In and Around Liverpool Pubs (Part One)
The Oldest and Traditional Pubs in Liverpool
Every week 20 traditional pubs are disappearing in the UK, some are from the 18th century. These are the only places to experience history first hand, in remarkable settings. They are places to listen to stories, music, eat hearty food and enjoy crafty drinks.
The walls of these long-standing public houses have also true tale to tell, richly decorated with unique memorabilia. In most of them, you will find 'the ladies' in quirky little places, upstairs or downstairs. There had been no women’s toilets back then, those lush Victorian pubs were only for gentlemen. This is a history lesson, part one.
Pubs are not museums, they are living organisms, bringing the spirit of the past and the spirit of a feast, together. Entering them is like a time-lapse with anticipation of good food, drink and company. What could be better?
All of the below pubs are gems in the crown of a traditional British pub. Many have already faced closures and have been saved by loyal local customers. If they are gone, the rich part of our heritage will be lost. Vote with your feet and cash.
Every week 20 traditional pubs are disappearing in the UK, some are from the 18th century. These are the only places to experience history first hand, in remarkable settings. They are places to listen to stories, music, eat hearty food and enjoy crafty drinks.
The walls of these long-standing public houses have also true tale to tell, richly decorated with unique memorabilia. In most of them, you will find 'the ladies' in quirky little places, upstairs or downstairs. There had been no women’s toilets back then, those lush Victorian pubs were only for gentlemen. This is a history lesson, part one.
Pubs are not museums, they are living organisms, bringing the spirit of the past and the spirit of a feast, together. Entering them is like a time-lapse with anticipation of good food, drink and company. What could be better?
All of the below pubs are gems in the crown of a traditional British pub. Many have already faced closures and have been saved by loyal local customers. If they are gone, the rich part of our heritage will be lost. Vote with your feet and cash.
(the map is down below)
Pig & Whistle12 Covent Garden, Liverpool L2 8UA
In the late 19th, early 20th century it served emigrants waiting for ships taking them to America or Australia.
It has a Victorian charm with many classic features, though renovated and a bit sparse now. Attended by the city’s intellectuals - journalists, solicitors, accountants and common folk. Outdoor space was added in recent years. Supposedly it has an excellent Sunday roasts, but there are also breakfasts served, and curry nights.
The Lion Tavern
67 Moorfields, Liverpool L2 2BP
This pub is like Liverpool's social and historic institution, being one of the city’s oldest pubs. The name relates to one of the most important events in the world history - the Lion locomotive, one of the first to drag railway carriages on the first passengers' line in the world, between Liverpool and Manchester. The locomotive once stood in front of now-defunct Exchange station, opposite. Now, renovated, it can be seen in the Museum of Liverpool.
There are three rooms and it has its own distinct character, especially the newsroom. There is a free jukebox, TV's to enjoy the sport, and it serves some of the best real ales in Liverpool.
The lone cute building stands in contrast to the rest of the area, that heavily suffered from Luftwaffe bombings in 1941 during Liverpool Blitz.
The pub is well praised and awarded for the large selection of proper ales and craft beers, including some of their own brewing. It's been named as CAMRA Pub of Excellence and Pub of the Year several times. You can choose one from the board.
The Poste House
Cumberland Street
Only those who know it's there - would venture into this dark dingy narrow alley.
There was a campaign in the early 2000s to saved it from demolition, and for now, it stays a secret meeting place of those-in-the-know.
The pub has a courtyard beer patio.
The Saddle Inn
This is 1850's pub in origins, merged into a classic-look building with arched windows. It used to be the Palatine Chambers, a spirit vault.
Ye Hole in Ye Wall
4 Hackins Hey, Liverpool L2 2AW
Commonly agreed to be the oldest pub in Liverpool city centre, it is also Liverpool’s most haunted pub. Series of spooky sightings have been reported - elastic bands flying across the bar from nowhere, lights fusing, a glowing orbs flying over the bar.
