Liverpool’s Philharmonic pub 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 Dining Rooms was one of the most spectacular pubs to be completed at the end of the 19^th 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 Cathedral in gaining the highest listed status.

Built from 1898-1900 by the Liverpudlian architect Walter W Thomas, The Philharmonic Dining Rooms was first Grade II*-listed in 1966.

The three-storey building has been reassessed and upgraded to Grade I for its outstanding architectural quality and magnificent interior.

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.

Famously, the gentlemen’s toilets also survive from its original Victorian design and features high quality decoration

Joining the Philharmonic, two further Liverpool pubs, The Vines on Lime Street and Peter Kavanagh’s on Egerton Street, have been reassessed, with their Grade II* and Grade II listings updated to include their important interiors.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, says: “English pubs are some of our best-loved community buildings and are often threatened with closure so we are delighted to see 11 historic pubs receiving further protection.

“We are proud that the Liverpool Philharmonic pub, a remarkable survival from the Victorian era, has been given a Grade I listing which will help maintain and preserve its outstanding interior fittings and exterior fabric for the future.”

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