Located on the corner of Hope Street and Hardman Street The Philharmonic Dining Rooms was built in about 1898–1900 for the brewer Robert Cain and was designed by Walter W. Thomas and craftsmen from the School of Architecture and Applied Arts at University College, supervised by G. Hall Neale and Arthur Stratton. This magnificent establishment with stained glass windows, wood panelling and stucco ceilings, is popular with locals, students and tourists alike. Each of the ornate rooms retains its own character and overall the pub displays a feeling of decadence from the days when it was a private gentleman's club. The interior also includes rich work in copper, mahogany, plaster and glass. Unusually, the marvellous marble tiled gentlemen's toilet also survives from its original Victorian design and features high quality decoration. Ladies are welcome to visit but it is polite to ask before doing so.
In 'Notes From A Small Island', Bill Bryson wrote, "there is no place in the world finer for a pee than the ornate gents’ room of the Philharmonic." The floor is covered with another mosaic design, and the urinals are carved out of rose-colored marble. The exterior features elaborate carvings, Art Nouveau elements including metal gates by the architect and designer Henry Bloomfield Bare, and stone sculptures of musicians and musical instruments in low relief. It has been upgraded to Grade I by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England, making it the first purpose-built, Victorian public house to receive a Grade I listing. Regarded as a 'cathedral among pubs' for its opulence, the Philharmonic was one of the most spectacular pubs to be completed at the end of the 19th century, known as the 'golden age' of pub building. It now joins the top 2.5% of protected historic buildings in England such as Buckingham Palace, Chatsworth House and Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral Church of Christ in gaining the highest listed status. Pollard and Pevsner in the Buildings of England series, state that it is the most richly decorated of Liverpool's Victorian public houses, and that "it is of exceptional quality in national terms".
From the moment you step into The Philharmonic, its historic charm is undeniable. The pub offers a unique ambiance, providing spaces that range from the lively buzz of the main bar to the quiet intimacy of its smaller rooms. The heart of this architectural wonder is the island-style serving bar, dominating the lobby area and serving as a central hub for social interaction. On several occasions, live music fills the air, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to your visit. This blend of elements makes The Philharmonic not just a pub, but an experience. Spread over five floors, each of the rooms is beautifully decorated with a musical theme. Also part of the city’s rich musical history as Buddy Holly performed here, as did Paul McCartney. Locally known as The Phil, the pub was said to be one of John Lennon’s favourite bars. It is renowned not only for its exquisite cuisine, the food menu being hearty and comforting, but also for its haunting tales and ghostly encounters. One of the intriguing legends revolves around the Grey Lady, a spectral figure frequently spotted gliding through the corridors of the building. Her ethereal presence has been witnessed by both staff and guests, leaving them in awe and disbelief. Many speculate about her identity and the circumstances of her apparition, adding an air of mystery to the restaurant. For those seeking a place where history, culture, and community converge in a warm and welcoming setting, The Philharmonic checks all the boxes.
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