The present complex of building where Ye Hole is nested, was built around 1850. The date 1726 on the front probably refers to O'Donnell's Whisky Merchant establishment. It was eventually taken over by Rigby.
There are historic old photos on the walls, wood panelling and stain glass abounds. There is a skeleton in the old phone box closet ringing your partner to tell that you are here.
Worth mentioning - it was the last pub in Liverpool to allow women in.
Located in a district where big money had operated on a large scale when Liverpool had been at its height, this pub is known since the early 1800s. It can come as a surprise. Because it is a chic slaughter.
Nestled among the modern shops, at the entrance to Liverpool One, it is the last reminder of how the area looked-like only a decade ago. The Paradise Street has been overhauled completely. It used to be famous for the city nightlife, visited by the sailors and company in the past century.
Rammed with the locals in the evenings, during the days tourists from across the globe tend to visit. They usually promise to return whenever they visit Liverpool, it's so welcoming. If you're a lady on your own, you can come in here safely - it's one of those places.
A gallery of photos throughout the years, on the walls. Some original features remain - a ceramic dado in the standing
area by the bar, for example.
Ma Egerton's Stage Door
9 Pudsey St, Liverpool L1 1JA
This tiny pub at the backstreet of Lime Street has a long tradition and big reputation. Reported to be here since 1869.
http://www.buildinghistory.org/buildings/inns.shtml
A makeover a few years ago downsized its space and it lost its traditional decor but it still remains attractive. It has a colourful mural relating to Liverpool history in the snug lounge area a few steps up and nautical maps of the Mersey.
The Railway
18 Tithebarn St, Liverpool L2 2DT
Purpose-built in the mid 19th century, the storeys used as rented dwellings or rooms for the railway passengers. The opposite grand building used to be a railway station.
18 Tithebarn St, Liverpool L2 2DT
Inside, there are so many small cosy compartments - you can get lost in them. Large central bar, high ceiling and plenty of light through the big windows.
The Lion Tavern
67 Moorfields, Liverpool L2 2BP
Before the Wars, the Lion served as a restaurant, already for over 100 years. Richly decorated in the famous between-wars period - Art Nouveau - with ornate tiles, timber, glass and wood bar, a chandelier.
There are three rooms and it has its own distinct character, especially the newsroom. There is a free jukebox, TV's to enjoy the sport, and it serves some of the best real ales in Liverpool.
Shenanigans
77 Tithebarn St, Liverpool L2 2EN
Official licensing records began in 1841 and it confirms the pub stood there already. The first name on record is ‘The Revolving Lamp’. The fairy-tale-like style front gained additional murals during 2020 coronavirus lockdown and is quite impressive. Notice the gold sun between the first-floor windows.
In late 19th century, it was run by Peter Walker (more of him below). It operates under Shenanigans name since 1997.
It is an Irish themed pub, lively, quirky, and there are claims to have the best Guinness in Liverpool. There is sports TV and regular live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening.
Ship and Mitre
133 Dale St, Liverpool L2 2JH
Plain and bright Art-Deco building from the mid-1930s. It served as a coach house, now it is steeped in Liverpool's maritime heritage. When you walk inside you immediately feel as you were in an old seaport tavern. That's its charm and distinguished feature. To some extent - there is a resemblance of an interior of a ship.
Ship and Mitre
133 Dale St, Liverpool L2 2JH
The pub is well praised and awarded for the large selection of proper ales and craft beers, including some of their own brewing. It's been named as CAMRA Pub of Excellence and Pub of the Year several times. You can choose one from the board.
The Poste House
Cumberland Street
The Poste House seems to be a haunted place and there are claims that it served the likes of James Maybrick, the suspected Jack The Ripper's, or Adolf Hitler - on his alleged stay in Liverpool.
Of more confirmed yet serious names - Bob Dylan, Debbie Harry and Noel Gallagher. Quite a lot for this tiny hidden pub. Dark characters and world-famous favourite places ;)
On top of those visits, there are resident ghosts, and the interior does seem to suit them.
