The Angel Inn opened on 12 August 2026 at 90 Bold Street, occupying the two-storey premises that had traded for decades as Maggie May’s café. Welcomed by the local branch of CAMRA as a significant addition to the area, the venue introduced a dedicated traditional cask ale house to an upper Bold Street landscape previously dominated by casual restaurants and daytime coffee shops.
What The Angel Inn does
The pub provides an authentic British public house experience across two restored trading floors. Rather than embracing modern minimalist trends, the interior was rebuilt with classic Victorian pub craftsmanship: deep mahogany timber wall panelling, brass footrails, patterned heritage carpets, etched glass privacy dividers, and antique pendant lamps.
The atmosphere is conversation-led and relaxed. Sports televisions and fruit machines have been omitted, creating a warm retreat where shoppers, local workers, university lecturers and cask ale enthusiasts can share pints and conversation. At weekends, the pub holds a late licence until 2:30am, offering a civilised alternative to the loud circuit bars of Concert Square and Fleet Street.
Cask ales, draught lines and spirits
The ground-floor bar features a prominent row of handpumps dedicated to independent British and regional brewing:
- Rotating Cask Handpumps: Regularly changing selections from North West microbreweries such as Neptune, Carnival, Chapter, Brimstage and Glen Affric, alongside national standards like Timothy Taylor's Landlord and Oakham Citra.
- Draught Taps: Cold draught Guinness, traditional English bitters, Czech and German pilsners, and heritage still ciders.
- Whiskies and Spirits: The timber back-bar holds an extensive library of Scottish single malts, Irish whiskeys, and regional artisan gins.
- Bar Snacks: Classic pub snacks including pork pies, scotch eggs, pickled eggs, and artisan crisps.
The two floors: Snugs and the first-floor lounge
The ground floor is arranged around the central service bar with intimate timber booths and leather snugs along the walls, providing cosy pockets for small groups.
A timber staircase leads to the first-floor drinking parlour. This upper room features Chesterfield sofas, low mahogany coffee tables, open decorative hearths, and tall Georgian sash windows looking straight down onto the pedestrian foot traffic of upper Bold Street. The room is available for walk-in drinkers and can be booked for community gatherings and private social events.
The story behind 90 Bold Street
For more than thirty years, 90 Bold Street operated as Maggie May’s, one of Liverpool's most famous café destinations for traditional beef and blind Scouse. Following the café’s retirement, the building was acquired by experienced local publicans determined to restore a classic ale house to Bold Street, which in the 19th century had hosted dozens of historic coaching inns and taverns before modern redevelopment took hold.
Prices and visiting tips
Drink prices reflect fair city-centre pub standards (checked September 2026):
- Pints of rotating cask ale: £4.20 to £5.10
- Pints of draught stout and premium lager: £4.80 to £5.60
- Deli bar snacks (pork pies, scotch eggs): £2.50 to £4.00
- Single malt whiskies: £4.50 to £8.50
Walk-ins are welcomed across both floors with no booking required for drinking tables. Well-behaved dogs on leads are permitted on the ground floor, and both cash and contactless cards are accepted.
Around upper Bold Street
The Angel Inn stands on upper Bold Street, directly opposite Bold Street Coffee and next door to Utility. At the head of the street sits St Luke's Bombed Out Church, marking the transition to the Georgian Quarter.
For more neighbourhood guides, read our Ropewalks area guide and our guide to where to eat in Liverpool by area.
