This month (29/04/16), ten members of our group met up at the ‘North Western’, Lime Street. The premises, formerly know as the ‘Head of Steam’, Lime Street station, is now owned by Weatherspoons. It has been renamed in honour of it’s original use as the North Western Hotel, built by the London and North Western Railway and first opened in 1871, with 330 rooms.
It was designed by the Aigburth-born architect Alfred Waterhouse. The hotel was closed down in 1930 and remained empty until 1996. The upper part was used for student halls of residence, whilst the ground floor was used as a pub, which also later closed. It has now opened up again as a Weatherspoon’s pub, having received a £2 Million makeover. The design has a vintage rail theme, inspired by vintage rail stations. The original grand pillars, wood panelling and features have been retained.
We then moved on to Dr Duncan’s, St John’s Lane, near to St George’s Hall. The pub, owned by Cains brewery, was also closed and reopened. The pub is named after William Henry Duncan, of Liverpool, who was the UK’s first Medical Officer of Health. The pub boasts a Victorian pharmacy cabinet in honour of it’s namesake. The building itself was built for Pearl Insurance in 1901 and is best known for its elaborately-tiled interior.
For our third and fourth choices we selected The White Star, Rainford Gardens near Mathew Street and The Ship and Mitre, Dale Street, instead of the Globe, as it would have been too small for the group together with the Friday evening drinkers.
Our favourite beers of the day were, ‘Gunpowder strong mild’ at Weatherspoon’s, ‘Salopian Shropshire Gold’ and ‘Black Sheep’ at Dr. Duncan’s, ‘Jennings Honey Bee’ at the White Star, ‘1924’, ‘Red Baron’ beer, and for the ladies, ‘Frulie Strawberry Beer’ at the Ship and Mitre.
Another good afternoon out with the group, some good real ale pubs, a bit of history, good food, ales and conversation. Next time we plan to visit Chester.
Ian
Yes, indeed. Extra special was watching Dutch lads playing cards in The White Star. Sadly, all drinking lager but heh-ho
A great afternoon really enjoyed learning more about pubs in Liverpool, we met visitors to the city who were really enjoying what Liverpool had to offer. Loved the strawberry lager in Ship and Mitre
It is good to spend a few hours now and then, sampling fine real ales, in company with a nice group of people with whom to chat, and there is still a wealth of old and interesting pubs yet to visit.