A vast, grand building has been transformed into a swanky cocktail bar right in the heart of the city centre.
The Royal Institution, based on Colquitt Street, boasts an interesting and varied history. It originally opened as an organisation promoting literature, science and the arts back in 1814, before being granted its royal charter in 1821.
Now, it's an intimate yet wholly impressive addition to Liverpool's thriving hospitality scene. The St Hospitality team - which also operates Castle Street Townhouse and Seel Street Venue - took over the space last year, restoring it sympathetically yet elaborately, and finally reopening its doors in August 2022.
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Since its launch, the Royal Institution has been keen to establish itself as a place for "the rare and the spirited", with traditional décor and design choices that are mindful of the building's era juxtaposed with vibrant artwork that fuses the classic and the contemporary.
John James Audubon's legendary 'Birds of America' exhibition at the building during the early 1800s has further influenced the décor, with large, elaborate prints depicting an array of beautiful birds throughout the space.
Cocktail lovers will be in paradise, with an extensive menu packed with classic and signature concoctions to suit all manner of tastes. So far, the El Flamenco Azul has proved popular among Liverpool locals and tourists alike.
The blue beverage is made with Absolut Pears Vodka, kwai feh lychee, supasawa, blue curaçao, fresh pineapple juice, elderflower syrup and fresh basil for a fruity, flavoursome yet powerful experience. There's also an impressive selection of wines, beers, and more.
Jenny Collins, operations and marketing manager for St Hospitality, told the ECHO with a smile: "We do get a lot of people coming in here thinking it's a museum."
Pulling up a pew at the beautiful wooden bar and gesturing around the space, Jenny continued: "We had discussions about renaming it but it was kind of decided that the building and the history of it was bigger than us - we're just the current gatekeepers of this bit of history.
"It's the Royal Institution and we're just looking after it for now - hopefully for many years to come. We just want people to know that we are here, and we're welcoming."
That desire to invite and receive patrons has even extended to the venue's logo; a linear illustration of the building with a half open door. Jenny explained: "The door half open on the logo is a particular choice to let people know we're open, and then the [underlined] 'st' [in 'Institution'] is a nod to the brand."
The attention to detail extends to every nook and cranny of the building. A grand entrance is complete with stylish yet retro black and white tiles, while the vast height is made warm and welcoming - and distinctly Liverpool - with the use of giant John James Audubon prints of brightly coloured birds.
The bar boasts three rooms, with visitors permitted to sit wherever they may choose. The main bar is in the 'Exhibition Room', which is complete with a newly built wooden bar accentuated with gold, and pops of colour from quirky glass bottles akin to an old fashioned apothecary. The walls are a deep, dark blue which helps create a cosy atmosphere - it's the kind of space that would suit after work drinks, as well as a date night, meetups with friends and more.
In the 'Reading Room', there's sumptuous retro sofas, tables and chairs for more intimate gatherings, and plush tub chairs complemented by cosy, moody purple walls with vintage-inspired reading lights on the walls, bookshelf wallpaper. and artwork that's been taken from Castle Street Townhouse as a nod to the brand's history.
The final room, the 'Habitat Room', is another respectively restored gem, kitted out with forest green walls and long leather sofas and booths, to promote a sense of calm. It's the kind of room designed for long, relaxed Sunday afternoons and nights out that have no end in sight.
The rooms are available to hire, while walk-ups are also welcome. Each room also boasts its own scent, further highlighting the commitment to creating an inviting space with an edge on other venues.
Local business To The Moon teamed up with the Royal Institution to create the bespoke fragrances, and that attention to detail is tangible in every inch of the venue.
Bartender Tom Gardiner was quick to sing the Royal Institution's praises. The 21-year-old student got a first-hand look at the venue during its renovation, and is keen to see it thrive.
Tom, from Frodsham, said: "Owen, the general manager, is a close friend and I used to work with him a few bars ago and as it was opening, he called me and explained the vision and what was happening and said he was putting a team together and asked if I'd join.
"I was hands-on before we opened to the public so I was here when it was getting put together; I saw the bar getting made. Opening a bar is a bit different to just working at one because you're involved and because I saw it get started, I'm really passionate about it."
The philosophy student waxed lyrical about the origins of the building, adding: "The exhibition room has been inspired by the history of the building - being a student as well, I just love researching it.
"I was working in a pub and restaurant [as a teenager] and got speaking to lots people what is inspired me to do philosophy. I like to get to know different opinions and speak to people, which is great as a bartender too."
Of the space, Tom said: "I like the bar itself, being in here when it was being custom built, it feels really special to be here and to be on it. Working behind this one is a dream - we've got a really friendly bar team [and] because it's so small, everyone gets on really well. There's something for everyone here - it's so relaxing, nobody can really be annoyed here."
To hire a room at The Royal Institution, click here. Alternatively, you can visit the bar at 24 Colquitt Street, Liverpool, L1 4DE.
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