Berry and Rye — Restaurant in Liverpool

The Berry & Rye used to be a fantastic speakeasy cocktail bar and one of the most intriguing secrets of Liverpool. Even people from Liverpool didn’t know where it was! We visit Liverpool every year and spend at least one evening at the Berry & Rye. Great ambience, amazing cocktails, and excellent service. Until this year. We were in Liverpool at the end of August, and went, as usual, to the Berry & Rye. It was on a Thursday, and it was unusually empty. The cocktail list had mostly changed, and prices had increased a lot compared to the past. Although prices had increased over the years, they were still acceptable, considering that it is Liverpool, not London. But not this time. Cocktails were all mainly between £10 and £12. My husband had a whiskey that was on offer for the day, and that’s the only way he could afford a couple of small glasses. And we didn't get any food because even the price of of a few olives is ridiculously high.

But that’s not all. When we received the bill, we saw that, on top of the £24 bill, they had added a “discretionary service charge” of 10%, meaning £2.40 more, for a total of £26.40 for three tiny drinks.

First of all, they should check the meaning of “discretionary”. Secondly, this is usual in the US where waiters and waitresses are only paid on tips. In the UK, people have salaries and social security, so there is no need to add a “discretionary” service charge to an already outrageous bill. We may accept high prices for a great experience, but the greedy and abusive "discretionary" 10% is completely unacceptable.

No wonder the place was empty… Even if now it is not a speakeasy anymore, as it is wildly advertised, including its address, we felt it has lost its soul, which made it a fantastic secret place (always full!) that we were looking forward to going back to every year. With the number of excellent cocktail bars that Liverpool offers, maybe the Berry & Rye should review its offer a bit. What a shame. We, for sure, will...

We visited Berry and Rye as two couples and had an absolutely lovely night. From the moment we walked in, we were enchanted by the cozy, intimate ambiance and the attentive service. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and made us feel right at home.

The cocktail menu was exceptional, featuring a creative and well-balanced selection of drinks that catered to all tastes. Each cocktail was crafted with care and presented beautifully. We were particularly impressed by the southside it was a highlight of the night.

The atmosphere was perfect for a relaxing and enjoyable evening out with friends. The dim lighting, vintage decor, and soft jazz music created a charming and sophisticated vibe.

Overall, Berry and Rye exceeded our expectations in every way. We highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and memorable night out in Liverpool (if you can find it,...

I’ve only been to Berry & Rye a few times all of which being this year. Most recently for my birthday in October. And the main thing I can say is I can’t believe I waited so long to visit. What a place!

The level of knowledge from the staff and the care and attention to detail provided were amazing. The live music was fantastic. I can’t fault a single thing from the times I’ve been.

Special thanks to Eddie for his recommendations the last time I went.

The Dream Dram is such a fantastic idea too! Getting to try a super premium shot for a fraction of the RRP if you just get say a pint with it, unbelievable value if you appreciate your whiskey.

There’re are plenty of great places to just grab a drink in Liverpool, but place me where you feel you’re getting an experience are few and far between. The Vibes ™️...