The Excelsior pub, in Liverpool’s city centre, has reopened to the public following a £200k investment with leading pub company Punch Pubs & Co.
The traditional pub, locally renowned for its refreshing pints of cask ale and live sport, recently underwent a major transformation. After a four-week closure, it has reopened and is back bigger and better than ever before.
Gary O’Donnell, the proud Management Partner, who has been at the helm of the pub since 2018, is thrilled with the results of his new look pub. He said: “This investment has given The Excelsior a new lease of life, which our guests are loving already. It certainly felt like we were ready to change things up a little, and having tried lots of different things over the years, I feel like we’ve hit the right balance with our new offer – all thanks to this investment.”
The extensive investment has not only transformed the appearance of the traditional pub, but it has also included a major refurbishment of its main feature, the bar. By constructing a fourth side to the bar, carefully designed to match the existing sides, Gary has expanded his drinks offering to guests with an additional dispense point, allowing them to enjoy the new atmosphere and have a drink with friends and family for longer.
Apart from the new bar feature, the interior of The Excelsior has been entirely renovated. While preserving the pub’s rich history and traditional charm, the new aesthetics include soothing shades of green and patterned wallpapers to identify different areas within the pub. And, in keeping with its heritage, the fixtures, fittings, and bric-a-brac have been thoughtfully chosen to reflect the pub’s sailing origins.
Having been open for a couple of weeks, Gary says guests are loving the new-look pub, and were thrilled to have the doors to their local back open. He continued: “I’ve always prided myself on the fact that this is very much a locals’ pub. Despite being in the city centre, we’ve built an incredibly loyal guest base who are very much a part of our family. I’m always honoured that people choose to spend their time with us and make memories here, and it’s been great to hear and see so many people celebrate our return.”
An Everton hotspot, The Excelsior has long been popular, not just with football fans but all sports lovers, who can kick back and enjoy the beautiful game, enjoy a darts friendly or have front row seats to the boxing. Homing in on its popular association with sport, the addition of a brand-new darts board has also been a hit with guests.
Aside from aesthetic and decorative changes, the investment also involved the removal of the pub’s redundant kitchen, a decision made following the trial of various food offerings before Gary and the team settled on doing what they do best – providing an exceptional range of drinks with an unmatched atmosphere.
The Excelsior isn’t just popular for its sports coverage and wide selection of cask ales. It’s also a local favourite for its Spoken Word and comedy nights – unique events that have become a staple in the pub’s monthly calendar. With the additional space created through recent investment, Gary and the team are excited to expand their live music offerings and welcome even more guests – just in time for the opening of Everton’s brand-new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
Website: The Excelsior – Our Local Pub
Photography: Nick Short Photography