Over the past few years, the Baltic Triangle has grown from a derelict industrial area to an amazing creative hub, home to hundreds of businesses.
With new event spaces, eateries and shops joining the Baltic every year, at Blaze we feel spoilt for choice every time we step outside our lovely office, knowing we are surrounded by fantastic venues and businesses.
There are some fantastic companies that have made it a true Liverpool hot spot. Day by day, new businesses join the hub, offering new experiences that add to the vibe here, and while you might know some of them, there are certainly some hidden gems that we have discovered.
So, join us as we take a look at the businesses that we think deserve more kudos, selected by the team here at Blaze.
Hobo Kiosk
Hobo Kiosk, located 9 Bridgewater St, is a speakeasy bar that transports you to a different time and place. The décor is reminiscent of what it would look like inside an artist’s head. The bar has paintings, prints and sculptures which enhance the feeling of escapism you get when you visit the bar – as the Baltic Triangle puts it, “If Narnia was down a flight of stairs in Liverpool, it would be HOBO Kiosk!”
The bar is owned by Delia, a wonderful person who makes you feel welcome every time you take a step into her world (if you follow the bar’s rules). Her sidekick, Tristan, is responsible for all the amazing art pieces you see in the establishment and has also been a part of big art projects you see around the Baltic Triangle.
They host a quiz on a Wednesday night, and if this interests you, then make sure to contact them to book your space, as they fill up quickly.
This really is a cool place to be if you are looking for a nice, quiet drink in a great atmosphere.
Dorothy
Dorothy, located at 22 Jordan Street, is a creative studio that makes prints, products and artwork that are sold and exhibited internationally.
With backgrounds in ad agencies, the owners took a leap of faith and started making prints back in 2010 and have been creating fantastic work ever since.
There is an impressive number of prints available from video games to music. A lot of their prints are stylised to look like maps with pop culture references; for example, they have a map of the UK with songs related to different locations.
You may have seen some of their work located around the Baltic Creative Digital House, which adds perfectly to the creative feel when you work in the building. Check them out, and you will be spoilt for choice.
District
District is a multi-purpose venue, which can host gigs, club nights, screenings and other amazing events located on 61 Jordan St.
The space brings music and culture to the industrial area. When the weather’s nice, they have a great outside space to get some air.
The venue has been a part of amazing festivals such as Positive Vibrations, Liverpool Psych Fest and Sound City. It’s definitely a must-visit place for a night out around the Baltic Triangle.
Agent Academy
Agent Academy, located on 43 Jordan Street, is a learning space which provides hands-on training for people who are either looking to start out their careers or change careers and move into the digital, creative or tech industries.
They’re passionate about keeping talent here in Liverpool and exposing the learners to a variety of business owners, events and education, which helps them grow their own confidence, network and career prospects.
We’re big supporters of Agent Academy, and our Operations Director, Rebecca, is a frequent speaker, and we even have 2 of their former students working in our team!
Farm Urban
Farm Urban is a social enterprise that grows fresh greens with hi-tech indoor equipment, and their office space is based on Jamaica Street. They created Liverpool’s first vertical farm in their underground farm facility, and their campaign ‘Greens for Good’ brings healthy, fresh and locally grown greens to the local community.
As there isn’t much green space to grow plants and vegetables around the city centre, it’s amazing to see Farm Urban doing what they do.
They also go around schools, communities and businesses educating them on the benefits of growing food in cities, and how we can create a sustainable future for food.
When you get a chance, see if you can spot their small garden around the Baltic Triangle.
The Blaze Team’s Favourite Hidden Gems in the Baltic
One of the best parts of working at Blaze is how diverse our team is, with many of our team coming from very different walks of life, having their own unique interests and favourite spots in the Baltic.
So, we rounded up the team and asked them to share their favourite hidden gems in the Baltic, and we got some very different answers, businesses in the area many of us had never heard of.
Green Charm House of Plants – Sinead’s Pick
Anyone who has been into the Blaze office and seen Sinead’s desk may have spotted that it is decorated with a number of funky plants, all of which she bought from Green Charm House of Plants, located within Red Brick Market, 70 Stanhope Street.
