There are those cafés you visit once, and there are those that instantly feel like they’ve been part of the neighbourhood for years.
Dock & Brew falls firmly into the latter.
Opened by the family behind Liverpool favourite Spoon Desserts, the new independent coffee shop has already begun transforming a familiar corner of Garston into a welcoming community hub, serving speciality coffee, homemade treats and a wholesome atmosphere with a dash of Scouse hospitality.
A New Chapter For A Well-Known Liverpool Family
After more than two decades working in hospitality across Liverpool and the UK, Chris and Toni McPartland have opened Dock & Brew on the corner of St Mary’s Road and Garston Old Road in L19.
If the family name sounds familiar, that’s because they’re the people behind Spoon Desserts, whose dessert trucks and coffee outlets have become a popular sight at festivals, events and locations across the region.
Now, they’re bringing that same passion for hospitality to a permanent home.
At the centre of the café is family. Son Thomas can often be found behind the coffee machine, while the couple’s three daughters regularly lend a hand by serving customers, clearing tables or keeping younger visitors entertained with colouring sheets.
It’s quintessentially family-run, and that’s exactly how they want it to feel.
More Than Just Great Coffee
The building itself has undergone quite the transformation.
After spending the last 22 years as a blinds showroom, the space has been reimagined into an elegant yet relaxed independent café where locals can pause for a proper brew.
The desire wasn’t simply to open another coffee shop.
Instead, the McPartland family wanted somewhere that people could escape the rush of everyday life, whether that’s catching up with friends, working remotely or simply enjoying a quiet coffee with fresh cake.
Chris McPartland said:
“We wanted Dock & Brew to be the sort of place that feels like popping to your nan’s for a proper brew. Down-to-earth, friendly and somewhere everyone feels at home.”
Fresh Bakes, Local Suppliers And Four-Legged Friends
Open seven days a week, Dock & Brew serves speciality coffee alongside fresh pastries, cakes and seasonal daily specials.
Many of the sweet treats come from local suppliers, including The Butterholic and other Liverpool bakers, giving visitors another reason to support independent businesses.
Dog owners haven’t been forgotten either. Four-legged friends are warmly welcomed, making Dock & Brew the perfect stop after a walk along Liverpool’s waterfront or nearby parks.
A Community Hub In The Making
Mind you, coffee is almost secondary to the family’s long-term vision.
Plans are already underway to launch a community running club, a cycling club, workshops and local events, helping the café become the beating heart of Garston.
In essence, it’s about creating somewhere people genuinely want to spend time.
Toni McPartland explained:
“We’ve always believed great hospitality is about bringing people together. We hope Dock & Brew becomes somewhere people pop into every day, whether it’s for their morning coffee, to catch up with friends, meet new people or simply enjoy a friendly face.”
It’s an ambition that feels especially refreshing at a time when so many high streets are desperately searching for businesses that bring communities together.
Planning A Visit?
Whether you’re uncovering Liverpool’s independent coffee scene, narrowing down your next brunch spot or simply not yet found your new local café, Dock & Brew is well worth adding to your list.
With a touch of family warmth, classic hospitality and quality coffee taking centre stage, this charming newcomer already feels like a timeless addition to Liverpool’s thriving independent food and drink scene.
Dock & Brew
Address: 352 St Mary’s Road, Garston, Liverpool, L19 0NQ
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 7am to 4pm
- Sunday: 8am to 4pm
Follow @dockandbrew on social media for the latest updates.