Nicholson's Philharmonic

About Venue

The Philharmonic Dining Rooms is one of the most celebrated pubs in England, a Grade I listed building on the corner of Hope Street and Hardman Street in Liverpool's cultural quarter. Commissioned by brewery magnate Robert Cain and designed by architect Walter W. Thomas between 1898 and 1900, it was built in the style of a gentlemen's club and has barely changed since. The ornate exterior and richly decorated interior led Nikolaus Pevsner to describe it as the most richly decorated of Liverpool's Victorian public houses, and of exceptional quality in national terms. Locally and affectionately it has always been known simply as The Phil.

Step inside and the detail is staggering: grand stained glass windows, intricate carved woodwork, mosaic flooring, stucco ceilings, and snug alcoves each with their own distinct character. The legendary gents' toilets -- fitted with rose-pink marble -- have become something of a destination in their own right, and ladies are traditionally invited to ask at the bar for a look. The pub sits directly opposite Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, and has long been the natural gathering point for musicians, concert-goers, and the city's creative community. Paul McCartney performed here as a young musician, and returned in 2018 for an impromptu set as part of the Carpool Karaoke series with James Corden. The building is also dog friendly.

The kitchen serves classic British pub food with Nicholson's trademark focus on handcrafted pies, alongside a carefully chosen range of cask ales including Nicholson's Pale Ale brewed by St Austell Brewery, rotating guest ales, and an extensive gin and whisky selection. Buffet and tailored event menus are available for private hire.

Hope Street sits at the heart of Liverpool's cultural quarter, midway between the city's two cathedrals and a short walk from the Everyman Theatre, the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Liverpool Central station is approximately 0.4 miles away and Liverpool Lime Street is 0.5 miles. Free on-site parking is available, and the Liverpool Philharmonic Car Park on Caledonia Street is 0.1 miles away.