If you like your pubs to come with a healthy dose of character, it's worth visiting one of Liverpool's listed buildings.
Home to many buildings with listed status, the city has seen one of its own achieve the highest Grade 1 status in later years, as well as some transform to operate as something entirely different. Over the years, people from Liverpool and beyond have ventured to them to soak up some history, admire the site and enjoy a drink or two.
The Liverpool ECHO previously took a look back at Merseyside's Grade II* listed pubs. But according to Historic England and Liverpool CAMRA (The Campaign for Real Ale), there are many more across the region.
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Here, we've taken a look at a number of Liverpool's listed pubs with Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II status from Historic England. While there are many more across Merseyside, these are located specifically in Liverpool, with some offering real ale and others branching out to serve food and more.
This list isn't intended to be comprehensive, there are a number of listed pubs across Merseyside, some which buildings no longer operate as pubs, but we've focused on a number of those specifically in Liverpool. But if you feel there are some we should have included, let us know in the comments section below.
1. Albert
One of South Liverpool’s most popular pubs, The Albert on Lark Lane has been attracting customers since it was built in the late 1800s. Grade II listed since 1975, the pub is a popular spot for locals, as well as people from across the city and tourists.
Boasting a fascinating history, in 2017, The Albert had a revamp and went back to its Victorian villa roots with fireplaces taken back to their original look, oak floors and a few nods to the 21st Century with nine HD screens showing the big sports events. Arguably the oldest pub in the area, today it is filled with craft beers, cask ales and more.
2. Allerton Hall
Located on Springwood Avenue, Allerton Hall was first listed in March 1975. Affectionately known as the 'pub in the park,' in 2017, the ECHO reported how the site underwent a whopping £1.6m refurb.
The pub is near Woolton and surrounded by Clarke Gardens, where you can enjoy a woodland walk along a public footpath that runs right around the pub. Over the years, its become known for its delicious carveries.
3. Arkles
If you're an LFC fan, it's very likely you've visited this next pub. Arkles is a Liverpool institution and has been Grade II listed since 1985.
An iconic match day pub, the Anfield Road watering hole is owned by Greene King. Not only a destination to watch the footy, the community based pub attracts many locals to enjoy a drink.
4. Baltic Fleet
The Baltic Fleet in Liverpool city centre has been since listed since 1975 and is Grade II. The traditional dock road pub has been a familiar fixture in the area for years.
he original building was built after a compulsory purchase order along the dock road in the early 1850s to widen the road and develop Wapping Dock. The charming Victorian pub boasts a large mahogany fireplace and a massive selection of real ales and beers.
5. Belvedere
Grade II listed, the Belvedere was built in the 1830s. Located on Sugnall Street near Falkner Street in the Georgian Quarter, it was first listed in March 1975.
Today, it is also popular with gin drinkers, boasted an array of different flavours. In 2021, the ECHO reported how after serving generations of drinkers, it underwent a refurb inside.
6. Black Bull
Located on Gateacre Brow, this Grade II listed pub was first listed in 1975. Located close to junction 5 of the M62, the pub has became known for its quality food and a place for friends to enjoy a mid-week or weekend drink.
The pub sees a lot of customers from the area, as well as golfers from the nearby Allerton Manor Golf Club.
What is your favourite pub in Liverpool? Let us know in the comments section below.
7. Bridewell
Argyle Street's bridewell and fire station was built in the 1840’s and Charles Dickens was sworn in as a special constable for one night only in 1860 whilst researching his novel "The Uncommercial Traveller." Grade II listed, the building was a prison till 1932, later becoming a bar and restaurant in the 00s.
Partners Fiona and Dominic Hornsby took over the lease for The Bridewell back in 2019, with the aim to create a traditional pub, drawing on the history of the Campbell Square building. Listed in November 1980, in 2022 the pub was named Liverpool Pub of the Year by Liverpool and District CAMRA.
8. Brown Cow
Located on Halewood Road in Gateacre, Brown Cow is Grade II listed. Offering a range of beers ands spirits, the pub has been at the heart of the community for years.
