We were in the mood for a nice dinner, and since our go-to was closed, we liked what we saw of the Living Room menu and decided to give it a try. The end result was overpriced, disappointing food, in an above-average ambiance: 2.5 seems fair. Our starters were very much a mixed bag. The chorizo in cider was delicious — easily a notch above your standard tapas bar. The sourdough and rye breads(served cold with olive oil and balsamic), however, were dry, old, and borderline inedible. They simply crumbled into bits when we tried to cut them! We were hungry, so we ate about half the serving and hoped for the best with our mains. These left much to be desired as well, however. My girlfriend’s Gressingham chicken breast with balsamic cream sauce was by far the better of the two, if a little dry and lacking in the promised balsamic flavor. My burger, on the other hand, came dry, flavorless and piping hot in the middle — telltale signs that it was microwaved from cold, and for a little too long at that. The chips, like the burger, were more or less average pub quality; these went half-finished. A pint of Heineken performed as expected. Our server was friendly and attentive, and the live jazz pianist(who took requests) made the mediocre kitchen offerings go down a little easier. I took mental note of the above-average selection of cocktails and wine-by-the-glass as well. We won’t be back for the food, but drinks are certainly not out of the question. Generally speaking, if it’s quality food you’re after, Delifonseca close by is far superior for roughly the same price point. For a relaxing round of drinks with live music, however, the Living Room would be an excellent choice.
Anthony S.
Place rating: 3 Liverpool, United Kingdom
Many people have suggested to me that Liverpool’s Living Room is one of the best and better in fact than the equally posh one in Manchester. To me they are all much the same and attracting the same bunch of posers wishing to flash their money. Victoria Street takes some getting used and to be honest I lost patience with the place a long time ago. Most of the bars are not nearly as posh as they think they are but are quite tacky. Living Room is at least an elegant venue along this street but with that it seems to think of itself as the cities pre-eminent place for the most important and glamorous people — it’s just a bar! Cocktails are damn good though and the bar staff are very well trained but sadly they are also all too aware of this!
Jemma P.
Place rating: 3 Largs, United Kingdom
I’m sure you won’t be surprised that I’m going to echo the two reviews below me regarding The Living Room. Firstly, I’m not the sort of person you would expect to find in here, in fact it wouldn’t surprise me if they refused to serve me — only joking. Secondly, the price is a bit too steep for my liking, I don’t believe that you’re paying for quality or quantity fo that matter. The atmosphere is pretty lively at the weekend, full to the brim with the sort of people that Rebecca so politely described. However, during the week and especially at lunchtime, it has a very relaxed and chilled out ambience which is more my cup of tea. I’ve always found the staff to polite and friendly so it’s nothing against them. My main issue with the prices at The Living Room are that you are charged for sides such as vegetables with your main meal, there are also no house wines and thus you’re forced to purchase one of the ridiculously expensive wines. Not so great if you’re just after a drink, not an expert wino.
Rana M.
Place rating: 4 Manchester, United Kingdom
There is an air of you know what you are going to get with a Living room. I frequent the Manchester one every now and then and I am neither pretentious nor do I wear high heels and spend copious amount of time doing my hair. To be honest I care little what others in the establishment look like. All I know is that at least this place has a quiet ambiance allowing me to enjoy my business lunch or casual drink in peace. Appearances can be deceiving indeed, and I have been to many restaurants where the mirage of décor hides a mediocre food offering. This is not the case here, the food is of a high standard and I have never had any complaints. My advice is that know. that you are in Living room and expect to pay bit more dollar for your food. However leave the judging of others behind. Just because you eat here does not automatically condemn you to a label of self indulgent attention seeker. Be a lover not a hater!!!
Emma Louise M.
Place rating: 3 Manchester, United Kingdom
As Rebecca has already said, the Living Room chain is very much an acquired taste. You might already know from my Manchester review that I’m not the biggest fan, the pretention and polished nature really ain’t my bag and it’s often more a hangout for wannabes than somewhere to go for a decent meal or a relaxing drink. That said, I was surprised to find that I much preferred the Liverpool version. It just goes to show that you can’t automatically assume all chain branches are the same. You know what they say about assumptions, anyway. They make an ass out of ‘u’ and ‘mption’. I actually tried some food here as friends were insistent on staying and I was pleasantly alarmed. The starters we all shared as nibbles were particularly delicious, and the staff, as opposed to snooty, were actually welcoming and lovely. Must be something in that Liverpudlian air! The prices are a little steep for what you’re getting but as long as it’s a one-off you won’t mind as much. You can watch live music here from time to time and there’s a DJ to entertain you if you get a little squiffy and fancy a boogie. Even with the high-end prices the cocktails are really nice, a big range too and they’ll happily bring them to your table too. It amazed me, in comparison to other Living Rooms, that the ambience was so laid back and the staff didn’t pressure us to leave the table. Bonus!
