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I lived in postcode named UK's coolest - here's why it is so popular
Daily mirror | January 31, 2026 3:39 PM CST

Every year, cities, towns and villages from right across Britain battle it out to claim a spot on the coveted "cool" list. Experts assess everything from culinary offerings to community spirit and outdoor access before crowning the top 10 "coolest postcodes" spanning England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

This year, the Times has championed Liverpool – specifically the L1 postcode, which I proudly called home for four years.

The publication dubbed it the ultimate destination for "modern-day mop tops" pointing to Hollywood A-listers Paul Mescal and Barry Keoghan, who've been soaking up the city's atmosphere whilst shooting their Beatles biopic.

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The Times wrote: "This L1 pocket neatly edges into the vibey Baltic Triangle, a historical area that's now an engine room of converted warehouses, food markets and venues such as Camp and Furnace - which has hosted everyone from Mogwai to Martha Wainwright - as well as grassroots spaces like Arts Bar Baltic, a creative hub café-bar hybrid."

Having lived slap-bang in the middle of the Baltic Triangle between 2018 and 2022, I can vouch for its magnetic pull.

Come the weekend, the area bursts into life as revellers from across Liverpool and beyond descend upon its buzzing bars, nightclubs, cafés and artistic haunts.

There's never a dull moment – something exciting is always happening. The neighbourhood boasts four key attractions that are rapidly putting it on the map for visitors from beyond the city, reports the Express.

Street art

Every corner of the area showcases vibrant artwork that transforms urban spaces into living galleries. From tributes to the Beatles to the famous Liver bird wings, and an entire skatepark serving as a canvas for constantly evolving designs, the Baltic Triangle bursts with colour.

Visitors can stroll through what feels like an open-air exhibition of artistic expression.

Food

Hunger isn't an option in Liverpool, particularly not in the Baltic Triangle. Central to the area is the Baltic Market, a sprawling food hall offering everything from burritos to pizza and Thai cuisine.

With vendors rotating regularly, there's always something fresh to discover.

Nightlife

While the district buzzes during daylight hours, it truly comes alive after dark. Industrial warehouses transform into massive entertainment venues, hosting everything from DJ sets to live performances, and famously gave birth to Bongo's Bingo.

There's genuinely something to suit all tastes, whether it's the Irish pub Punch Tarmey's, Boxpark, Camp and Furnace, or neighbourhood brewery Love Lane.

Creativity

Simply passing through the Baltic Triangle can spark inspiration, thanks to the wealth of cultural happenings. The yearly Sound City music festival takes over its spaces, whilst Arts Bar Baltic regularly stages Books In Bars sessions where bibliophiles can find their next page-turner.

For those needing an energy boost, 92 Degrees Coffee and Ditto Coffee are available, alongside workspaces and conference facilities at Baltic Creative for productive sessions.


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