The Bluecoat image

The Bluecoat

Tourist attraction Art center

Creative centre in a Queen Anne-style building and hosting varied exhibitions and theatre events. People often mention cafe, garden, city, friendly, lovely, staff, centre, visit, Liverpool, good,


Address

8 School Ln, Liverpool L1 3BX, United Kingdom

Website

www.thebluecoat.org.uk

Contact

+44 151 702 5324

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (1.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 11 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 11 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 11 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 11 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 11 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: cafe (20) garden (20) city (13) friendly (12) lovely (12) staff (12) centre (11) visit (11) Liverpool (11) good (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Nick T. 1 year ago on Google
    Always an interesting art exhibition on. Cafe is good and the courtyard is a great retreat in the city centre.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gerrit M. 1 year ago on Google
    A place with various functions, you can also see some modern art exhibitions. Which vary from to time. Also a handy bookshop with mainly older editions. The cafe is worth the visit.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nerys J. 4 years ago on Google
    300 year old 'Bluecoat' (the pupils wore Bluecoats) School started by a Reverend for children and now an Art Gallery, Cafe, Shop's and Exhibition Centre. The end of the day for us so just went in for coffees and a quick look, definitely a place to come back to. Accessibility: mainly good, flagged path and ramp into the main entrance (electronic doors) avoiding the cobble stones. Ramps internally and a lift to the upper floors. Toilet on the ground floor for disabled. Some historical areas outside had steep steps up. Cafe: nice selection of cafe food, including for veggies. Garden Courtyard: with seating and tables looked inviting and relaxing. Exhibitions: we did not have time to go round, going in just for a coffee, what I did see looked interesting. Opportunities for students to display their work, including a young Yoko Ono in years gone by. Shops: we did not have time to go in as the end of the day for us. Staff: very friendly and helpful. Toilets: up a ramp on the ground floor, maybe others on the other floors but did not go up.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 paul m. 4 months ago on Google
    An oasis in the heart of the city. It has a secret garden, a cafe and numerous art exhibitions. Do not pass it by.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Graham S. 2 years ago on Google
    Current exhibitions are really worth a look, my favourites for a long time.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Silvia P. 7 months ago on Google
    Stunning building with a coffee shop and internal garden well preserved. A couple of external shops . And an excellent showing rooms with Biennial until Sept 2023
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mon B. 2 years ago on Google
    It has changed! Beautiful! Waited for so long to sit in that garden again! Oasis of green in the middle of a city! Well done!👏😍💚❤
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Neil M. 3 months ago on Google New
    I've worked here so bear that in mind. That said an excellent venue for visual arts and performance. Lovely bar and family friendly cafe. A lovely city centre garden and great retails units. Later edit: Plus weekend markets and book fairs.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brian T. 1 year ago on Google
    Visit to Bluecoats with the kids during Easter break. Lovely, helpful staff. Interesting artwork (interactive). Kids meals are excellent.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris B. 1 year ago on Google
    Really good exhibition in the front courtyard with a nice secondhand bookshop too. Cafe was nice with a decent selection of reasonably priced food. Lovely garden to sit in on a quiet afternoon. Shame about the noise pollution from Liverpool One but you can block that out.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John M. 10 months ago on Google
    Beautiful, peaceful, quiet even though it's in the heart of the city.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Irene B. 2 years ago on Google
    I went for a catch up with a friend and we both had a toasted baguette and a bottle of ginger beer. The food was alright and the staff were friendly. We sat out on the garden which was beautiful, you wouldn't think you were in the middle of the city centre. It's worth going just for that but, apart from the cafe, the Bluecoat had more to offer. If you're in town go and find this hidden gem hiding in plain site.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Maz V. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a lovely cafe for a bite to eat and something to drink. The high spacious environment means that noise is much lower and it is well ventilated with an entrance/ exit of either side of the cafe. Also there are tables inside the garden where you can sit outside if you want. Its a bit off the beaten track so it feels a bit more cosy and peaceful. There is usually a free art exhibition you can go to whilst being there and I love it as somewhere to eat and drink. Prices are quite reasonable too
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark W. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful architecture. Great small independent shops. Very cool, from violin makers to house plants.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 H M. 9 months ago on Google
    A good space and very interesting exhibits - would recommend going along! Lots to see, and it leaves you with plenty to think about. A semi-political and semi-artistic space that is a worthy visit for those of all interests. Although the space is small and there are not many exhibition spaces.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 claudia 9 months ago on Google
    Lovely outdoor court for a coffee or just some sun on your face! One of the stopping points for Liverpool Biennial 2023
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pádraig - Paddy - Mac A. 6 months ago on Google
    Top notch food here and a nice getaway from the busy thoroughfare. Step into the gardens for another level of
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Amanda Jane E. 2 years ago on Google
    Blue coat in the center of the city, great for taking a break relaxing in the garden and catching up on culture, we are so fortunate having this on our doorstep
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dee L. 1 year ago on Google
    A space supporting artists with diverse backgrounds and circumstances, with fascinating art for visitors to see. I only came in for a meeting but glad I did as there was time to see the exhibition showing and visit the craft/art shop. I loved the well-maintained and thoughtful garden as go walk in. It brought a sigh of relief on leaving the busy streets of Liverpool, and would be a peaceful spot just to sit. A nice open cafe to pop by. I had herbal tea but there was much more on offer, including hot and cold food and cakes.

