The Vines (The Big House), Liverpool

This is the sister pub to the Philharmonic. It's quite ornate on the inside and outside, but is somewhat shabbier than its sister pub. Currently only opens Friday - Sunday 10 - midnight and 3 - 11 on Monday. We called in on a Sunday night and it was alsolutely bouncing. There was a band playing in the rear room and we couldn't get through the door, so we went into the room on the right where another band were setting up. No real ale sadly, so I had a pint of Guinness. As soon as the first band finished the one in our room started up and soon this room was rammed as well. Many of the clientele appear to be slightly dodgy, spiv types and their women, so it's not for us. I'm glad we called in for a look, but we won't be doing it again.

Been in here many times but its just going down hill now

A National Inventory listed pub. Still has no real ale and still only open at weekends. I pop in now and again just to admire the interior and in the hope of seeing a handpump. Hopefully someday Nicholsons might take it over and restore it to its full splender.

Used to have area meetings here when i worked for spirit as a manager like said befor me Full of Edwardian Splendor also know as the big house last time i went it was closed and only opened on a week end but a must to see when opened

Impressive looking pub from the road, with several storeys of sculpted stonework and large etched windows. However, there has been something about the place (or perhaps some of the customers hanging about outside) which has previously put me off entering (particularly on a Friday or Saturday night). This time, I noticed that they open for breakfast and that seemed a good excuse to venture in. Full of Edwardian splendor, much of the rich decoration has survived intact (with just a few things added like the now-defunct smoke extractors). Two largish bars, with a further - and slightly tidier - lounge area to one side. As an Irish establishment, I felt that a pint of Murphys (£2.66) would go best with my fry-up (and it certainly wouldn't be right to drink John Smiths Smooth in such an architecturally interesting place). Overall, like many others, it almost makes you weep that they don't sell any real ale in a pub like this - if only somebody like Nicholsons took this on and did just a little restoration, it could be almost as good as the Philharmonic.

Another of the glorious victorian gin palaces Liverpool excels in and sadly another case of “if only they sold real ale”. It appears to be run by an Irishman so the Guinness is by far the best choice here while you enjoy the décor. Three rooms in the highest Victorian style plus a Heritage Suite which was locked and had a “Smart dress essential” sign, the toilets were also locked, key at the bar, but thank god no dress code for them. Carved wood, marble fireplaces, polished copper including the bar front, and incredible plasterwork in the ceilings, just a pity about the trashy modern floorings. It is on Lime Street but not the worst place to drink there.