There was a campaign in the early 2000s to saved it from demolition, and for now, it stays a secret meeting place of those-in-the-know.
Thomas Rigby's
23-25 Dale St, Liverpool L2 2EZ
According to a painting hanging on its walls, the pub existed here since 1728. The Rigby Buildings, where it sits, are named after an alderman, Thomas Rigby, a wine and spirit dealer and a pubs owner. Of modest origins, he was ambitious and went on to make a fortune from public houses and hotels. He also went into politics, a devoted Conservative. Mr Rigby bought this building in 1852.
23-25 Dale St, Liverpool L2 2EZ
Reportedly, the premises were frequented by Horatio Nelson during 1790s, and a section of the pub, Nelson's Room, is dedicated to him.
The pub has a courtyard beer patio.
13 Dale St, Liverpool L2 2EZ
Nautical decor - pictures the White Star line ships, correspondence of its founder.
The pub is popular with professionals in the city centre due to its business-district location. It holds karaoke nights with drag queens attending.
Ye Hole in Ye Wall
4 Hackins Hey, Liverpool L2 2AW
One of the residents ghost is an old sailor. He appears in a long coat lingering over the bar or heading upstairs to the cellar. The cellar is uniquely upstairs not downstairs due to buildings being built over an old Quakers' burial ground.
It is an irony that a pub is on top - as the Quakers, or the Friends are known for abstaining from alcohol. Other ghostly figures: a man in a red top, and a dog who wanders in and out.
The owners and bar maids claimed to the local press they served customers who weren't really there, or seen someone walking behind the bar and their back.
Landlord, Stephen Hoy, has been here since 2000. His family all experienced the strange phenomena. He recalled to the local newspaper that he had photos of his family in the wallet. One night while in his pub, the money and the photos went missing. No one knew nothing about it. Two years later, the photos were back, but it in a brand new wallet. Nothing about the money.
The present complex of building where Ye Hole is nested, was built around 1850. The date 1726 on the front probably refers to O'Donnell's Whisky Merchant establishment. It was eventually taken over by Rigby.
There are historic old photos on the walls, wood panelling and stain glass abounds. There is a skeleton in the old phone box closet ringing your partner to tell that you are here.
Worth mentioning - it was the last pub in Liverpool to allow women in.
After almost 250 years of 'gentlemen only' drinking, the Sex Discrimination Act of 1975 encouraged a group of fierce Scouse women to take a stand there, that year.
The owners and the male clientele were quite unhappy about all this, so they gave the ladies fierce and frosty stares. The women walked out without ordering, apparently but the pub gave in to the new rules a few month after. There is a photo behind the bar celebrating 'the change'.
The Slaughterhouse
Fenwick Street, Liverpool, L2 7LS
The Slaughterhouse
Fenwick Street, Liverpool, L2 7LS
The Laughterhouse Comedy Club is located in the basement. It has hosted some of the biggest names in stand-up comedy. It is owned by Ricky Tomlinson himself.
You may get to know some otherworldly spirits, as well. The Most Haunted presenter, Yvette Fielding, filmed here after reports of ghostly activity - a little boy laughing, pint glasses smashing and staff having their hair ruffled. A chic slaughter.
The pub offers an extensive range of ales, regular live music and comedy nights.
The Beehive
7 Paradise St, Liverpool L1 3BL
You may get to know some otherworldly spirits, as well. The Most Haunted presenter, Yvette Fielding, filmed here after reports of ghostly activity - a little boy laughing, pint glasses smashing and staff having their hair ruffled. A chic slaughter.
The pub offers an extensive range of ales, regular live music and comedy nights.
The Beehive
7 Paradise St, Liverpool L1 3BL
Nestled among the modern shops, at the entrance to Liverpool One, it is the last reminder of how the area looked-like only a decade ago. The Paradise Street has been overhauled completely. It used to be famous for the city nightlife, visited by the sailors and company in the past century.