Rebecca C.
Place rating: 3 Liverpool, United Kingdom
It depends if you like this sort of thing. I tend to steer clear of Victoria Street because I feel self conscious amidst the platform heels and coiffed hair. And that’s just the men! Seriously though, I don’t think I will ever belong to a clique that believes that getting your hair, nails, face and tan done is what everyone should do on a Saturday, just for Saturday night. It generally takes me 45 minutes to get ready, and that’s if I’m making a lot of effort! Anyway, now we’ve established the breed of people we’re dealing with… The Living Room is what you’d expect if you’ve had any Living Room experiences elsewhere. The décor is classy, the service prompt and the food and drink is of a high standard. Of course, it comes with a price. Mains can exceed £20 and starters are between £4 and £8, with desserts around £5. Having said that, the fixed price menu offers a starter and a main at £10.95, and is available through the week. If you like fine dining this is a lovely place to go, and of course doubles up as a bar in the evening. It’s at the higher end of my budget, so I tend to save visiting The Living Room for special occasions, and it is definitely better to go throughout the week than on a weekend.
KkMm
Place rating: 4 Liverpool, United Kingdom
This place may be known for being full of WAGS and D list celebrities but I think it’s a nice place to come fora fancy meal where you do actually get some tasty food and equally good service. I don’t think it’s pretentious, I actually think it’s friendly and welcoming. I like the décor– it feels very chic and upmarket– something which I aspire to be! They have one in Chester as well which is hidden away near the Cathedral.
Travel
Place rating: 3 Conwy, United Kingdom
The Living Room The Local ‘C’ List Celeb Hangout or the place for Wannabe WAGS ! Jokes aside, this place is OK but it lacks the atmosphere of other bars in the City. I like Bars to be lively, friendly and laid back and the Living Room just isnt that at all — It’s all a little too pretentious & expensive for my liking. The type of people it attracts are not the kind to chat or make friends unless they recognise your face of the TV! On the plus side The Décor is fantastic, very natural and classy and has a touch of elegance. The staff are extreemly professional and see to your every need and ensure your taken care of. Its a good place to take someone for Lunch if you need to impress(But make sure you take the Credit Card as its expensive). Its not a place I go out of choice, only when I’m meeting people for business or have been invited to a party.
Stephm
Place rating: 4 Liverpool, United Kingdom
Like another reviewer said i was worried it was gonna be full of wags ect and i would feel outta place but not at all. It was a great place to go and i would recommend to anyone. :) The decoration and layout of the restaurant/bar is beautiful and the lighting they have is done so well. All the staff in there are amazing very attentive and always asking if everything was ok. And to ask the answer the question people always ask when you say you have been. Have i seen anyone famous there… Surprisingly no footballers of there girlfriends(no famous ones anyway) but looks of local soap stars like hollyoaks.
Janieb
Place rating: 4 Southport, United Kingdom
Have eaten here a couple of times. Was a little worried it would be to full of WAG wanabees and I’d be too ordinary! Shouldn’t have worried, staff were very friendly, service excellent and food tasty. Have eaten in a few branches, this is the best in my opinion.
Gianlu
Place rating: 4 Manchester, United Kingdom
Long established in the city, the Living Room has now become a favourite of local celebrities, bespoke suited dilettantes and models. In between the blondes, you can trace the cool and understated ambience with a scan of the eyes. This place hosts regular music gigs — there is always something on — and is trendier than a CK commercial. Great place to relax whilst staring at Modigliani nudes on the wall. Classic and affordable drink selection and menu.
Jc
Place rating: 4 Edinburgh, United Kingdom
The Living Room is a modern, trendy and enjoyable bar/restaurant in the heart of Liverpool. I’ve been here on a number of occasions and have always had a great time. Personally, I like coming here during the day as there is a slightly more relaxed vibe at that time and it’s a lot quieter. However, it is one of Liverpool’s more salubrious nightspots too! I’ve also lost count of the amount of Premiership footballers I’ve seen in here which is some indication of what clientele to expect. As well as having a well stocked bar, the Living Room also offers restaurant facilities. I last ate here in summer 2007 and had the sunday roast which was fantastic! Friends have since been and rave about the food too! Finally, underneath the the Living Room, you can find the trendy cocktail bar and club Mosquito. Definitely worth investigating too!