The Philharmonic Dining Rooms: Liverpool’s Grand Pub with a Haunted History
The Philharmonic Dining Rooms, affectionately dubbed “The Phil,” is a Liverpool icon on Hope Street, opened in 1898 during the city’s Victorian boom. Designed by architect Robert Cain for John Houlding, this Grade I listed gem boasts opulent interiors—marble fireplaces, stained glass, and ornate woodwork—that rival a cathedral. Built near the Philharmonic Hall, it catered to concert-goers, sailors, and locals, becoming a symbol of Liverpool’s maritime wealth. Today, it’s a bustling pub, but its lavish past hides tales that suggest some patrons never left, adding a spooky layer to its grandeur.
The Phil’s history reflects Liverpool’s golden age, when shipping and culture thrived. Its mosaic floors and gilded details dazzle visitors, but whispers of eerie encounters have long circulated. From its early days as a high-society haunt to its modern role as a lively watering hole, The Philharmonic Dining Rooms blends Victorian elegance with Liverpool ghost stories that chill the spine.
Alleged Ghost Stories
One tale speaks of The Lady in White, a Victorian woman who frequented The Phil in the 1900s. Dressed in a flowing gown, she was jilted by a sailor lover and drowned her sorrows here before vanishing one stormy night. Staff and patrons report glimpsing her pale figure near the ladies’ restroom—famous for its marble splendor—her reflection flickering in mirrors before fading away. Another story features The Laughing Barman, a jovial worker from the 1920s who died after a fall in the cellar. His hearty chuckle echoes through the bar late at night, and pint glasses are found inexplicably lined up on the counter, as if he’s still serving from beyond. These Liverpool ghost stories make The Phil a must-visit for thrill-seekers.