Ye Hole in Ye Wall is Liverpool’s oldest pub, serving pints to the city since 1726. It was built on the site of an old quaker graveyard and is said to be the last pub to allow women, in 1977. The hidden tavern is based on Hackins Hey Street and appears to have got its name for being located down the narrow alleyway. The 18th-century tavern has old photos on the walls, plus live music, real ales, pies and baguettes.Ye Hole in Ye Wall is Liverpool’s oldest pub, serving pints to the city since 1726. It was built on the site of an old quaker graveyard and is said to be the last pub to allow women, in 1977. The hidden tavern is based on Hackins Hey Street and appears to have got its name for being located down the narrow alleyway. The 18th-century tavern has old photos on the walls, plus live music, real ales, pies and baguettes.
Ye Hole in Ye Wall is Liverpool’s oldest pub, serving pints to the city since 1726. It was built on the site of an old quaker graveyard and is said to be the last pub to allow women, in 1977. The hidden tavern is based on Hackins Hey Street and appears to have got its name for being located down the narrow alleyway. The 18th-century tavern has old photos on the walls, plus live music, real ales, pies and baguettes. | Mick Seale/Google

15 of Liverpool's oldest traditional pubs and the interesting history behind them

Emma Dukes
By Emma Dukes

Digital Journalist

Published 14th Mar 2025, 13:00 BST

Discover the fascinating history behind 15 of Liverpool's oldest traditional pubs, exploring their rich heritage and unique stories.

Liverpool is no stranger to regeneration and there have been big changes over the years - including where we socialise, eat and drink. Once a place with a pub on almost every corner, many of those drinking establishments are now gone but some still remain.

A handful of the most popular pubs in Liverpool have been around for more 200 years - with no signs of closing any time soon - and many still showcase original features from roaring fireplaces to stained glass windows.

Here we explore 15 of the city’s historic watering holes and the history behind them.

The Belvedere is on old-school watering hole, in the heart of Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter. It was built in the 1830s and the name comes from the views over the farmland that surrounded the city. After recently undergoing renovation, the historic pub is thriving, serving beers from local microbreweries, plus a long list of G&Ts.

5. The Belvedere Arms, Sugnall Street

The Belvedere is on old-school watering hole, in the heart of Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter. It was built in the 1830s and the name comes from the views over the farmland that surrounded the city. After recently undergoing renovation, the historic pub is thriving, serving beers from local microbreweries, plus a long list of G&Ts. | Google Street View Photo: Google Street View

Built in the mid 19th century and opened in 1840, The Lion Tavern was named CAMRA’s Pub of Excellence in 2022. It is Grade II-listed and has been identified by CAMRA as having a nationally important historic pub interior. Key features include a mosaic floor and Art Nouveau tiled dado, above which is a timber and etched glass screen. It is a traditional pub pouring ales and ciders in a cosy setting with an ornately detailed wood bar.

6. The Lion Tavern, Moorfields

Built in the mid 19th century and opened in 1840, The Lion Tavern was named CAMRA’s Pub of Excellence in 2022. It is Grade II-listed and has been identified by CAMRA as having a nationally important historic pub interior. Key features include a mosaic floor and Art Nouveau tiled dado, above which is a timber and etched glass screen. It is a traditional pub pouring ales and ciders in a cosy setting with an ornately detailed wood bar. | Rodhullandemu/Wikimedia Photo: Rodhullandemu/Wikimedia

Peter Kavanagh’s is a Grade II listed pub named after its former landlord. Peter Kavanagh was the licensee from 1897 to 1950. Formerly the Grapes, it was renamed in 1978, in his honour. It was originally built in 1844, as the Liver Inn.

7. Peter Kavanagh’s, Egerton Street

Peter Kavanagh’s is a Grade II listed pub named after its former landlord. Peter Kavanagh was the licensee from 1897 to 1950. Formerly the Grapes, it was renamed in 1978, in his honour. It was originally built in 1844, as the Liver Inn. | Image: Google Photo: Google

Built in the 1850s, The Saddle Inn has notable elliptically arched windows, carved heads and rich friezes and cornices. Historic England awarded the building Grade II-listed status in 1985. A traditional pub serving cask ales, with a superb choice of Gins.

8. The Saddle Inn, Dale Street

Built in the 1850s, The Saddle Inn has notable elliptically arched windows, carved heads and rich friezes and cornices. Historic England awarded the building Grade II-listed status in 1985. A traditional pub serving cask ales, with a superb choice of Gins. | Rodhullandemu/CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Photo: Rodhullandemu/Wikimedia

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