This shop is a plant lover’s dream, selling a range of gorgeous indoor plants and pots at more than reasonable prices, often offering great deals that our resident plant lady struggles to resist.
Green Charm House of Plants is definitely worth a visit if you’re in the Baltic, and while you’re there, you can take a look at all the other brilliant stalls within Red Brick Market.
Little Vintage Photography – Andy’s Pick
Owned by the lovely Rachel and located in the Baltic Creative CIC, Little Vintage Photography offers analogue film photography, photography workshops and darkroom education.
This is one of those locations where, if you blink, you might miss it, but it’s definitely worth your attention, especially when they’re hosting an exhibition where you can pick up a print from fantastic local photographers.
Little Vintage Photography is the true embodiment of a hidden gem, with great 1-to-1 workshops to join and workbooks available for purchase. It offers all the ingredients you need to boost your photography skills.
ArCains – Ethan’s Pick
Anyone who works or lives in the Baltic Triangle would have wandered past ArCains at one point, but do you know that it’s actually one of the biggest arcades in Europe, nestled right within Cains Brewery? ArCains offers three floors, stuffed to the brim with hundreds of different arcade cabinets and games, making it a spot that you should definitely consider if you’re looking for an activity to enjoy with your friends or family.
The best part? You can enjoy all that ArCains has to offer with a one-time payment, so you can enjoy your fill of endless retro and modern games without breaking the bank.
Listo Burrito – Emilia’s Pick
At Blaze, there’s nothing we love more than heading to the Baltic Market whenever we get a bit of sunshine, and though this may not be considered a ‘hidden gem’, we thought Listo Burrito deserved a bit of appreciation for getting the team through the long afternoons with a delicious lunch.
Plus, we couldn’t accept the answer ‘my flat’ when we asked Emilia what her favourite spot in the Baltic was.
Serving a range of delicious, flavoursome Mexican cuisine at a more than reasonable price, the next time you’re in the Baltic, you definitely need to swing by and try it for yourself.
Lost Art – Alexis’s Pick
Founded in 1999, this iconic brand definitely has a place in the hearts of many Scousers who grew up in the early 2000s skater era, and is recognised globally as a foundational part of the UK skateboard scene.
Now based in the Baltic, on 15 Brick Street, Lost Art is still a popular choice for locals, keeping skate culture alive, but many who live outside of the area may be unfamiliar with its Baltic storefront location.
Whether you’re looking for fresh kicks, stylish clothing, or the latest decks, Lost Art has you covered.
Botanical Garden – Mel’s Pick
We were reluctant to share this one because it is a hidden gem we hold dear to our hearts, especially as the warmer months finally roll in. This fantastic bar, located on 5 New Bird Street, has everything that you could want from a bar in the summer.
With brilliant gin deals, the best summer vibes and plenty of gorgeous plants and quirky decorations, this bar is definitely one you should consider bringing your friends to if you’re in the city centre, and keep your eyes peeled, you just might encounter one of the Blaze team!
Baltic TCG – Claudia’s Pick
Another gem hidden in Red Brick Market, this card trading shop is one to watch for all you card collectors out there, whether you’re into One Piece, Pokémon, or even Yu-Gi-Oh. The second you step into this store, you’ll be in heaven.
With a friendly team ready to assist you, whether you’re looking to trade, grow your collection or hunt down that grail card. Claudia’s favourite part? The mystery wheel spin, where you can win booster packs and even rare mystery singles.
This is definitely a hidden gem worth checking out if you’re into all things card collecting or just want to have a look at their amazing stock.
Get Your Business Recognised With Blaze Media
There are so many more businesses around the Baltic Triangle that make it the place to be. Think we’ve missed anyone out? Let us know, and we’ll make sure they receive the praise they deserve!
Making sure that your business is visible across search and in your local community is the best way to make sure that your business is getting the attention it deserves, and at Blaze, we can help you achieve that with our team of social media marketing experts, because hidden gems deserve attention, too.
Want to find out how you can get your business in front of more faces and boost your social media and search engine presence?
Get in touch with our team today.
