The pub known as The Fly in the Loaf at 13 Hardman Street in Liverpool has a rich history. The site was originally occupied by the Liverpool Homœopathic Dispensary which had their building designed by the visionary architect Peter Ellis in 1860 and in 1888 the shell of the building was retained with its solid concrete floors with no cavities so to prevent vermin, but was gutted internally and modified to take the weight of the ovens as The Kirkland brothers opened their Bakery. It was known as The Liverpool Vienna Bakery Kirkland Brothers, a Victorian-era bakery, still with the crest over the door stating, 'Bakery by Royal Appointment to Queen Victoria', with the motto "no flies in the loaf". The bakery continued to exist until in 1975 when it was replaced by a cafe for a short period until it was transformed into Kirklands Wine Bar, which heralded a new era for Liverpool's night scene, quickly establishing itself as the place to be for a night out in the city. The cafe bar, attracting a mixed clientele of students, locals, artists and even celebrities, was one of the first wine bars in the city, and has been widely regarded as pioneering and revolutionising Liverpool's wider drinking scene. Set up by former fashion designer Alexandra Hewson, known as Sandy, her husband John Hewson and business partner Bernie Start, Kirklands it quickly established itself as an innovative venue which in many ways would go on to change the way the city did nightlife. It cultivated an inclusive and welcoming environment, open to everyone. The bar continued to run into the 1990s under new ownership after the original owners sold up, but closed its doors for good in 1999, bringing to an end an era for Liverpool's clubland that still retains fond memories for many.
Re-opened as "The Fly in the Loaf" in 2004 by Okells of Isle of Man, a recent refurbishment in May 2014 and again in 2023, included a brand refresh, aimed to revitalize the pub while subtly incorporating its baking heritage. The design incorporated elements like the fly icon, fiery oranges and soft greys (referencing baker's ovens), and a "Contemporary Craft" aesthetic. The pub now offers a spacious interior with raised window areas, views of the Anglican Cathedral, and a small outdoor drinking space. It has retained much of the original features and is one of the most popular real ale pubs in the city. It has changed a bit in the last few years, now known as The Fly, but the elegant bar and the extremely wide choice of beers from all over the world is still there. There is still plenty to warm to and to enjoy at The Fly with its very long bar and some lovely raised seating both in the front windows, right at the back and along the back left of the pub, which all give The Fly that feeling of privacy and seclusion in what is otherwise one big open space. Upstairs there is a pretty big event space too. It is still a wonderfully ornate pub, and one which has remained on the map of proper pubs in the city centre, a fantastic place to take visitors to the city if you are on a bit of a pub crawl.
see also :- http://www.thefootballvoice.com/2026/05/liverpool-pub-crawl-grapes.html
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