Ye Hole in Ye Wall
Hackins Hey pub claiming to be Liverpool's oldest, since 1726
Ye Hole in Ye Wall is a traditional pub at 4 Hackins Hey, off Dale Street in Liverpool's commercial district, which describes itself as Liverpool's oldest pub, trading since 1726. Its interior dates largely from a 1930s refit, and its beer cellar sits unusually on the first floor, above the bar.
- Address
- 4 Hackins Hey, Liverpool, L2 2AW
- Cuisine
- Traditional pub
- Established
- 1726
- Building
- Ye Hole in Ye Wall
- Built
- 1726 (claimed); interior refitted 1930s
- Nearest station
- Moorfields
A 1930s interior in an old Hackins Hey pub
Ye Hole in Ye Wall stands on Hackins Hey, a narrow passage off Dale Street, and the pub itself claims to have been serving since 1726. CAMRA's heritage survey describes an inter-war interior from a 1930s refit: leaded screens divide the seating, the lower parts of the screens and the wall panelling are 1930s work, with upper sections restored around 1984, and the bar-back is largely original. Other details include a marble counter top, a copper-panelled counter front, a copper fireplace hood, a working bell-box with three indicators and a leather-studded telephone booth.
The beer cellar is on the first floor rather than below ground. CAMRA suggests this may be because the pub was built on land used as a burial ground for a Quaker meeting house; the beer is served by gravity from above through handpumps.
The pub remained men-only until the Sex Discrimination Act came into force, and CAMRA records it as one of the last pubs in Liverpool to admit women, in 1977. The building is not listed, but CAMRA rates the interior two stars on its National Inventory.
- Mon–Sat
- 12:00–23:00
- Sun
- 12:00–22:30
Good to know
Is Ye Hole in Ye Wall Liverpool's oldest pub?
The pub describes itself as Liverpool's oldest, serving since 1726; its present interior dates largely from the 1930s.
Why is the cellar upstairs?
The cellar is on the first floor, possibly because the pub was built on a former Quaker burial ground; beer is served by gravity through handpumps.
When were women first admitted?
CAMRA records that it was one of the last pubs in the city to admit women, in 1977.
Does Ye Hole in Ye Wall serve food?
CAMRA lists lunchtime baguettes; the pub does not take bookings.
