81 Lime Street
City Centre
Liverpool
L1 1JQ

Traditional Town Pub, 3* Heritage Pub

The Vines is one of the most spectacular pubs, outside and inside, anywhere in the country. It was built in 1907 for the Robert Cain Brewery and was designed by architect Walter W. Thomas who was also responsible for the equally spectacular Philharmonic just half a mile away.

The Vines has a monumental sandstone and polished granite exterior with a tall round corner tower and a huge clock on a gable (photos 1 & 2). The showpiece interior has a series of ornate rooms with sumptuous high quality fittings. The room on the right is the public bar with mahogany panelled walls and bar counter, and an elaborate plasterwork ceiling. The next room is the lounge with more wood panelling and plasterwork, a mosaic tiled floor and a copper fronted bar counter. The fireplace here has a marble and copper back with carved wooden female figures on each side (photo 3).

Carry on through to the lavish smoke room with its booths separated by wood and glass screens and plasterwork by sculptor Walter Gilbert (photo 5). The fireplace in here is even more extravagant than that in the lounge, with a black marble and copper hearth topped with a panel depicting Viking ships (photo 4). Right at the back of the pub is the enormous “Heritage Suite” with mahogany panelled walls, chandeliers, a large oval stained glass skylight and a bar counter with an imposing mirrored bar back (photos 6 & 7). Like the “Grande Lounge” in the Philharmonic, this was once a billiards room.

The Vines is known locally as “The Big House” and if you’re visiting the city it’s just a short walk from Lime Street Station. Real ale was reintroduced in 2023 and usually includes Titanic Plum Porter, Taylors Landlord and one or more beers from Ossett Brewery. Food is pies and platters.

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