Pub joins Buckingham Palace on Grade I list

A favoured hangout of the Beatles, the Philharmonic Dining Rooms is a Liverpool institution and has made history, becoming the first Victorian-era English pub to be awarded Grade One listed status.

Originally built in 1898, 'The Phil' as it's known locally is distinguished by its exuberant grand stone facade, stained glass and plush interior, the work of architect Walter W Thomas.

Designed solely for the use of gentlemen attending the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, which it faces, its toilets have won high acclaim.

John Lennon lamented that "not being able to have a pint in the Phil" was the heaviest sacrifice of Beatles stardom. Grade One status puts the Phil on a par with Buckingham Palace, among a rarefied list of architectural gems.

Landlord Eamon Lavin reflected on the award. Eamon Lavin: "It's pretty rare to get a public venue, where you can walk into a venue, and see a Grade One listed status. Most venues you would go into, you have to walk around or you can't sit down, whereas in here you can just sit down and take in the architecture."

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