Hidden away beneath the hustle and bustle of Hope Street lies The Pen Factory, a bistro bar specialising in seasonal small plates and an impressive wine list. The name was inspired by the Lang Pen Company which operated on the site in the late 19th Century, and the interiors retain that industrial-chic look and feel. Airy and open, it sports exposed brickwork and a patchwork of wooden tables. Long wooden tables with benches make it an ideal spot for groups, which is particularly handy since the Pen Factory is located between the Everyman cinema and Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall. The tranquil garden is opened during warmer months for alfresco drinking and dining.
The team here are old hands when it comes to providing a sociable space where good company, honest, locally-sourced food and a wide variety of drinks can be found, which accounts for this basement bar’s popularity. The menu has been designed to suit all occasions, be it a swift lunch or pre-film dinner, a leisurely evening meal or a drink with friends on the weekend, and embraces the best of British and European cuisine. Tapas-style dishes include the likes of aubergine and chickpea curry (vegan and gluten free), king prawns in paprika and garlic butter, and soy and honey-glazed chicken wings, though there are also soups, salads and breads on offer too.
Pen Factory’s extensive wine list is all available by the glass and for non-wine drinkers, there’s a wide range of specially selected cask ales, true continental lagers and bespoke seasonal cocktails. Since the owners here pride themselves on filling the fridges with the most exciting stock possible, the drinks list changes regularly, but the sorts of sips guests can expect include a whole host of gins and cocktails such as the Orange American Nut Job (walnut bitters, rum, single malt whisky, lemon, whites and gomme).