Standing proudly on Liverpool's historic Albert Dock, The One O'Clock Gun is more than just a waterside pub; it is a reminder of the city's maritime past. Housed within the Grade I-listed Britannia Pavilion, part of the world's first non-combustible warehouse complex, the venue opened in 2021. It sits among the same brick, stone, and cast-iron structures that helped make Liverpool one of Britain's most important ports.
A Name Rooted in History
Named after the cannon that once boomed across the city every afternoon, signalling one o'clock for dock workers, sailors, and residents from 1867 until 1969, the inspiration behind the pub is firmly rooted in Liverpool's history. Today, while the ships and warehouses serve a different purpose, The One O'Clock Gun is a popular stop for visitors and locals looking to enjoy a pint in one of the city's most iconic waterfront locations.
The pub's operations manager, Rob Swift, 36, from Heswall, chatted with the ECHO about breaking into the industry, how customers can support their local, and the importance of giving new visitors to the city a 'Scouse welcome'.
How Did You Get Into the Pub Industry?
'My first ever job was a kitchen porter, but I always had an interest in cocktails from a very young age. My first cocktail bar job was at Alma De Cuba. I’ve been the operations manager at The One O’Clock Gun for around eight months, but I’ve worked for the company for about 10 years. I started as a bartender at Ma Boyles, and then I’ve kind of done everything you can do in a lot of different sites. I like the atmosphere you get from a nice pub or bar. I’ve got a love for pubs like any good Brit.'
What Is the Significance Behind the Pub’s History and Name?
'When you’re walking around the docks, you can see a gun located on the inner quay. It would be fired at 1pm to allow ship's captains and dock workers to synchronise their time pieces. I believe the pub building was originally a leather shop that sold bags and belts, but this is the first time it’s been completely revamped into a pub.'
Best-Selling Drinks and Community Vibe
'We sell a lot of Guinness and Cruzcampo. We’re very pint-heavy. There’s nowhere better than the Albert Dock for a pint on a sunny day. When you look towards the inner quay towards the Tate, and there’s a little gap in the buildings, the sun will come down. There’s nowhere better to sit.'
'We have a few regulars. Our main one is a guy called Tony, who comes in most days and has two Cruzcampos. He’s a lovely fellow who lives close by. The thing with the Albert Dock is that it’s a very touristy spot, so we get a lot of tourism, so it’s really important to us that we show people good Scouse hospitality.'
'A lot of the time, we get visitors where it’s the first time they’ve stepped into a British pub or a Liverpool pub. Sometimes, we get people off the big cruise ships, and we’re the first impression of what Liverpool is like, so we want to be a good introduction for people.'
'Being on the docks, there’s not as much housing around here as there is in a suburb, so we don’t get as many regulars as you would in other pubs, but we still have a few who live around here and come in, and they’re great. We pride ourselves on our hospitality, warmth, and authenticity. Sometimes pubs can feel a bit transactional, but we definitely try to make people feel welcome when they come in by having a chat and providing that old-school kind of hospitality. I think it’s really important nowadays, especially with people not going out as much and having as much disposable income.'
How Can People Support Their Local Pub?
'Just by getting down to them and embracing them. It’s a hard time for hospitality, and we know that people have to choose whether they go out a lot more now. So when you do decide to go down to a pub get involved in the atmosphere, have a chat to the people on the table next to you. Trying to create that community is really important. Also don’t be afraid to try something new, it’s never too late to try a Guinness. That community base is really important. Being a flagship for people entering Liverpool for the first time, we want them to have a good time and see what the city is about, even if it is just a little pint in the pub.'
