Former gin palace re-opens

One of Liverpool's original gin palaces and now a landmark city centre pub has re-opened following a major refurbishment. Despite the trend for pubs...

One of Liverpool's original gin palaces and now a landmark city centre pub has re-opened following a major refurbishment.

Despite the trend for pubs to be given a modern twist, the Grade-II listed Crown on Lime Street has been taken back to it original glory by owners Mitchells & Butlers.

Work done on the building over a three-month period includes re-slating parts of the roof, repairs to the masonry, repainting the exterior of the building and intricate gilding to the pub's striking lettering.

New external lighting has also been installed on the first floor of the building meaning the pub's exterior will be drenched in light.

The pub has also undergone extensive internal renovation including new carpets and furniture. The bar area has been transformed with a polished oak floor and detailed gilding on the ceiling, for which the pub is famous for.

Stewart Hemus, manager of The Crown said: "I've been running the pub for just under nine years and I'm delighted that such a historic pub, right in the heart of Liverpool, has been so beautifully restored and preserved for many years to come.

"So much hard work has gone into refurbishing and renovating the pub and the results are fantastic.

"It is a fitting tribute to everyone involved that a pub that is part of the fabric of the city has been restored whilst we all celebrate Liverpool's place as the Capital of Culture."