The Black Horse and Rainbow, Liverpool's newest pub, has announced its opening date for today (July 24) at 3pm. The former Red Door cocktail bar on Berry Street has been transformed into a three-floor pub with a beer garden and terrace.
Background and transformation
Earlier this year, the Red Door management team had revealed ambitions to restore the bar's original lively identity after it gradually evolved into what staff described as more of a “bottle club” atmosphere. An announcement came in May stating the site would close permanently after 11 years.
The premises were acquired by independent hospitality operator DGB Hospitality Group, with plans to launch its ninth Liverpool city centre venue. The Black Horse and Rainbow pub received a £750,000 investment and July opening, though the exact date was not confirmed until today.
Surprise announcement
In a surprise announcement on Instagram, the pub said: “We’re pleased to announce we’ll be opening our doors from 3pm today! We’ve been working really hard behind the scenes to restore this beautiful Victorian pub to its former glory, with the welcome addition of our walled garden in the heart of Liverpool City Centre. So if you’re in the area, pop in and say hello to the lovely team working this weekend.”
Features and concept
The Black Horse and Rainbow boasts two floors and two bars, with a heated terrace, a walled garden, outdoor and indoor screens and private hire spaces. The concept will introduce a different type of pub in the city-centre, utilising its socialising spaces inside and outside, and will continue DGB’s passion for live music in all their venues, with DJs and bands programmed each week.
Comments from DGB Hospitality
Sean Singleton of DGB Hospitality Group previously said: “It’s been a very busy few weeks on site and now we are ready to proudly unveil our latest venue, The Black Horse and Rainbow. It’s a truly historic site in Liverpool and one we have lovingly restored into a classic pub with four main spaces. During the refurbishment we’ve honoured its heritage, bringing back to life many fixtures and fittings which form the building’s past.
“Opening any new site is always exciting, but this project feels particularly special because of the history attached to the truly iconic building and the different names and ownerships it’s had over the decades. We’ve got the opportunity to bring a sense of nostalgia back to the area, whilst still investing heavily into modernisation and the overall guest experience both inside and outside. We’re thrilled to bring the site to new life this summer, and how the beer garden in particular will be a focal point, from drinks in the summer sunshine and BBQs to seasonal activities throughout the year.”