The tiny look - from outside - is surprisingly vast, long and spacious inside. At the far back is a kitchen, food counter and a dining area. This is a traditional English pub with a world reputation.
Rammed with the locals in the evenings, during the days tourists from across the globe tend to visit. They usually promise to return whenever they visit Liverpool, it's so welcoming. If you're a lady on your own, you can come in here safely - it's one of those places.
The Beehive also prouds itself in the best Christmas decorations in the city centre. And is one of only a few where children are not allowed in. Adults only.
Tiny nostalgia gem with a huge name. Built in 1888, it features wood panelling, stained glass and leather-backed benches as well as a smartly tiled floor. There is a wall length mural, aptly depicting the world globe, and a brass plaque commemorating the inaugural meeting of CAMRA Merseyside that was held there over 40 years ago, in 1974. It won the local CAMRA Branch's Best Community Pub Award in 2012.
It attracts local people from all over the city, and outside guests which means you'll often find it hard to find seats. Refurbished in 2012, it retains traditional atmosphere. There are photographs and newspaper cuttings on the walls that allow insights into the pub's history and local characters.
The Central
31 Ranelagh St, Liverpool L1 1JP
The Vines
81 Lime Street, Liverpool City Centre L1 1JQ
The interior simply explodes with decoration. There is oak and mahogany panelling, elaborate carvings, mosaic floor, copper-fronted counter, cherubs, big dome, and copper-fronted fireplaces.
The secret room at the rear is a huge 'Heritage Suite’ function room, where larger gatherings take place. It is magnificently decorated with high ceiling, a stained glass oval dome, chandeliers, enormous marble fireplace with enormous mirror above, and the paintings.
The famous American travel writer, Bill Bryson, praised the Vines in his book Notes From a Small Island. The pub is known locally as The Big House or rather 'the Big 'Ouse' if one is concerned with the local Scouse dialect. John Lennon used to come here to date with his future wife, Cynthia.
The first pub visitors see from the steps of Lime Street station upon their arrival to Liverpool. It used to be an incredible showcase full of character. Unfortunately, the new buildings behind diminished its grandiose, and the whole area lost the old Liverpool look. The City Council has a lame planning.
Incredibly ornate, with cut glass windows, copper bar front, ceramic fireplace, and colourful, glazed dome inside.
The earliest note on the pub comes from 1859. The golden inscription 'Walkers of Warrington' comes from a the brewer mentioned above. Walker took over the pub in 1905 and he had with a rich clientele in mind. The now-owners have the same in mind.
The Globe
17 Cases Street, Liverpool City Centre L1 1HW
It attracts local people from all over the city, and outside guests which means you'll often find it hard to find seats. Refurbished in 2012, it retains traditional atmosphere. There are photographs and newspaper cuttings on the walls that allow insights into the pub's history and local characters.
The Midland Hotel
25 Ranelagh St, Liverpool L1 1JP
As with many establishments around Liverpool Central, this pub had been a very prestigious one, with a hotel, above - as the name suggests. The front of the building is in Italianate - Art Nouveau style. The pub front itself is of circa 1900. Note the marble pilasters and plinths. One of its most fine features are the carved and embossed glass windows. Inside, it used to be a fantastic display of timber panelling, mirrors, rich plasterwork, not anymore.
This pub is dating back to the late 1800s. It was thanks to Peter Walker - a brewer from Ayr, Strathclyde, who moved to Liverpool and with his son, Andrew Walker (who later went onto become the Mayor of Liverpool) set up the used-to-be famous brewery.
They started on Edwin Street in Everton but moved to Warrington. Hence the name on many Liverpool pub Walkers of Warrington as they expanded their business. The Walkers operated more then 800 pubs in the North of England at some point and survived the two world wars.
