The pub has been recognised as one of the best in Europe and earned a near perfect score from experts
A Liverpool city centre pub has been recognised as one of the best in Europe, with experts praising the “opulent pub interiors” which have been painstakingly “restored and brought back to life”. The Vines, also known as The Big House, is included in The European Bar Guide (EBG)’s list of the best venues to visit in Liverpool, alongside a handful of other city establishments.
Located on Lime Street Street, the bar guide gave the retro pub a score of 8.2 out of a possible 10, scoring it especially highly in the categories dedicated to décor, atmosphere and character. The guide also praised when it came to the choice and quality of drinks, saying: “A strong cask ale selection with options from independent brewers along with familiar, trusty brands. A well stocked back bar for alternatives.”
A description of the pub on the EBG highlighted the incredible interiors and historic charm of this beloved city centre venue. It said: “One of Liverpool’s most opulent pub interiors restored and brought back to life.
“The pub which was rebuilt in 1907 as a Cains brewery tied house is one of the great ‘show pubs’ of the country, and is on the Campaign for Real Ale’s National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors.
“Plasterwork, on the theme of ‘Harvest’, in the smoke-room of the pub was created by sculptor Walter Gilbert 1908. Plasterwork and glass in the other rooms are the work of Henry Gustave Hiller. Look out for the enormous stained glass dome in the billiard room among other standout features.”
It continues: “Aptly known by Liverpool locals as ‘The Big House’, this grand city tavern is an astounding venue keeping the flame burning for the kind of lavish, elaborate and opulent pubs breweries were financing at the time.
“Well preserved, a series of grand rooms each offer artistry and atmosphere of their own, from the stained glass ceiling of the billiard room, to the baroque cherubs in marble relief in the lounge, to the hunting lodge kitsch of the main bar.
“Unlike local competitors this pub has not been dragged down into chain-pub territory either, with some very decent beers from independent breweries and a sense of identity it has retained, a singularity rather than feeling subsumed into part of one template conglomerate. To put it more simply, it’s a damn fine place to go for a drink!”
Last year, The Vines won a prestigious CAMRA pub design award. After its extensive refurbishment the pub was recognised for showcasing the highest standards of architecture and historic conservation. It was named the best in class across the whole of England, taking home the Historic Conservation Award.
A full conservation and refurbishment of the iconic Grade II listed Edwardian pub was praised by CAMRA. The conservation work to the historic gin palace included the restoration of the original 1907 tiling, the stunning stained glass ceiling dome and the intricate theatrical plasterwork.
The judges were said to be incredibly impressed with the high quality of the restoration, which has brought the building back to life as a “spectacular example of historic pub design and craftsmanship.”
CAMRA’s awards director Laura Emson said: “It is only right that the blood, sweat and tears poured into these pubs is celebrated. I would like to raise a glass to all these award-worthy pubs.
“We hope beer-lovers across the country will seek out these breathtaking examples of how beautiful UK pubs can be, if given the appropriate love and care these much-loved establishments truly deserve.”
Chair of the Pub Design Awards judging panel, Andrew Davison, said: “Once again, the Pub Design Awards’ judges have had a hard job in selecting the winners from the entries submitted. Despite the pressures the hospitality industry is under, we are pleased to report that people are still prepared to invest time, money, and resources into conserving their buildings, and upgrading them to meet the latest challenges.
“Our Pub Design Awards recognise the high standards of flair and imagination which have gone into these projects, and the ambitious craftsmanship involved in the repair and conservation work. Despite everything thrown at it, we believe that the pub has a key role to play in our communities, and that it will continue to flourish as an institution. The high quality of the entries for these Awards provides evidence to support that belief.”