The Caledonia is a deliciously quaint little pub, located on the precipice of Liverpool's Georgian quarter, with an impressively diverse selection of real ales, spirits, and premium lagers.
The pub changed hands a few years ago, after it had been on the verge of collapse, and the new owner has made live music an integral part of the Cali's manifesto. Impressively, it hosts several free gigs a week, covering everything from jazz to skiffle to bluegrass. These gigs have always been of a high standard in my experience, and depending on the night, the atmosphere can often be electric.
However, on another night, it will likely be you,the bar staff, and a solitary old drunk making up the whole population of the place - if you don't play close attention to their listings, a night in the Cali is somewhat unpredictable. However, even during its quieter hours, it's a safe bet for an enjoyable quiet pint, and the audiophiles among you will still be able to enjoy quality music of a similar vein through the pub's PA system.
Aside from its strong attachment to music, the pub also prides itself on being Liverpool's most dog-friendly pub, a policy that it promotes almost aggressively. While in some respects this is admirable, it's not such a bonus if you're not keen on canines. I personally find being around 3 or 4 dogs while I'm drinking a little disconcerting, but I guess that's down to personal tastes.
It's very easy to have a good night in the Cali, whether you fancy losing yourself in some foot-stomping traditional music, or just joining a friend for a quiet drink and putting the world to rights. It just depends what kind of an evening they have on the cards, so check the listings before you venture out. read more