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Detail Pages
The Old Bank, Liverpool
Waterloo
Postal town: Liverpool
L22 5PE
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 6½ of 10) see review guidelines
Pub SignMan left this review about The Old Bank
This is a large, open-plan pub on the main drag from the station to the beach, occupying what I assume, based on its name, is a former bank. Such bank conversions often tend to yield pretty spectacular, ornate interiors, but this place felt pretty modest and I’m not sure I would’ve recognised it as a former bank had it been given a different name. The interior comprises a large rectangular room, carpeted for the most part, but sporting a nice mosaic tile band around the bar area. Low button backed banquettes fill the front window bay with small stools in support, whilst similar banquettes run down the left-hand wall, accompanied by plush looking chairs. The bar is also to the left and has an attractive counter front with nice, detailed woodworked features, whilst the bar back is a very tall, dark wood affair with mirrors, smart capitals, an integral clock and a bunch of daft beer-themed puns written across the top. Further into the room, a slightly partitioned seating area appears, which offers a degree of privacy from the rest of the room and has access out to the rear patio garden. Some gold trim around the ceiling and a few fancy light fixtures were perhaps the most extravagant features that might just about have hinted at the pub’s former use. A few modern panes throughout the room bear the pub’s name and a couple of TV screens were showing muted At The Races with pop music playing over the top.
There are four handpulls on the bar but three of these were unclipped, leaving a sole cask ale option – Wily Fox Ikarus. I opted for a pint of this, which was served to me by a fairly indifferent barman, and thought it was in decent enough shape. There were only a few other customers in on a Sunday afternoon, making for a quiet, relaxed feel in contrast to the much busier Wetherspoons a few doors down.
This was a nice enough pub, with some comfy seating and an interesting beer in decent condition. The place does feel a little too big and impersonal to be a cosy spot where you might settle down for a session, but as a stop-off when passing through, I thought it did a reasonable job without challenging the area’s top pubs.
Date of visit – 16th July 2023
On 27th December 2023
- rating: 6
[User has posted 3114 recommendations about 3114 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
ROB Camra left this review about The Old Bank
A good looking pub, with lots of wood panelling. Sadly the clientele need a serious refurbishment. Called in with Ms CAMRA and the ffffffing and blinding was appalling. Needless to say when the barmaid had to go down the cellar to change the Guinness we wandered off as well. I had been in here a couple of weeks before when there was no real ale at all. This time there was a Wily Fox beer on, but I still didn't get to taste it. It could be a good pub, but they need to get rid of the scallies.
On 8th August 2022
- rating: 3
[User has posted 3224 recommendations about 3135 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Brainy Pool left this review about The Old Bank
a very nice pub and probably the best on Waterloo high street. A long single room that has the feeling of a mixture ot sports bar and Victorian gin palace. plenty of TV screens plus incredibly cheap real ale at £2.05 a pint ensured the place was very busy for the Liverpool match today. Coach House Gunpowder Mild, Wily Fox Crafty Fox and Hobgoblin the three ales. Worth a visit.
On 14th December 2019
- rating: 8
[User has posted 1058 recommendations about 1023 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Al Bundy left this review about The Old Bank
A single roomed pub that's adorned with Beatles and Liverpool FC memorabilia. A raised stage like area is to your left as you enter with another raised area to the rear. 5 handpumps on the bar dispense 4 real ales plus a cider. I had a Slater's something-or-other. Lots of musical instruments hanging from the ceiling. Pictures of other bands are also dotted around. No Half Man Half Biscuit or Sonic Youth though. Which was disappointing.
On 7th March 2016
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3487 recommendations about 3390 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Real Ale Ray left this review about The Old Bank
Haven't visited this pub for a good few years, so noticed a lot of changes. The pot shelf over the bar has disappeared along with the ornate columns that supported it. The large mirrors and shelving along the back bar have also gone. A lot of the upholstered banquette seating has been ripped out to make way for a small stage. Have to say the new owners are very welcoming, also they serve two George Wright ales as a permanent along with two other guests. I went for the George Wright Longboat and Cheeky Pheasant.
On 23rd June 2013
- rating: 8
[User has posted 3382 recommendations about 3381 pubs]