First listed in March 1975, the south Liverpool pub reopened after receiving a £275,000 investment from community pub company Hawthorn in 2021. The listed building underwent an extensive renovation, giving the pub a new lease of life, with fresh fittings, an updated bar area, new toilets and refreshed external decor, including stained glass windows true to the building's heritage.
9. Boundary
Toxteth's Boundary pub sits on the corner of Lodge Lane and the top of Smithdown Road. First listed in June 1985, the pub is Grade II listed.
A regular sight for locals and commuters, a pub has stood on the site for over a century. Over the years, many a pint have been had in there.
10. Central Hotel
Back in the city centre, Central Hotel on Ranelagh Street is Grade II listed. It first became listed in November 1982.
The building dates back to 1887 and is located near Liverpool Central train station. Next door to Lanigans, the pub attracts customers from the city and tourists alike.
11. Childwall Abbey
Located on Childwall Abbey Road in Childwall, this pub is Grade II listed like many others on our list so far. It was first listed in June 1952.
According to their website, the Childwall Abbey pub is a "spectacular pub hotel is ideal for a night away with friends in Liverpool." With lots of traditional pub grub on offer, they also serve "proper pint of cask ale, a selection of wines, spirits and soft beverages."
12. Crown Hotel
There has been a pub on this site since 1859 - but the building wasn't listed until March 1975. The ECHO previously reported how in In 1905, the existing building was bought by Walkers Brewery, who completely rebuilt it.
Now grade II listed, it's a Liverpool treasure. The Crown is also known for its stunning ceilings.
13. Doctor Duncan's
Doctor Duncan's is one of the city's most well-known pubs. Doctor Duncan’s is named after William Henry Duncan, the UK’s first Medical Health Officer, who was born and raised in Liverpool.
The Grade II listed pub, dating back to 1901, was built to house Pearl Insurance and is well known for its elaborately tiled interior. It was first listed in June 1985.
14. Edinburgh
The Edinburgh pub is located on Sandown Lane in Wavertree. Grade II, it was first listed in March 1974..
According to their Facebook page, the site is a " local community centred pub off Picton High Street with a real cask ales, live Irish music session." It is also popular for its quiz nights.
15. Elephant
Located in the heart of Woolton Village, the Elephant is Grade II listed. Offering food, drinks and a lovely outdoor beer garden, the site was first listed in March 1975.
Originating as a house, as a pub it changed hands through the years. But in 2014, it had an extensive refurbishment Channel 4's Sunday Brunch chef Simon Rimmer.
16. West Derby (Hunting Lodge)
The Hunting Lodge in West Derby is Grade II listed. But pretty much anybody who’s ever been there knows it as 'The Barries'.
Prior to its refurb and rebranding in 2012, the pub was officially called the West Derby, but even then it was known as The Barries - in fact, it has been for as long as we can remember. The site has been listed since March 1975.
17. Hare and Hounds
Located nearby to The Barries is another Grade II listed pub. Listed since March 1975, the Hare and Hounds is also located on Almonds Green.
In 2017, the ECHO reported how a makeover saw a revamped beer garden complete with under cover seating to keep the British weather at bay, stylish décor, local ales and craft beer. The pub also introduced "eight of the best HD screens, one projector and Sky and BT sports."
18. Lion Tavern
It’s said this Grade II-listed pub has been serving customers since the 1800s, but it temporarily closed for restoration work in 1915 when the current layout was created. Lion Tavern in Moorfields, city centre has been listed since June 1985.
In 2022, owner David Hardman told the ECHO how the pub remains a popular venue and its history is of utmost importance to Dave, and many of the punters. The atmospheric venue, based at 67 Moorfields, was built around 1865 though Dave has found earlier records.
19. Mere Bank
Mere Bank on Heyworth Street is Grade II listed. The public house dates back to the late 1800s and was first listed in March 1975.