  • 5/5 Gryphon H. 4 months ago on Google
    Went for lunch. The food was excellent and has improved (it was always good). Lovely choice of salads and sandwiches, at decent prices. Service was very fast too and staff are always friendly. I'm sure I'll be going again fairly soon.

  • 5/5 kieran l. 1 year ago on Google
    Always good to visit. Garden is lovely. Food offerings great. Lots of activity about the place.

  • 2/5 allan c. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful building lovely space Annoyingly when we visited the gallery inside was shut but nothing on the external building suggested that it would be which let the whole experience down greatly Based on the leaflets for the show I'm sure it would be a lovely space but nothing for me to comment on

  • 1/5 Shelia B. 1 year ago on Google
    The food in the cafe is awful tasteless and cold. Unable to offer quiche warm or pasta salad. Overpriced for the quality and services and environment. UGH

  • 5/5 Stephanie H. 1 year ago on Google
    Met in the cafe for our book club, staff very helpful, allowing furniture moves to accommodate us. Food and drink good and reasonably priced.

  • 5/5 Elizabeth H. 2 years ago on Google
    There is always something surprising to see at the Bluecoat, I have never been disappointed. The Design shop is one of the best shops I have been in. The range of beautifully crafted items just showcase the number of really talented people who are around.

  • 5/5 Ste 4 months ago on Google
    It's one of those places that people take for granted and walk past without giving it a second glance. However it is a lovely building with tons of history. A cafe inside, art, a secret garden in the middle of the premises and a couple of independent businesses offering different services. It is definitely worth a visit!

  • 5/5 Cath M. 5 months ago on Google
    Great staff. Fab building. Food is very reasonably priced in the cafe. Enormous sausage roll, which my husband thoroughly enjoyed. Interesting and thought provoking exhibitions. With craft shops attached selling artisan pottery, jewelry etc.

  • 5/5 Simon Mc - U. 11 months ago on Google
    A marvellous city centre institution of calm and culture. The Bluecoat arts centre ,galleries and city garden is an oasis of calm, culture and stimulus. Historic yet relevant and contemporary. Family friendly, welcoming and a place welcome to all. Highly recommended. SM x

  • 5/5 Greg O. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice Mother's Day treat for Louise from Finn. Great service lovely staff.

  • 5/5 Ann Maria M. 6 months ago on Google
    Went to the cafe for a bite to eat. Had a lovely quiche with salad. Will try out the scouse on my next visit. Lots to do here too. You can visit the gardens, there is a second hand bookshop which is worth a browse. There is also a print workshop too. A visit is recommended.

  • 5/5 Freddy B. 1 year ago on Google
    Another great Liverpool landmark one of many

  • 5/5 Yu-wei H. 8 months ago on Google
    went to see Liverpool Biennial 2023, people were very friendly and lovely there.The space is enough to display large works of contemporary art.

  • 5/5 Angela L. 7 months ago on Google
    An excellent place to go and very reasonably priced. The gardens are lovely and the interior is bright and spacious. Caters for young children with a play area inside. Will go back again on my next visit to Liverpool.

  • 4/5 Peter B. 7 months ago on Google
    Absolutely stunning building with lots of interesting architecture in the centre of Liverpool. It's used as a gallery for a lot of modern art pieces which personally I can take with a grain of salt. Some independent retailers in the side units, especially a sewing clothes alteration shop which is very handy. Coffee shop inside.

  • 5/5 Karen L. 7 months ago on Google
    Peaceful sanctuary outside in the courtyard,however there is a delightful cafe inside which sells a variety of cakes and coffees /tea. Also has a quaint little garden feature.

  • 5/5 christine r. 2 years ago on Google
    My son had his wedding reception there and the staff were amazing . Beautiful place for a small wedding felt personal and intimate which was perfect for them

  • 5/5 nigel v. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely cake and nice cup of tea in Liverpools oldest city centre building with a very informative and interesting gallery

  • 5/5 Marian 2 years ago on Google
    I love the peaceful hidden garden, where you can sit on sunny or shady benches, or at a cafe table, and enjoy a drink and snacks from the well stocked cafe.

