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.
13. The Central, Ranelagh Street
Next door to The Midland, The Central is a traditional pub built in the 1870s. Deemed to have ‘a pub interior of special national historic interest’ by CAMRA, it has one of the finest displays of Victorian glasswork to be found in any pub in the country. A busy pub opposite Central station, it serves real ale and is LocAle and Cask Marque Accredited. | Image: Rodhullandemu/CC BY-SA 4.0/wikimedia Photo: Rodhullandemu/wikimedia
14. Philharmonic Dining Rooms, Hope Street
Built around 1898 for brewer Robert Cain, ‘The Phil’ was promoted to Grade I-listed in 2020 and is considered the ‘cathedral of pubs’. Famous for it spectacular toilets, the pub interior is covered in elaborate carvings and has a mosaic-clad bar. It’s a must see and a favourite with many locals. CAMRA gives it three-out-of-three heritage stars, adding: “This is a truly spectacular pub.” | Rodhullandemu/CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Photo: Rodhullandemu/Wikimedia
15. Pogue Mahone pub, Seel Street
The town house building was constructed before 1805 and converted into a pub later in the 19th century. The birth place of W.H.Duncan, who became the first Medical Officer of Health in the country in 1848, it was once called Doctor Duncan’s. Now a traditional Irish pub with a wooden and bare-brick interior offering sourdough pizza, live entertainment and sports viewing. | Image: Google Street View Photo: Google Street View