Lion Tavern roars into new era
ONE of Liverpool’s oldest and most historic pubs is roaring into a new era after changing hands.
Business partners Michael Black and Sean Porter have bought the Lion Tavern, which is on the corner of Moorfields and Tithebarn Street, with the help of a £65,000 European Investment Bank loan from NatWest.
The Lion was built in 1841 and is named after the Lion steam engine that ran with Stephenson’s rocket on the Liverpool to Manchester railway line.
The new owners will take active roles in the day to day running of the pub. Mr
Porter holds a personal license after a 20 year career in the hotel and pub sector and becomes the Lion’s new licensee.
The tavern’s original site was extended in 1914 after Liverpool brewer Robert Cain bought the pub next door and joined the two together.
The building’s historical significance is recognised by a Grade Two listing with English Heritage, one of just 200 pubs across the UK to have this status.
Michael Black, the Lion Tavern’s new owner said: “The Lion is one of the finest Victorian pubs remaining in Liverpool today and continues to be successful at a time when so many other pubs are struggling.
“The sale attracted a lot of interested parties and we are very happy to have finalised an agreement to buy the pub.
“Our approach will be to build on the traditions of the pub by ensuring customers receive a warm welcome along with good food and drink.”
Barrie Keeble, business development manager at NatWest, added: “The Lion has a great history and under its new owners it should remain a great pub for many more years to come.”
