Everybody loves the feeling that they’ve found a hidden gem, a secret venue that’s off the grid.
Liverpool is filled with these gems that are unphased by the high street and quite happy doing their own thing.
Dramshop, on Gradwell Street, in Liverpool city centre is one of those places.
It opened six months ago but even those with their finger on the pulse of Liverpool’s food and drink scene will be forgiven for missing the opening of the secretive venue.
Due to its location and the current construction work in the area, Dramshop has slipped under the radar of many.
It’s tucked away down a side street off Hanover Street, in the Ropewalks area, and it has no swanky signs or flashing neon lights pointing to its door.
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That’s the beauty of places such as Dramshop, they’re unpretentious.
When it first appeared Dramshop was supposed to be a pop-up and owners intended to shut the bar after four months, however, after its lease was extended its doors now remain firmly open for good.
What’s the food and drink like?
The food menu available includes breakfast, lunch and dinner and it’s based around ‘nibbles’ and tapas style dishes but it also features burgers, sandwiches.
Cocktails also take a leading role at the venue with an extensive list of imaginative concoctions available.
Customers with a sweet tooth can sip a Peach Fizz (£5) with Whitley Niel Gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, peach puree and Prosecco, other options include classics such as margarita (£6.50) and mai tai (£7) and Dramshops own creations.
Looking at cocktails with a lot of ingredients can be confusing but thankfully the helpful staff on hand are able to advise customers.
If it’s not too busy, the bartenders can even whip you up something personalised to your tastes.
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What was on the menu?
When we visited we tried the club sandwich (£7) and cured meat and cheese grazing board (£8).
We also had a side of honey mustard sausages (£4) and lime and garlic salt fries (£3).
I was impressed by the grazing board because there was a decent selection and they certainly didn’t hold back with the cheese.
Unlike other cheese boards I’ve had, they were not stingy and staff even offered us more crackers once we’d made our way through the first batch. The graze board could have easily been shared between four people.
The club sandwich was proper, homemade food and perfectly crafted. The portions on the butty were ideal.
The sides we picked packed as much as a punch as the sandwich and cheese board, it seems Dramshop had made sure even the fries can stand out.
What's the verdict?
If you’re looking for somewhere new to try for a date night, cocktails, or a nibble, the Dramshop is a place for you.
But don’t just take my word for it, another reviewer on TripAdvisor commented: "WOW!! What more can I say, was recommended this place by a friend, walked in to a small yet cosy place, very warm welcome and great recommendations for drinks, didn’t catch the guys name though.
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"Was only going for a drink until we saw the food going out.
"Decided to get a couple of small plates, amazing! So had to try some more! Highly recommend the chorizo and black pudding Bon bons. We got them to share then I had to get my own."
