Time at the bar: Old pubs in Liverpool

The Denbigh Castle is a characterful pub on Hawkins Hey, one of Liverpool’s most distinctive streets. Dating from 1815, the pub has come full circle, starting out as The Denbigh Castle before trying a few different names then reverting back to the original in 2020 when it was refurbished by the current licensees.

Doctor Duncan’s is named after Britain’s first Medical Health Officer, William Henry Duncan, who was born and raised in Liverpool. Its ornate, beautifully tiled interior makes it one of the North West’s most gorgeous pubs.

Ma Boyles, a self-described ‘ale house and eatery’, has been around in various guises since the mid 19th century. As such, it’s become a bit of an institution in this part of the city.

This impressively ornate pub was built over 120 years ago and stands proudly on the corner of Hope Street. The Philharmonic splits off into separate rooms, each more show-stopping than the next.

The Ship & Mitre is an imposing pub with some lovely Art Deco touches both inside and out. There are stained glass skylights, polished wood and the bar reminds you of a ship – albeit one with 42 draught beers on board.

Ye Hole In Ye Wall is not, as you might imagine, an ancient times ATM, but it is Liverpool’s oldest pub, dating from 1726. There’s a definite sense of history but one that hasn’t been beautifully refurbished; it’s still very much a boozer.