St Peter's Tavern, a Liverpool city centre pub located on Seel Street, has been named champion in the Conversion to Pub Use category at CAMRA’s Pub Design Awards. The pub, which opened in November 2024, transformed a deconsecrated Roman Catholic church built in 1788 into a thriving public house.
Conversion Details and Design
Owners 1936 Pubco described the conversion of St Peter's Tavern as their greatest challenge to date. The project involved opening up the spectacular galleried interior and restoring historic features and the façade. A 20-metre-long bar counter was introduced, made from recycled courthouse furniture. New pew seating, glazing, and bespoke mirrors were added, along with a courtyard garden.
The pub was named joint winner with the Blue Stoops in Kensington, London. CAMRA’s Pub Design Awards celebrate the UK’s best-looking pubs that have been lovingly revamped, refurbished, or ambitiously converted, making a real difference to their local community.
Industry Recognition and Community Impact
Andrew Davison, chair of the Pub Design Awards judging panel, said: "Despite the increasing pressure on the hospitality industry, people are still prepared to invest time, money and energy into pubs and bars. The Pub Design Awards recognise the extraordinary amount of effort, the imagination and design, plus high-quality craftsmanship which have gone into all of these projects. In these troubled times, the pub still has a key role to play in our communities, and those who are working to conserve, repair and renovate them should rightfully be applauded."
Awards committee chair Shelly Bentley added: "From striking Art Deco wonders to inviting street corner locals, there are some beautiful pubs across the UK. Next time you are enjoying a pint, take a second to marvel at the skill involved in making these stunning spaces. In these difficult times for the industry, it is always heartening to see just how much people care about pubs. From volunteering to help renovate your local, to architects undergoing full-on conservation projects, it all means future generations can enjoy them too."
