Shirley Valentines

Ah, named after one of Willy Russell’s most famous Liverpudlian characters. Well, far removed enough from the everyday drudgery Mrs Valentine finds herself in on a daily basis, this little basement café slash sandwich shop is a pleasant place to get away from it all and indulge in some quality scran. Butties tend to be the name of the game here, and the bread you can choose from is almost as vast as the variation of fillings… fancy your favourite on a wrap today instead of sliced? How about a Panini or ciabatta melt? It’s all here.
The only scruples are the fact that it does tend to be somewhat overpriced, and their fickle pricing system doesn’t seem to help matters. I mentioned that I’d been there to a Liverpudlian friend who said, ‘Yep, bet if you had that again you’d pay something different for it.’ It apparently depends on who’s working at the time or how generous they are with the ingredients. Strange, non? Also if you’re on foot it’s fine and dandy but if you’re in transit with a car you won’t find parking nearby, the area’s emblazoned with double yellows.
Never mind, though, because they have CAKE! Yes, homemade and fresh cakes and biscuits which are all exceptionally bad for you and even more exceptionally lovely. If you can get past the few cons this really is a good little sandwich spot for a tasty bit of lunch.

Shirley Valentines is a gorgeous little café located jut beneath pavement level on Mount Pleasant. It’s a quirky little place, very popular with the local univerisities and colleges dotted around the area as well as the yellow vested work men who are invariably seen popping up and down clutching a chunky paper bag parcel and couple of white cups. I have bought countless hot drinks from here during university terms– especially the winter term when I’ve been drenched or snowed on en route. The staff are always pleasant and the food, while pretty basic in offerings is very good.

Shirley Valentines is a handy little sandwich company which is located on Mount Pleasant within walking distance of the city centre so it’s great for convenience on a trip into town.
I like to visit here in the summer when they have a small outdoor seating area and you can sit back with a nice sarnie and enjoy the sunshine, making for a relaxing all round experience.
As with most of the sandwich companies in Liverpool the staff here are very down to earth and extremely friendly meaning that as well as your food you often get a nice chat here also.
The actual range of food here is nothing exceptional but it certainly competes with its many rivals who are dispersed around the city. This company also caters for parties and functions and are good for simple party buffet food.
To summarise another very down to earth and unpretentious sandwich shop within Liverpool, let’s hope they keep up the good work.