Rigby’s Public House

Reputedly Liverpool’s oldest hostelry, Rigby’s (or more correctly, Thomas Rigby’s) is a large pub close to Moorfields station. Built in 1726 and Grade-​II listed, it is said that Nelson once ordered sherry here. The Nelson room is named after him to commemorate the fact (though the thought of Nelson drinking sherry rather spoils my image of one of our national heroes. Maybe he drank it in pints?).
If you are expecting an ancient-​looking building with authentic timbered roofs, however, you will be disappointed. Liverpool was a wealthy city by the 1700s, and this grand five storey building reflects a number of redevelopments — most of the present structure in fact dates from the 1920s. Only the small covered roadway at the side indicates that this was once a traditional coaching inn.
The main bar area is a bit cavernous, but the two lounges either side are more cosy, and decorated in best tudorbethan style. The main reason for a visit is the unusual selection of real ales, featuring offerings from microbreweries and Okell’s, from the Isle of Man. It also has a reputation for good pub food, although I’ve not eaten here. It gets very busy indeed at week-​ends, but is rather calmer during the week, with a slightly older clientele.
The only downer for me was that, at the end of a Saturday night, the Gentelmen’s toilets were, well, in need of cleaning, so only four stars.