The Philharmonic

Reviews

• James F.

  star star star star star 8 June 2026

  My uncle used to go here back in the 1980s I was told.i didn't believe e stories but was more than pleased with the the selection if cask beers and the general cosy feeling of the "snugs" off the main bar. Told it gets really popular before concerts at the Phil .... Maybe next time

• David T.

  star star star star star_border 4 June 2026

  Beautiful pub but confusing to tourists who are unfamiliar with the ordering process at bars that serve food. After being told we could sit downstairs we waited for quite some time for a server. Finally out of sheer thirst my father went to the bar to get a beer and discovered that we place our order there. The food was good, especially the steak and ale pie. We were there just after Graduation for Liverpool university so it was hoping.

• Natalie W.

  star star star star star_border 3 June 2026

  This is a must-visit for the decor alone, although the dimmer switch lighting in the main room isn't always on the most favourable setting. It's large with lots of seating of various types, including in small rooms.
  
  Getting drinks took about 15 mins but food arrived relatively promptly - decent pub grub of bangers and mash and scampi and chips. I didn't fully check out the ale situation but my impression is there's not exactly a load of real ale on cask here but you probably will find something drinkable, even if it's in a can. I had a reasonably priced and drinkable glass of chardonnay.
  
  I really think a trip here, even just for 1 drink, would enhance any visit to Liverpool, so definitely recommend.

• Stuart C.

  star star star star_border star_border 28 May 2026

  Great and interesting venue...place where Paul McCartney played on carpool karaoke...but food was disappointing. I had pumpkin and lentil soup and calamari... calamari was described as lightly dust ... tasted like microwaved, frozen, heavily battered calamari, and the soup was average. Many other menu items were not available. Possibly a bad week being the Christmas/NY fortnight...worth a visit to enjoy a drink in the historic setting.

• Jennifer N.

  star star star star_border star_border 21 May 2026

  My friends and I came to the Philharmonic for a late lunch.  There's a lot to like about this place - the building exterior, the chandeliers that adorn the opulent side rooms, and the overall atmosphere.  It's a really nice place to meet for a meal and/or a drink.
  
  We had booked a table for the early afternoon; it was past the peak lunchtime, so we should have had plenty of time to eat a leisurely meal, then share a few drinks downstairs before going to the movies.
  
  We were seated promptly, and then ordered our food.  This pub is particularly well known for its house-made pies, which are exceptional.  After ordering we waited, and waited, and waited...  It took more than an hour for our food to arrive!  
  
  On the plus side, the food was delicious, and we devoured it completely - like people who had been waiting over an hour for their meal ;-)
  
  The problem here is a dire shortage of wait staff.  The few staffers that were working when we were there were very friendly, and the food is almost worth the wait, but they really need to hire more staff.
  
  I'm rating this place three stars, and will eventually come back; hopefully I'm be able to give them an upgrade.