It's a Liverpool institution that was a favourite hangout of The Beatles. Now, the Philharmonic Dining Rooms has become the first Victorian-era English pub to be given Grade I listed status.

Its art nouveau entrance gates are considered to be among the finest of their style in England
Its art nouveau entrance gates are considered to be among the finest of their style in England AFP / Paul ELLIS

"The Phil", as it's known in the city, was built in 1898 by architect Walter W Thomas during the "golden age" of pub building in the 19th century.

Ornate plasterwork, detailed stained glass, and mahogany fireplaces surround the horseshoe-shaped bar
Ornate plasterwork, detailed stained glass, and mahogany fireplaces surround the horseshoe-shaped bar AFP / PAUL ELLIS

The venue, opposite the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall concert venue, is notable for its exuberant grand stone exterior and richly decorated interior.

The pub's exterior boasts obelisk finials, tall chimney stacks, turrets and a balustraded balcony
The pub's exterior boasts obelisk finials, tall chimney stacks, turrets and a balustraded balcony AFP / PAUL ELLIS

John Lennon once complained that the worst thing about being in The Beatles was "not being able to have a pint in the Phil".

Landlord Eamonn Lavin said the listing was a 'real honour'
Landlord Eamonn Lavin said the listing was a 'real honour' AFP / Paul ELLIS

Band-mate Paul McCartney returned to the city where the band made their name and surprised drinkers with an impromptu show there in 2018.

Landlord Eamonn Lavin said it would be 'the icing on the cake' for tourists to experience a Grade I listed pub
Landlord Eamonn Lavin said it would be 'the icing on the cake' for tourists to experience a Grade I listed pub AFP / Paul ELLIS

The pub, Grade II listed since 1955, now joins other architectural gems such as Buckingham Palace and Chatsworth House after Historic England upgraded it to a top-ranking Grade I.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, called the Phil a remarkable survivor from the Victorian era.

The Philharmonic Dining Rooms in Liverpool has been recognised for its ornate architecture, including lavish mosaics and stained glass windows, becoming the first purpose-built pub to be given Grade 1 Listed status.
The Philharmonic Dining Rooms in Liverpool has been recognised for its ornate architecture, including lavish mosaics and stained glass windows, becoming the first purpose-built pub to be given Grade 1 Listed status. AFPTV / Paul BARKER

The listing "will help maintain and preserve its outstanding interior fittings and exterior fabric for the future", he added

The pub's exterior boasts obelisk finials, tall chimney stacks, turrets and a balustraded balcony around the second floor.

Its art nouveau entrance gates are considered to be among the finest of their style in England.

Inside, ornate plasterwork, detailed stained glass, and mahogany fireplaces surround the horseshoe-shaped bar.

Landlord Eamonn Lavin said the new listing was a "real honour".

"We got people from all over the world -- Japan, America, France, everywhere, Europe -- and they all come in just to see the building and sample some of the beers and drink," he told AFP.

"So it's got real rich history as well. And Liverpool is a city that's quite interesting anyway. So, this is just the icing on the cake for tourists really."

Japan United kingdom