Rococo Coffee House

Rococo is an independent coffee house slap bang in the centre of town, occupying two upstairs floors of a historic building (home to the head office of the pirate station Radio Caroline during the 1960s, no less) a stone’s throw from Liverpool ONE and just in front of the Cavern Club.

Established in 2008, Rococo’s four cosy rooms, complete with stripped brick walls and comfy un-get-out-of-able leather armchairs alongside trendy stacking chairs, can accommodate up to 200 people, all united in the love of good coffee and cakes to make your shopping trip that little bit sweeter.

There’s constant innovation on that front, with new Biscoff Badboy and Caramilk traybakes stepping up to the mark on the day of writing. Oreo slices, Nutella muffins, Portuguese pastéis de nata custard tarts, classic coffee sponge, vegan lemon drizzle – whatever type of sweet treat ticks your boxes, you’re in the right place.

If it’s sustenance of the savoury kind you’re after, there’s a host of toasty breakfast fayre (sausage, bacon, melted cheese) plus a selection of salads, sandwiches and soup of the day as lunchtime gets underway. Chicken Caesar, toasted club, smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel – there’s plenty to choose from off the menu and specials board, and you can pick your bread from white, granary, ciabatta, wrap and gluten free.

Paninis are also popular if you fancy something warm, with brie, bacon and cranberry sauce offering a festive flavour combo and falafel and spinach one of the vegetarian variations available.

Drinks run the full caffeine gamut, and there’s loose leaf tea, hot chocolate overflowing with marshmallows, milkshakes, smoothies and more. There’s even wine and other alcoholic tipples, if you really can’t face that afternoon rummaging through John Lewis bedlinen.