Liverpool has long been known for having some of the best pubs in the country, from the Philharmonic to Peter Kavanagh's. The city punches well above its weight when it comes to great pubs. In years gone by, pubs, along with schools and churches, served as important meeting points for communities across Liverpool. However, due to a wide range of circumstances, the city has seen the loss of many great pubs over the years. Below, the ECHO has picked some of the most well-loved pubs that we have loved and lost down the years.
From Chinatown to Gateacre
During its heyday in the 1980s, the Nook on Nelson Street in Chinatown was a popular haunt for Liverpool's huge Chinese community. Interestingly, at that time it was the only Chinese pub in Great Britain. It closed for good in 2009 and is currently derelict.
Dating back to the 1700s, for years the Bear and Staff was one of just two pubs on Gateacre Brow that served the local community, alongside the Black Bull. But, it was recently closed before reopening as a Hickory's smokehouse.
While it was once a thriving community pub, the Parrot closed its doors in the late 2000s and in recent years its interior has become exposed due to the building's decay. It lies just opposite where Cilla Black famously grew up.
City centre favourites lost
Located just a stone's throw away from Lime Street station on Roe Street, the Penny Farthing was known for its inexpensive pints. However, since its closure in 2016 it was turned into the Courtyard pub.
The Beehive was a popular city centre drinking spot down the decades but amid the growing retail landscape that surrounded it, it closed in early 2023 when its landlady retired. It is now a sports bar.
Sitting next to University of Liverpool buildings on Oxford Street, The Oxford has been closed since 2007. Known for its lively atmosphere and apparent ghosts, the pub still stands out when driving past today as it remains almost unchanged from the outside.
Student haunts and community pillars
For years the Font on Arrad Street became a popular haunt for generations of university students coming to study in Liverpool. But, in April last year its owners announced that it was no longer "viable".
Opening in 1966, the pub got its unique name from Bootle's twin town in Belgium. Operating for nearly another six decades, the Mons was a pillar of the community and was a popular venue until it closed its doors in June 2024.
Used as a hospital during World War II, the Bootle building later became a popular community pub spread across multiple floors. It has been closed since 2024.
From the Dingle to Toxteth
Found on the corner of Hill Street and Mill Street in the Dingle, the Dick Jennings was a typical community meeting place for generations. It closed in 1999.
Located opposite Moorfields station, Yates's Wine Lodge was part of the Yates's group that still exists to this day. While it now lies empty, during its heyday it was frequented by nearby workers and people enjoying a night-out in town.
Located in Speke, during the mid-1900s it served the thousands living in estates in Speke. However, amid the growing John Lennon Airport it was demolished in 2006.
Just next to the Stanley Abattoir and Meat Market on Prescot Road in Old Swan, it was a popular haunt for its workers and those living by the traditional pub. It is now flats.
Next to the Empire Theatre, the Legs of Man pub was a popular pre-show drinking spot during its heyday. It was also known to be frequented by actors who had been performing at the theatre. It was demolished in 1999.
Originally tied to Higson's Brewery, the Poets' Corner pub was a typical 'local' sitting on Park Hill Road in Toxteth. It closed in 2008.
