Pub Heritage Volunteer Canteen
Pub Heritage Group have recently carried out a regrading of Real Heritage Pubs - click here for full details
Merseyside - Liverpool
Three star - A pub interior of exceptional national historic importance
Listed Status: II
45 East StreetLiverpool, Waterloo
L22 8QR
Tel: 07891 407464
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/194157887339434
Real Ale: Yes
Nearby Station: Waterloo (Merseyside)
Station Distance: 400m
Public Transport: Near Railway Station (Waterloo (Merseyside)) and Bus Stop
Bus: Yes
View on: Whatpub
The pub was established here in 1871 and its interior was remodeled in 1924 by Higsons of Toxteth, whose name lives on in the window glass. There have been few major changes since. A central doorway leads into a panelled corridor on the right of which is an opening into the servery. On either side are service hatches with glazed panels above. On the left side of the corridor is a broad archway which seems original to 1924 and opens into the lounge. The bell-pushes were regrettably removed quite recently but this is still a rare example of a pub where customers can be served at their tables (except at busy times, of course). The cupboards and rather crude mirrorwork on the rear wall are modern work, although the fire surround and seating are evidently of the 1920s. The toilets retain their 1924 doors, each labelled with the appropriate gender in the glazing.
The Waterloo Canteen is a Victorian terraced building dating from 1827 and has been used as a pub since 1871. It had a major refurbishment by Higsons Brewery in 1924 since when there have been few structural changes. The right-hand door leads into the public bar which retains its bar counter and bar-back and also a ‘Higson’s Ales’ etched window. The public bar counter has a new top and a modern pot shelf with brass columns has been added to it. The central entrance leads into a fully panelled corridor. The inner door has a decorative etched and frosted window with 'Trade Mark Excellence' and three pigs' heads on it. The short passage before the arched opening has fielded panelled walls. The servery on the right is behind a glazed screen which has a central staff doorway and a low hatch counter each side. Above the hatches are three leaded panels. At the end of the charming lobby are the toilets with their original doors specifying the appropriate gender in etched and frosted glass in the doors
Left of the corridor is a wide arch, which seems contemporary with the rest and has panelling on the interior. This leads into the snug lounge with fixed bench seating front and rear, and front windows with 'Trade Mark Excellence', 'Higsons', and 'Trade Mark Excellence' etched and frosted glass. In the lounge there is a modern, centrally placed tiled and wood surround fireplace. Both rooms have bookshelves and trophy cabinets, thought to date from the end years of Higson's ownership i.e. 1980s. Until recently there were bell-pushes lounge to attract waiter service, which is still practised today – one of only a handful of pubs still to offer this dying aspect of pub life. Nowadays, customers sit down and the staff will come over and take orders (except at busy times, of course) – regulars will call out the name of the barman/barmaid. The barman/barmaid will also look to take extra orders when collecting glasses and your glass is low or empty. Statutorily listed in 2010 following a successful application by CAMRA.
Full Description
Left of the corridor is a wide arch, which seems contemporary with the rest and has panelling on the interior. This leads into the snug lounge with fixed bench seating front and rear, and front windows with 'Trade Mark Excellence', 'Higsons', and 'Trade Mark Excellence' etched and frosted glass. In the lounge there is a modern, centrally placed tiled and wood surround fireplace. Both rooms have bookshelves and trophy cabinets, thought to date from the end years of Higson's ownership i.e. 1980s. Until recently there were bell-pushes lounge to attract waiter service, which is still practised today – one of only a handful of pubs still to offer this dying aspect of pub life. Nowadays, customers sit down and the staff will come over and take orders (except at busy times, of course) – regulars will call out the name of the barman/barmaid. The barman/barmaid will also look to take extra orders when collecting glasses and your glass is low or empty. Statutorily listed in 2010 following a successful application by CAMRA.
