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A cosy traditional pub housed in a Grade II listed terraced building, the ‘Volly’ as it is locally known, still provides a table service and quiet area in the lounge, to enjoy your pint. Nestling in the back streets of Waterloo, the pub itself dates back to 1871 and, until the 1980s, was owned by Higsons, evidence of which can be seen etched into it's fine windows. As of 2024, is run by Liverpool Brewing Company and expect to find two of their beers on sale.
Historic Interest
Grade II Public house, formerly a house of c.1820s converted into a public house c.1871, remodelled in 1924. Rendered brick (painted cream), stone dressings (painted green), slate roof, end stacks, 2-storeys plus attic. The Volunteer Canteen is believed to have started life as a house in the 1820s. It was later converted into a public house c.1871 by Richard Waddington, beer seller, and was known as the Canteen Vaults. By 1903 the pub's name had changed to The Volunteer Canteen, which is believed to derive from the use of the former neighbouring chapel as a drill hall during the Boer War.
Three star - A pub interior of outstanding national historic importance
Listed status: II
The pub was established here in 1871 and its interior was remodeled in 1924 by Higsons of Toxteth, whose name lives on in the window glass. There have been few major changes since. A central doorway leads into a panelled corridor on the right of which is an opening into the servery. On either side are service hatches with glazed panels above. On the left side of the corridor is a broad archway which seems original to 1924 and opens into the lounge. The bell-pushes were regrettably removed quite recently but this is still a rare example of a pub where customers can be served at their tables (except at busy times, of course). The cupboards and rather crude mirrorwork on the rear wall are modern work, although the fire surround and seating are evidently of the 1920s. The toilets retain their 1924 doors, each labelled with the appropriate gender in the glazing.
The Waterloo Canteen is a Victorian terraced building dating from 1827 and has been used as a pub since 1871. It had a major refurbishment by Higsons Brewery in 1924 since when there have been few structural changes. The right-hand door leads into the public bar which retains its bar counter and bar-back and also a ‘Higson’s Ales’ etched window. The public bar counter has a new top and a modern pot shelf with brass columns has been added to it. The central entrance leads into a fully panelled corridor. The inner door has a decorative etched and frosted window with 'Trade Mark Excellence' and three pigs' heads on it. The short passage before the arched opening has fielded panelled walls. The servery on the right is behind a glazed screen which has a central staff doorway and a low hatch counter each side. Above the hatches are three leaded panels. At the end of the charming lobby are the toilets with their original doors specifying the appropriate gender in etched and frosted glass in the doors
Left of the corridor is a wide arch, which seems contemporary with the rest and has panelling on the interior. This leads into the snug lounge with fixed bench seating front and rear, and front windows with 'Trade Mark Excellence', 'Higsons', and 'Trade Mark Excellence' etched and frosted glass. In the lounge there is a modern, centrally placed tiled and wood surround fireplace. Both rooms have bookshelves and trophy cabinets, thought to date from the end years of Higson's ownership i.e. 1980s. Until recently there were bell-pushes lounge to attract waiter service, which is still practised today – one of only a handful of pubs still to offer this dying aspect of pub life. Nowadays, customers sit down and the staff will come over and take orders (except at busy times, of course) – regulars will call out the name of the barman/barmaid. The barman/barmaid will also look to take extra orders when collecting glasses and your glass is low or empty. Statutorily listed in 2010 following a successful application by CAMRA.
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This Pub serves 3 changing beers and 0 regular beers.
Volunteer Canteen, Liverpool
Changing beers typically include: Liverpool Brewing Company (varies) , Liverpool Brewing Company (varies)
Source: Local
Garden
Dog Friendly
Games
Separate Bar
Wi Fi
Real Ale
Real Heritage Pub
LocAle
Quiet
Love Cask Beer?
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