Known around the world for its famous atmosphere, Anfield is the home of six-time European Champions Liverpool FC. The team is one of the most successful in English football history and attracts visitors from around the world on every matchday.
For such a legendary theatre for football, it is no surprise that the local area has a host of boozing options – some just a stone’s throw away. While many away fans tend to enjoy Liverpool’s city centre for their pre-game drinking, there are plenty of pubs that are open to both home and away fans nearer the ground that offer vastly superior atmospheres. Be warned though, these pubs do become extremely busy nearer kick-off which can sometimes make it difficult to get served.
So, here is a rundown of the best pubs in and around Anfield where you can enjoy a pre- or post-game pint, whether you are a Kopite or an away fan.
The Albert
185 Walton Breck Road, Anfield, L4 0RE
The Albert is probably the most well-known and popular pub in Anfield simply because it is located on the opposite side of the road to The Kop. This means it is extremely busy on a matchday, so don’t turn up expecting a sit-down meal (or a seat at all!).
The walls and ceiling are covered not just in Liverpool FC memorabilia, but items from around the world including scarves and shirts from the various teams that Liverpool has played. Although busy, the atmosphere is electric in the build-up to a game – just make sure you get in early.
Away fans: No
The Sandon
166-182 Oakfield Road, Anfield, L4 0UQ
Another hugely popular pub for Kopites is The Sandon. Located less than five minutes from Anfield, the pub is larger than The Albert but gets just as busy. It boasts a large outdoor area and even has a BBQ on matchdays. It proclaims to be the birthplace of Liverpool Football Club due to it being once owned by John Houlding, one of the founders of both Everton FC and Liverpool FC. Again, due to its close proximity to the ground, The Sandon gets extremely busy on matchdays, but does offer one of the best pre-match atmospheres going.
Away fans: No
The Arkles
77 Anfield Road, Anfield, L4 0TJ
The first pub on the list that welcomes away fans is The Arkles. Again, its closeness to Anfield means it can become extremely busy but offers the chance for home and away fans to mix and enjoy some banter with their beers. Unlike most of the home fan pubs, The Arkles is situated on the Anfield Road End of the stadium where the away fans are housed during a game.
Away fans: Yes
The Park
194 Walton Breck Road, Anfield, L4 0RQ
Another popular option for home fans is The Park which sits opposite The Albert. You can sit (if you’re lucky) or stand and enjoy a decent view of The Kop while drinking.
Away fans: No
Sam Dodds
166-172 Oakfield Road, Liverpool L4 0UH England
While Sam Dodd’s on Walton Breck Road is a wine bar, it does offer a good variety of beers as well and a decent pre-match atmosphere. Many of the regulars here go home and away with Liverpool.
Away fans: No
The Church
Many people, myself included, would say that the pub is their church and drinking beer is their religion. Well, The Church sits just down the road from Sam Dodd’s and is just the place for those people! This Church-turned pub offers a spacious area to enjoy your pre-match pints and watch live sport on the many TVs scattered on the walls. Amen.
Away fans: No
Flat Iron
Flat Iron is another option close to Anfield that welcomes away fans. A little further out than the other pubs here, this pub is around a 10 minute walk but is a friendlier option for those set to be sitting in the away end (unless you’re an Evertonian or Manchester United fan, sorry!). The walk does mean it isn’t as busy as the other pubs mentioned, but nearer kick-off, there will still be a likely queue for a pint.
Away fans: Yes
The Twelfth Man
Named after the fans themselves, it’s no wonder The Twelfth Man is a popular option for a tipple. Formerly called The Salsibury (and sometimes still called that), the pub is quite small and therefore is rammed come 2pm.
Away fans: No
The Cabbage Hall
The Cabbage Hall has a large beer garden making it extremely popular in the summer months. Just two minutes away from Anfield, this is another local that will get packed out on a matchday but not quite as much as other pubs on the list. Get here early enough and you may be able to grab a table and enjoy some of the food options on offer.
Away fans: No
The Boot Room Sports Cafe
If you don’t fancy a pub, then a solid family friendly option is inside the stadium itself. The Boot Room is a sports café that offers a range of food and drink options.
Been to one of these pubs and reckon we’ve got it wrong? Your favourite boozer not on the list? We rely on our community of enthusiastic pint lovers to keep things up-to-date, so if you spot an error please head over to a pub’s listing page and update its information. Cheers!