  • 5/5 Bill W. 2 years ago on Google
    Sat in the courtyard with food from the cafe. An oasis! Really nice.

  • 5/5 Dan W. 2 years ago on Google
    A great art gallery that I wish I'd had more time to look around. Free entry but donations sought - and should be given. The cafe garden is such a beautiful and tranquil place to sit and rest a while

  • 5/5 Paulette M. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely place for our bookclub

  • 4/5 Alistair T. 2 years ago on Google
    Went for a wedding and had a great time. Staff friendly and prices at the bar reasonable.

  • 1/5 Review R. 2 years ago on Google
    Cake was absolutely tastless, utterly dry. The coffee the same. Shame

  • 5/5 mike c. 2 years ago on Google
    Had a relaxing hour looking around and had a great cup of coffee in the courtyard.

  • 3/5 Alan P. 2 years ago on Google
    Reasonable choice of food but maybe the pricing is a little over the top

  • 5/5 Julie G. 2 years ago on Google
    One of Liverpool most beautiful building with brilliant little independent shops

  • 5/5 Ali R. 2 years ago on Google
    Visited here a few weeks ago as I hadn't been for ages. Loved the current exhibits and I love the whole concept around the bluecoat and the purpose of how and why it was set up. A true piece of Liverpool Heritage.

  • 5/5 Ian P. 1 year ago on Google
    Great garden, great scouse (the best I've had in Liverpool and I'm on a mission). Could have only been improved by having a bap instead of sliced bread... 9.9/10 very nice staff too.

  • 4/5 Romano C. 2 years ago on Google
    I did not visit the gallery, only the bistro. I was walking in town before being subjected to a torrent of rain. I dashed into the gallery for cover and was pleasantly surprised to be confronted with a modern and tidy bistro style shop. I ended up eating in and remained there for an hour. There were loads of people quietly tapping away on their laptops. The atmosphere was pleasant. The food was excellent and the staff offered partial table service. Next time I'll visit the actual gallery, but as first impressions go, very promising.

  • 5/5 Jan H. 2 years ago on Google
    Came here just for the food and was not disappointed. Massive salad selection, tasty. As soon as the next exhibition is up and running I will be back as it is one of the city's cultural gems 💎

  • 5/5 Scott W. 2 years ago on Google
    Such an oasis in the middle of the city! Family friendly with forever changing exhibits means it’s a place to keep going back too, there’s always something new to see! The garden is one of the city centres hidden gems!!

  • 5/5 Emma (. 1 year ago on Google
    This display centre had many forms of art on display ranging from sculpture, installations and films that showed themes that cut to the heart including PTSD, Slavery and Dementia. Showing these works of art was very touching and showed the true aspects of each theme and is very educational as well. The centre also has a lovely cafe and a garden outside with tables and garden chairs to eat at and each of the staff are so friendly and we're very supportive toward those who became emotional from the films shown.

  • 5/5 slimvijun 1 year ago on Google
    such a chilled laid back place and the staff are so awesome and helpful - especially that jack molloy dude !! he should get a bonus; superb service and going above and beyond to make visitors feel so welcome:) thanks bluecoat ! p.s. the garden with the new green furniture is so zen:)

  • 1/5 Janine S. 1 year ago on Google
    It was obviously far too much trouble to reply with a smile, or use common sense… Asked for cream with my coffee - reply: Don’t do cream. Oh, but you serve cream with scone and jam - yes but not with coffee. No smile. No apology of any kind. No cream. Next…. A young waitress obviously bored. An older one who should have known that customers appreciate a simple friendly gesture. Big mistake………..

  • 5/5 Christine J. 1 year ago on Google
    Comfortable, clean, friendly efficient staff. Good food and coffee. Reasonable prices and a super location , a quiet haven in the city centre.

  • 5/5 Sir S. 1 year ago on Google
    What a beautiful building with art work to match! I attended a wedding there this month and it has to be the best wedding I've ever attended, had a walk around the place the rear garden is stunning and the whole place is wheelchair accessible! The cafe is super good wether it's a quick bite or a cup of tea, I will be coming back! 10/10

  • 5/5 Mark J. 1 year ago on Google
    Really good value delicious food in a lovely, historical setting right in the centre of Liverpool.

  • 5/5 Jo H. 1 year ago on Google
    Great outdoor space in the court yard. Very relaxed and the food was fresh and tasty, reasonably priced too. Despite being short staffed, the girls working were very good and uber friendly.


Call +44 151 702 5324 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance

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