Waterhouse Cafe

Ashton St, Liverpool L69 3DR, United Kingdom
+44 151 795 0352
$$$ Cafe
(61 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

If you find yourself wandering through the vibrant heart of the University of Liverpool, a hidden gem awaits at the Waterhouse Cafe, located on Ashton Street. This charming cafe, housed in the stunning Victoria Building, offers a delightful respite from the hustle and bustle of campus life, serving up a medley of flavors in an ambiance that is both warm and welcoming.

As you step inside, you are greeted by the cafe’s unique and beautifully tiled interiors, which harken back to a bygone era, creating a visually stunning backdrop for your meal. Whether you're here for a casual lunch, a cozy coffee break, or a delectable slice of cake, Waterhouse Cafe promises an experience that tantalizes the senses and soothes the soul.

The menu is thoughtfully curated, boasting a variety of dishes to satisfy every palate. Guests rave about the rich and creamy mushroom soup that has become a favorite among regulars like Holly Dempster-Edwards, who emphasizes the cafe's excellent value for money and the selection of both vegetarian and traditional options. With plates filled with vibrant, flavorful meals ranging from hearty sandwiches and fresh salads to comforting soups and lighter fare, there’s truly something for everyone. And let's not forget the scrumptious breakfasts, praised by Tani Ta for their generous portions and colorful presentation.

Though the cafe can become bustling during lunch, as noted by patrons like Peter Liu, the charming environment makes it worth the wait. Customers have described the surrounding ambiance as lovely — a feature that makes dining here feel special, no matter the rush. Marcus Wilson highlights the informal atmosphere that invites students and faculty alike to enjoy a meal in a relaxed setting, making it an ideal spot for study breaks or casual gatherings. The dedicated staff, highlighted in reviews from Carla and Fern Gleeson, enhances the experience with their attentive service, further solidifying Waterhouse Cafe as a must-visit destination.

For those who simply wish to unwind, the cafe offers a tranquil retreat where you can sip on expertly brewed coffee and indulge in a slice of cake amidst beautiful surroundings. With reasonably priced menu items, you can enjoy a fulfilling meal without breaking the bank.

In short, Waterhouse Cafe is not just a place to eat; it’s a delightful experience wrapped in history, taste, and community spirit. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite, catching up with friends, or simply seeking a cozy nook to relax, this cafe is sure to charm your heart and fill your belly. Be sure to stop by the next time you’re in Liverpool — your taste buds will thank you!

Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Healthy options
Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

61 Reviews
Carla

31 Aug 2025

What a lovely place, beautiful surroundings, excellent staff, good food

Kristina Asimi

26 Aug 2025

Positive: Beautiful interior. Good food (mushroom soup and chips). Negative: Slow service.

Peter Liu

16 Aug 2025

Nice scouse. Quite busy during lunch and service is a bit slow. Lovely ambiance.

Fern Gleeson

10 Aug 2025

Food was great and the staff are really lovely. Beautiful building to enjoy lunch, and it is fairly priced

Marcus Wilson

30 Jun 2025

An informal restaurant on the University of Liverpool campus, good food and coffee, in the Victoria Building. Great choice of food ranging from Sandwiches, Salads, Jackets, Soups, Lighter meals and main meals.

Holly Dempster-Edwards

17 Jun 2025

I am a regular visitor to this lovely and unique cafe. It's great either for lunch or just tea and cake. The museum and gallery are housed in a beautiful historic building with a lovely tiled interior where the cafe is found. The price of the food is excellent and it's in an ideal location for anyone on campus. There are many delicious food options including vegetarian choices. You can also factor in a trip to the gallery which is great. It can be very busy at lunchtime which is the only downside so get there early!

Kevin Craig

28 May 2025

Food was fresh and tasty. Surroundings took us back to old days with shiny ceramic tiles. Not too noisy. Reasonably priced.

Tani Ta

27 May 2025

Amazing value for money in a stunning setting in the middle of Liverpool University campus. Buzzing atmosphere, diverse clientele, friendly customer service, mega busy but very satisfying with very flavoursome colourful food. Gorgeous breakfasts as well as lunches. They advertise the closure dates online as they do often have different events on. Will definitely visit again, and likely to bring friends and family with me.

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