People are in "awe" of the stunning revamp of The Vines after it re-opened this week.
The iconic Lime Street-based pub The Vines closed its doors in mid-February to undergo a revamp. The pub was recently bought by The 1936 Pub Company which owns a number of venues across the city including Lark Lane's The Green Man and The Red Lion on Slater Street.
On Wednesday The Vines, affectionately known as "The Big House", re-opened and the ECHO visited the pub to see it's dramatic makeover.
READ MORE: Photos show stunning revamp of iconic city centre pub The Vines
Large fan-leaved plants and intricate lamps give the space a Great Gatsby-esque feel. The seating in the booths has been stripped of their faded fabric and replaced by plush leather seats, and the fires are stocked with wood so people can enjoy a cosy pint while we wait for the weather to warm up.
On its opening a spokesperson for the pub told the ECHO said: “We’ve put a lot of love and care into rejuvenating it as authentically as possible.
"Feedback from the first few dozen customers was really heartening.
"People were in awe of the Edwardian decor after it being hidden for decades. The cask ales are absolutely flying out as expected, and the cocktails will probably take precedence later in the evening.
“People were walking around as if it were a National Trust site taking photographs.”
The pub has stood on the corner of Lime Street and Copperas Hill since 1867. It was taken over by the Walkers, owners of the Warrington brewing family and founders of the Walker Art Gallery, who commissioned it to be rebuilt in its current ornate style in 1907.
The pub was first opened in 1867, and was taken on by The Walkers, who own Warrington brewing family and are founders of The Walker Art Gallery, who decided it be rebuilt in its current design in 1907. The pub was known for its cask ales, billiard room and its grand Edwardian hall.
Architect Walter Thomas, who designed the Philharmonic Dining Rooms, rebuilt the venue, keeping much of its classic late Victorian interior. It is a Grade 2* listed building, meaning it is of special interest and people are making every effort to preserve it.
In a previous interview with The Echo, The 1936 Pub Group said: "The city once was home to the finest gin palaces and public houses in the world, and still has a number of noteworthy and historic pubs, but it is our aim to play a role in restocking the city with great examples of vintage British public houses and reverse a tide that has seen multiple pub closures down the decades."
The pub, which also has outdoor seating available as summer approaches, stocks high end rare whiskeys and a quality wine cellar.
It also features a mesmerising grand Edwardian Hall which boasts an authentic ‘gin palace’ style cocktail bar.
On the ECHO website people celebrated the pub's re-opening and recalled fond memories of previous visits there.
Ellie Mac said: "Outstanding refurb. So beautiful I remember The Vines/The Big House to be the start of our nights in Town. A regular meeting place. Always crowded but I loved the atmosphere."
Bobby Summers wrote: "Looks amazing. A nice bit of class."
And Pam Webb added: "Wow looks fantastic. Amazing transformation with a lot of original features."
Others, including Julie Redican were happy that the pub's character had been kept during the refurbishment.
She wrote on the ECHO Facebook page: "Gorgeous. Made up they kept the original features & worked with them instead of gutting the place. It looks brill!
And Jo Sant added: "I’m so made up they’ve improved and not destroyed it! Looks great!"
Another who had fond memories of the building was previous employee Marg Dowsett who wrote: "I worked there after it's first restoration in the late seventies.
"Head barmaid for the zodiac bar and the picture room.
"One of the best jobs ever...and boy did you have to be fast on your high heeled feet....top boss wonderful clientele stunning surroundings....known still though at that time as The Big 'Ouse."
Leave your fond memories of The Vines in the comment section below
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