Leisure legends take control of iconic Liverpool ‘lock-up’
Business and real-life partners Fiona and Dominic Hornsby, of the Small Hands consultancy, are celebrating today (June 28) after becoming the new operators of The Bridewell.
The iconic pub was originally police cells where world-famous novelist and essayist Charles Dickens once worked as a special constable.
Situated in the city centre’s Campbell Square, the venue was soft-launched to family and friends last night, where many familiar faces from some of the couple’s previous pubs around the region gathered once again.
Fiona and Dominic say they have always been passionate about pubs as the heartbeat of the local community. Fiona said: “The Bridewell, although not an original pub, has an interesting and chequered past as a lock-up and was also used by the US military in WW2.
“The building is so fascinating and has many of its original features which create a unique feel, which grabbed us when we first visited.
“It’s incredibly atmospheric with an open bar area and the privacy and cosiness of the old cells.”
She added: “We wanted to create a traditional pub feel, full of laughs, banter and friends while offering a mix of traditional pub products such as five cask ales alongside some quirky craft and continental beers.
“For example, Kirkstall Virtuous is a great craft beer which is suitable for vegans and GF, as well as some legendary German beers Warsteiner, Krombacher, Erdinger.”
The Guinness Garden
Fiona said: “Guinness had a bottling factory on the nearby Norfolk Street and legend has it that, should friends and family have been detained in the lock-up, staff would bring a bucket of Guinness to bribe the guards to let them out.
“So, of course, Guinness is on the bar. Plus, we’ve also created a sheltered Guinness garden in the courtyard, too … ideal in the current heatwave.”
The Bridewell is also launching a Whisk(e)y Club which will include many fine and rare varieties.
Dominic added: “We’ll be hosting Whiskey Tasting nights as well as Wine Tastings – our list is all vegan, plus beers, ports and sherry on a regular basis.
“Live sports coverage on our state-of-the-art screens will be added, too, before the Premier League football season starts.”
