The Philharmonic
Philharmonic Dining Rooms
36 Hope Street
LIVERPOOL
L1 9BX
Tel: +44 (0)151 707 2837
The Philharmonic Dining Rooms has many claims to fame including Beatles connections, Art Nouveau interiors and recognition as CAMRA Pub of the year.
Affectionately known as ‘The Phil’ the pub sits opposite the Philharmonic Hall, home of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Choir and Society.
It is from the name of the old hall that the public house obtained its name. The pub, in its early days, contained a restaurant on the first floor and was particularly used by gentlemen and their ladies attending the Philharmonic Hall concerts. There were facilities on the upper floor for coachmen waiting for their masters - cocoa was no doubt served to them rather than alcohol though!
The building was commissioned by Robert Cain & Son Brewery. It was designed and built by Walter W. Thomas, a brewery architect, between 1898 and 1900 as a showpiece in the style of a gentleman’s club.
‘The Phil’ represents a dazzling piece of Victorian flamboyance and has been described as ‘the most ornate pub in England’ and ‘the most lavish pub in Britain’. Egon Ronay declared: “If a pub could be a work of art, the Philharmonic is that pub”.
The Liverpool Heritage Bureau has described the pub as ‘a magnificent Art Nouveau confection of stepped gables, turrets, balconies and orioles.’
Ales and Malts
The Philharmonic Dining Rooms stocks an excellent selection of eight guest ales, as well as two malt whiskeys; Glenmorganie and Glenfiddich. Customers can also chose from five red and seven white wines and two Champagnes.
Food
The Philharmonic Dining Rooms is renowned for its quality and delicious food, which includes a range of traditional fayre, including freshly battered Fish & Chips, Steak Pie and Leek & Gruyere Parcel.