Yes, it is drab, dismal and so outdated it looks more like a 1970s hospital in the passageway leading from Ranelagh Street into the station, but the selection of shops there actually rivals those available at Lime Street Station.
Immediately you will see a stall selling newspapers and magazines. There is also a Thornton's on the right hand corner of the entrance, where you can sit in or take away.
You will also find a newsagent, Superdrug and a branch of Sainsburys which is small but has everything you'll need, from yet more newspapers and magazines through fresh bakery and fruit/veg, meat, sandwiches and pasta sauces to pinpoint just a few items. Expensive wines/champagne/spirits are kept behind the counter, so you may have to queue just to see whether or not they stock Jack Daniels or whatver your tipple of choice is.
The station itself has a spacious concourse and easy access onto the platforms; it's an easy process, even from the perspective of a tourist (I used to come here as a tourist before moving to the city). read more