They were ultimately merged into the Tetley company in 1963 which by 1964 operated nearly 5,000 pubs in the UK. Merged with catering group J. Lyons & Co they precipitated until the late 1990s and dissipated afterwards.
Following the creation of Punch in 1997, Spirit in 1999, the Midland ultimately fell into Orchid Pub Company.
Sources say it has been under the same management for over 30 years. Serving wide range of beers, playing music from the 50s to 70s.
The Central
31 Ranelagh St, Liverpool L1 1JP
A date of 1675 is displayed on the front but many researchers say it is somewhat incorrect yet it is difficult to establish what this date refers to.
Built by the original Cain’s Brewery, (who also built Liverpool’s famous Philharmonic Dining Rooms) the interior is simply admirable and one of the best in Liverpool. Large etched glass mirrors everywhere, highly crafted plasterwork ceiling and a marvellous dome.
The pub serves real ales, has karaoke evenings, fruit machines and a pub quiz trivia machine. The Central Station Hotel above is a family run hotel.
81 Lime Street, Liverpool City Centre L1 1JQ
Grand Victorian baroque-style pub has been recently submerged by the abhorrent architecture behind. The pub has proudly stood on the corner of Lime Street for over 150 years. Built in 1867, rebuilt later, the Vines is the witness to prosperity of Liverpool in the British Empire.
One the outside there is granite and marble, etched glass windows and a clock. Have you seen a pub with its own clock? And a tower? And its own collection of paintings?
One the outside there is granite and marble, etched glass windows and a clock. Have you seen a pub with its own clock? And a tower? And its own collection of paintings?
Its owner, since 1907, Alderman B. Walker, sponsored the nearby Walker Art Gallery. The paintings were moved to the Gallery, eventually.
The interior simply explodes with decoration. There is oak and mahogany panelling, elaborate carvings, mosaic floor, copper-fronted counter, cherubs, big dome, and copper-fronted fireplaces.
The Smoke Room is furnished mahogany, seating in Edwardian mode is split into alcoves, allegorical scenes on the walls, ceiling with relief of 12 zodiacal designs, the fireplace with a copper relief of a Viking ships by Gustave Hiller.
The secret room at the rear is a huge 'Heritage Suite’ function room, where larger gatherings take place. It is magnificently decorated with high ceiling, a stained glass oval dome, chandeliers, enormous marble fireplace with enormous mirror above, and the paintings.
The famous American travel writer, Bill Bryson, praised the Vines in his book Notes From a Small Island. The pub is known locally as The Big House or rather 'the Big 'Ouse' if one is concerned with the local Scouse dialect. John Lennon used to come here to date with his future wife, Cynthia.
We first visited the Vines almost 20 years ago Unfortunately the interior is now in a more derelict state, especially in daylight.
Crown Hotel
43 Lime Street, Liverpool City Centre L1 1JQ
43 Lime Street, Liverpool City Centre L1 1JQ
Yet, the absolute gem-pub is striking inside-out.
Incredibly ornate, with cut glass windows, copper bar front, ceramic fireplace, and colourful, glazed dome inside.
The earliest note on the pub comes from 1859. The golden inscription 'Walkers of Warrington' comes from a the brewer mentioned above. Walker took over the pub in 1905 and he had with a rich clientele in mind. The now-owners have the same in mind.
9 Pudsey St, Liverpool L1 1JA
The name comes from a landlady who owned the pub at the turn of the 19th-20th century, Mary Egerton, known locally as Ma Egerton. Because of the proximity to the stage door of the Empire Theatre, she was involved in the show business, and became friends with many actors and singers, most notably Charlie Chaplin and Frank Sinatra.
Her lovely character and abundant personality has been long remembered in Liverpool, and this pub is a tribute to her and all artists who have crossed the backstage to the front doorstep. Litany of the most famous is on the wall outside. The pub is still visited by the performers in the Empire.
The map:
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Sources:http://www.buildinghistory.org/buildings/inns.shtml
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/10-places-liverpool-you-can-11800144