Drink your Phil at historic pub Legendary watering hole loved by The Beatles given Grade I status
A BOOZER in Liverpool once frequented by The Beatles and dubbed “a cathedral among pubs” has been Grade I listed.
The Philharmonic Dining Rooms is well known for the quality of its ornate interior and eye-catching woodwork.
It was a favourite watering hole of John Lennon, who once famously said: “The price of fame is not being able to go to the Phil for a quiet pint.”
The Phil was also chosen for a secret intimate gig by Paul McCartney when he returned to Liverpool to film for US TV in 2018.
The 19th century drinking den’s art nouveau entrance gates by architect Henry Bloomfield Bare, are deemed the best in all of England. Landlord Eamonn Lavin, 48, said: “It’s one of a kind – you get a better type of drunk in here! You get tourists from all over the world here and women peeping into the gents’ toilets because they are so ornate. Recently, Adidas launched a new trainer inspired by our mosaic floor.
“It was originally built for people coming back from the Philharmonic [concert hall] or before they went there.”
The gents’ loo is well known for its original marble facilities and art nouveau tiling, while the horseshoe-shaped bar is topped with a rare mosaic. Decorations on the walls depict Liverpool’s maritime history, as well as musical themes in reference to the nearby Philharmonic Hall venue.
The pub’s status was upgraded on the advice of Historic England, putting it in the top 2.5 per cent of protected historic buildings, the same category as Buckingham Palace and the celebrated Liverpool Cathedral.
The status of 10 other pubs was also updated. Historic England chief Duncan Wilson said: “English pubs are some of our best-loved community buildings and are often threatened with closure.
“We are proud the opulent Liverpool Philharmonic pub, a remarkable survival from the Victorian era, has been given a Grade I listing. It will help maintain and preserve its outstanding interior fittings and exterior fabric.”
Heritage Minister Helen Whately said: “For centuries, the local pub has been a place for people to come together.The 11 protected today are each original and their updated listings will help to protect their cultural and historical heritage.”