aka The Big House. Liverpool. Albert B. Vines opened this pub in 1867. A.B. Walker (see the Walker Art Gallery) took over and hired local architect Walter Thomas (who also worked on the nearby Philharmonic and Crown Hotel pubs) to rebuild the building for the incoming brewer Thomas Cain. It was no doubt an attempt to surpass the opulence of the Philharmonic and the Crown pubs, and I think they did a pretty good job of it!

Note the beautiful baroque exterior with its corner clock tower. Every room is big and luxurious. The Smoke Room is one of the most ornate pub rooms in the country with its ornate mahogany paneling and spectacular ceiling. The two halves of the bar (split between two rooms) are both gorgeous. Pick a room and enjoy a glorious drinking experience!