Located in Everton, opposite St George's church, this pub has welcomed generations. With a stunning façade, it is very much part of the community.
20. Monro
The Monro is a Grade II listed gastro pub on Duke Street. First listed in March 1975, it is a destination for both locals and tourists alike.
The pub’s rustic kitchen style is cemented by farmhouse dining tables and Liverpool-themed art on the walls. Born in Liverpool in 1817, The Monro is a traditional pub steeped in the city’s history.
21. North Western
Grade II , the North Western in Lime Street is home to a Wetherspoons pub. It is one of the more earlier pubs on our list to be listed, in June 1952.
In 2015, the ECHO reported how pub operator JD Wetherspoon was to open its new pub after a £2 million redevelopment, on the site of the old Head of Steam, at Lime Street. Originally a hotel, it closed its doors in the early 1930s and remained empty until 1996, when the upper floors were converted into halls of residence and the ground floor became a public house, which now has the building’s original name.
22. Old Bank
The Old Bank in Aigburth is Grade II and was, like the name suggests, formerly a bank. It was first listed in June 1985.
According to its Twitter account, the pub serves a "superb selection of beers from all over the world." The business is also sister pub to The Excelsior.
23. Peter Kavanagh's
Peter Kavanagh's pub on Egerton Street in Liverpool's Georgian quarter is one of the city's longest running and most well-loved pubs. It was named after its original licensee and has been listed since January 2020.
According to Historic England, " it is a unique legacy of one man's vision, capturing the eccentricities, inventiveness and character of Peter Kavanagh who was landlord from 1897 to 1950." Grade II listed, you can feel the pub’s history the moment you step through the door,
24. Philharmonic Dining Rooms
Better known as 'The Phil,' The Philharmonic Dining Rooms on Hope Street is one of Liverpool’s oldest and most characterful pubs. First listed in December 1966, in 2020 it was upgraded to Grade I listing.
Commissioned in the style of a gentleman’s club between 1898 and 1900, it takes its name from Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall just over the road. It is almost famous for its roseate marble urinals.
25. Pogue Mahone
On Seel Street, Pogue Mahone's is Grade II listed. The pub was first listed in June 1985, but it has been a familiar site on the street for years.
An authentic Irish pub, according to their website they offer "the best pint of Guinness in the city." In 2017, the owners also gave the pub a revamp.
26. Prince Arthur
On Rice Lane, the Prince Arthur pub has been listed since April 2000. Grade II listed, the pub is thought to have been refurbished around the time it received listed status.
Inside, the walls are said to be decorated with pictures of footballers, celebrities and Liverpool architecture.
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27. Pump House
First listed in June 1985, this Royal Albert Dock pub is Grade II listed. A popular spot for tourists in particular, the pub is surrounded by waterfront views.
It was originally built in 1870 with its first-of-a-kind hydraulic pumping system added to the historic docks to provide a power supply. By the 1980s, it became the pub we know today.
28. Saddle Inn
The Saddle Inn in the heart of Liverpool city centre on Dale Street. Listed since June 1985, the Grade II listed pub has retained a lot of its original features, as expected.
The Pub, which is popular with professionals in the city centre thanks to its business-district location, is also famous for its karaoke nights.
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29. Thomas Rigby’s
Thomas Rigby’s, a Grade II listed pub, sits next to sister pub The Lady of Mann in the city centre. It has been listed since March 1975.
As one of Liverpool’s oldest and best loved pubs, the Dale Street site has been open so long no one can actually remember the exact year it opened. Although, some suggest it dates back to the 1700s.
30. The Vines
Nicknamed ‘The Big ‘Ouse’, this Edwardian Baroque pub was designed by Walter Thomas and built in 1907. Located on Lime Street, it was first listed in March 1975 and is Grade II*
The iconic Lime Street-based pub The Vines closed its doors in mid-February to undergo a revamp. The pub was recently bought by The 1936 Pub Company which owns a number of venues across the city including Lark Lane's The Green Man and The Red Lion on Slater Street and reopened a few weeks ago.
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