The Empire pub, a much-loved Liverpool city centre boozer at 70 Hanover Street, has closed its doors, ending more than a century of history at the corner of Hanover Street and Wood Street. The traditional pub, known for real ale, live music and karaoke, had built a loyal following over the years.
Work Underway for November Reopening
When the ECHO visited on Thursday, October 1, construction work was already taking place inside the building, with painting being finished. Workers at the premises said the pub is expected to reopen in November under new ownership. No statement has been issued from the owners regarding the closure.
A History Dating Back to the Dewdrop Inn
The building's history stretches back further than The Empire itself. Before it was reconstructed around 1914, the premises were known as the Dewdrop Inn and had already attracted the attention of Liverpool's police and licensing authorities. A police report from 1892 described the premises as having been "most unsatisfactorily conducted" and claimed officers had repeatedly found large numbers of prostitutes there, although magistrates still renewed the pub's licence.
Around 1914, the building was completely reconstructed and became The Empire, a name it retained for more than a century. Inside, the pub developed a distinctive traditional atmosphere, with vintage posters, photographs linked to the historic Empire Theatre and pictures of famous actors and singers decorating the walls.
Links to Coopers and Future Plans
The Empire also has links to another well-known Liverpool pub, Coopers on Cases Street. During major redevelopment around Clayton Square in the late 1980s, landlord John Hodges ran both venues and introduced live music at The Empire to help attract customers while construction disrupted the surrounding area.
Now, after decades of welcoming Liverpool drinkers, The Empire has closed its doors under its current ownership. The building is expected to reopen in November under new ownership, meaning the historic premises could soon begin another chapter while its long connection with Liverpool's pub scene continues.
