UNIQUE HONOUR FOR ‘THE PHIL’

We’re incredibly proud to announce that The Philharmonic Dining Rooms in Liverpool has been upgraded to Grade I listing by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport – making it the first Victorian pub in the country to receive the honour.

Dazzling and flamboyant, the pub has long been renowned as a local gem in the Liverpool area and is widely considered to be the most ornate pub in England. A ‘cathedral among pubs’, the building is an outstanding example of public houses built at the end of the 19^th century – which is now widely considered to be the golden age of British pub building.

The decision to award ‘The Phil’ – as it’s more affectionately known – Grade I listing was made on the advice of Historic England as part of their ongoing collaboration with the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

It joins other Grade I listed buildings across the UK including Buckingham Palace and Chatsworth House, as well as Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral Church of Christ, which is just a 10-minute walk from the pub.

The three-storey building has actually been Grade II listed since 1966 but, according to Historic England, has been upgraded for its “outstanding architectural quality and magnificent interior.”

The organisation praised the pub for its elaborate carvings and Art Nouveau elements, including metal gates by renowned architect and designer Henry Bloomfield Bare, as well as its wonderful interior which includes elements of copper, mahogany, plaster and glass.

It also, unusually, still has the original gentlemen’s toilet in place, complete with original Victorian design and high-quality decoration.

And, of course, guests who visit today will be guaranteed a warm British welcome, hearty food and an outstanding selection of the finest gins and ales behind the bar.