From Rufford to the Waterfront: Ten Great Pubs for Fiji Rugby Fans Heading to Liverpool

There is something rather fitting about beginning an England rugby Saturday not in a city centre, but in a village pub.

For those travelling from Lancashire, my own journey would start either at the Hesketh Arms in Rufford or, just a few miles away, at the Hop Vine in Burscough. Both have long been favourites with rugby supporters, walkers, cyclists and friends catching up over a pint before heading off to wherever the weekend takes them. Best wishes to Dave and Mike the respective landlords.

This Saturday, that destination is Liverpool.

England’s Nations Championship clash with Fiji at Hill Dickinson Stadium is another landmark sporting occasion for a city that has already embraced rugby league through Magic Weekend. Thousands of rugby supporters will descend on Merseyside and, if you’ve never explored Liverpool beyond Lime Street Station or the football grounds, you’re in for a treat. England face Fiji at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday afternoon in one of the showcase fixtures of the Nations Championship. And to top it all Fiji are the home team.

Here are eight Liverpool pubs that deserve a place on every travelling rugby fan’s itinerary.

1. The North Western - JD Wetherspoon

The North Western - JD Wetherspoon

Address: 7 Lime St, Liverpool L1 1RJ

Every rugby away day needs a practical starting point.

Step out of Lime Street Station and you’re almost there.

Housed in the magnificent former North Western Hotel, this Wetherspoons offers breakfasts, good-value food and plenty of space for travelling supporters to gather. Whether you’re arriving from London, Yorkshire, the Midlands or the North West, it’s the ideal place to organise the day before setting off to explore Liverpool.

2. The Philharmonic Dining Rooms

The Philharmonic Dining Rooms

Address: 36 Hope St, Liverpool L1 9BX

Ask Liverpudlians to recommend one pub and many will simply answer: “The Phil.”

They’re probably right.

This extraordinary Victorian masterpiece is one of Britain’s finest pubs. The carved woodwork, stained glass, mosaics and beautiful architecture make it worth visiting even if you only stop for one drink.

If rugby supporters appreciate history and tradition on the pitch, they’ll certainly appreciate it here.

3. Peter Kavanagh’s

Peter Kavanagh’s

Address: 2-6 Egerton St, Liverpool L8 7LY

Just a short stroll from The Phil sits another Liverpool institution.

Peter Kavanagh’s feels wonderfully untouched by time. Cosy rooms, fascinating artefacts and a welcoming atmosphere make it one of those pubs where conversations with complete strangers seem perfectly natural.

Which, if we’re honest, describes rugby supporters rather well.

4. Ye Cracke

Ye Cracke
Address: 13 Rice St, Liverpool L1 9BB

Liverpool without The Beatles would be unimaginable.

Ye Cracke became famous as one of John Lennon’s favourite pubs during his art college years, but it has never become overly commercial.

It still feels like a genuine local.

If you’re making a weekend of the rugby, this is a wonderful stop before wandering through the Georgian Quarter.

5. Roscoe Head

Roscoe Head

Address: 24 Roscoe St, Liverpool L1 2SX

Small in size.

Huge in reputation.

Frequently appearing in lists of Britain’s best pubs, Roscoe Head is renowned for excellent beer and an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.

That’s rugby culture in a nutshell.

6. Ye Hole In Ye Wall

Ye Hole In Ye Wall

Address: 4 Hackins Hey, Liverpool L2 2AW

Liverpool’s maritime history comes alive here.

Claiming to be one of the city’s oldest surviving pubs, Ye Hole In Ye Wall sits close to the waterfront and offers a glimpse into the Liverpool of sailors, merchants and dock workers.

It’s impossible not to imagine the stories these walls could tell.

7. O’Neill’s Liverpool

O’Neill’s Liverpool

Address: 68 Hanover St, Liverpool L1 4AG

Sometimes you simply want somewhere lively.

Big screens.

Good food.

Plenty of fellow supporters.

O’Neill’s delivers exactly that and is likely to become one of the busiest gathering places for England and Fiji fans throughout the weekend.

8. The Bramley Moore

The Bramley Moore

Address: 32-34 Regent Rd, Liverpool L5 9SR

Finally, it’s time to head towards the stadium.

Located close to Hill Dickinson Stadium, The Bramley Moore has quickly become a favourite meeting point for supporters making the short walk to Everton’s impressive new waterfront home.

By now, anticipation will be building.

You’ll hear predictions, debates over team selection and plenty of optimistic talk about England’s chances.

Exactly as it should be.

More Than Just Rugby

One of rugby’s greatest strengths has always been its travelling support.

Supporters don’t simply arrive for kick-off and disappear afterwards.

They explore.

They spend money in local businesses.

They discover cities.

Liverpool rewards that curiosity more than most.

Walk along the waterfront. Admire the Three Graces. Visit the Albert Dock. Listen to the street musicians. Enjoy the pubs. Talk to the locals.

Whether your rugby journey begins at the Hesketh Arms in Rufford, the Hop Vine in Burscough or somewhere much further afield, you’ll arrive in one of Britain’s great sporting cities.

England against Fiji may last just eighty minutes.

The memories of a great rugby weekend in Liverpool could last rather longer.