Customers in this city centre branch don't seem to be as student-oriented. In fact, it seems that this place is trying to attract some of the city centre nightlife customers who crawl along nearby Slater Street.

Open until 2am, there were a few in when we arrived between 11 and 12 but by the time we left, numbers were thinning out. So, it wouldn't surprise me if opening hours are reduced in the new year.

There is a small outdoor patio to the front of the property with some steps possibly leading to a roof terrace. Inside, the bar is split over two floors. On the ground floor, there is a kitchen on the left-hand side, which dishes out pizzas during the day. The bar is just beyond, also on the left-hand side. TVs show live sporting events, especially football. Throughout our visit, there was an eclectic soundtrack which started with 70s soul and moved onto some more modern hip-hop. The upper floor feels much more cosier with bookshelves on the walls. Toilets are upstairs and are labelled "sit downs" and "stand ups". Although, I could imagine this could cause confusion for a man needing a number two!

At the bar, there are 4 handpulls. 1 is reserved for Bass. I can't think of many (if any) pubs that regularly stock Bass but apparently it is a favourite of the landlord. 3 guest beers were Tartarus Cactus Cat, Tatton Christingle & Wantsum Baa Humbug. I'm not sure if the Cactus Cat is also a regular or not. There is certainly a cat theme throughout the bar. The Baa Humbug was a very enjoyable chocolate and vanilla stout.

Keg beers included Lervig Tasty Juice, Colbier Cool For Cats (seemingly a rebadge of Sharp, a cranberry sour which we'd tried earlier in the evening in the Grapes)& Intermission, Chapter The Final Fardel & Nightjar The Slow Descent Into Madness. There is also a good selection of cans and bottles in fridges behind the bar.

Whist I never ventured into this place under its previous guise, it sounds as if the interior is much more welcoming now and the availability of cask ales and some interesting craft beers gives it my seal of approval. As such, this is a welcome addition to the city centre drinking scene.

On 21^st December 2025 - rating: 7
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