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Submitted on Friday, 24^th January 2020
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Philharmonic Dining Rooms, Liverpool

36 Hope Street
Liverpool
L1 9BX

Correct details

Pub Type

Nicholsons (Mitchells & Butlers)

Served areas

Liverpool Central

Reviews of Philharmonic Dining Rooms (Average Rating: 8 of 10) Add Review see review guidelines

Rob Hunter left this review about Philharmonic Dining Rooms

It's been almost 10 years since I visited the Philharmonic Dining Rooms, so figured it was time to refresh my memory on a recent trip to Liverpool. I seem to recall my previous visit was a Saturday evening and it was very busy; by contrast my visit in July this year was on a Friday at around 11:30am and it was much quieter, which allowed a bit more opportunity to appreciate the place. A few customers in but plenty of tables available and no queue at the bar.

There were about 8 hand pulls but some were unclipped and two were "coming soon" - those remaining were not too interesting although they did have Rosie's Pig Rhubarb clipped. Several keg options, nothing too wild but I had a Wiper & True Kiwi Lilt, which was certainly acceptable, albeit a little eye watering at £3.45 or £3.65 for a half.

For me, this is somewhere you come for the experience of the building rather than for the beer, and on that basis it may well be another ten years before I return.

On 17^th September 2026 - rating: 6
[User has posted 1004 recommendations about 751 pubs]

Will Larter left this review about Philharmonic Dining Rooms

I've been here before and wasn't as impressed as I wanted to be. Since then there has been an acclaimed restoration and I have to say it's looking magnificent. Beer first: lots of beers on the two sets of hand pumps, one or two "coming soon" and a similar number identifiably Christmas beers. I queried this with my very friendly, helpful and informative server, and he confirmed that it wasn't that they weren't busy, more a case of over-ordering. I finally spotted Black Sheep Best on the final hand pump and quickly recovered from being charged £3.05 for a half (NBSS 3.5) and turned around to look for somewhere to sit. The room on the left, with "Brahms" above the door, was a little busy, so I tried the room on the right and found a table near the door. The window in here is beautiful, as is the fireplace and surround; above it is a portrait of a 19th century composer - of course, it's Liszt. (I ducked back through the doorway to confirm his name above it.) Despite the beauty of this building, I wouldn't make a point of coming here every time I visit Liverpool. When all's said and done it's just a Nicholson's pub in a glorious building.

On 11^th January 2026 - rating: 8
[User has posted 4910 recommendations about 4493 pubs]

Please Note: This review is over a year old.

Strongers . left this review about Philharmonic Dining Rooms

The Philharmonic Dining Rooms has been on my visit list for many years so I was pleased to call in on a recent weekday evening when there were hardly any other customers, which surprised me a little. The ornate black and gold gate at the entrance hints at what is to be expected inside, and it doesn’t disappoint. I could right pages on the interior, but I think it’s best to just go have a look for yourself if you’ve not been. The circular island bar supports two banks of five hand pumps that were drawing an offering from Purity Brewing, Old Peculiar, Stroud Brewery’s Tom Long, Wainwright Gold, Black Sheep, Stewart’s Edinburgh Black Stout, Laine’s Doublon and St Austell’s Tribute. Standard and premium keg were also available from the two friendly barmen. I did think that the dance music in the background detracted somewhat from the splendour of the building. I made sure to have a bulging bladder so that I could check out the toilets, but I wasn’t that impressed if I’m honest, they could certainly do with a scrub to get the black mould off the urinals. The actual pub though is well worth a look and I’ll pop back in next time I’m in the area.

On 21^st March 2025 - rating: 8
[User has posted 6826 recommendations about 6787 pubs]

View more reviews of Philharmonic Dining Rooms (22)

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