Rare photos unseen for years capture life inside a Liverpool pub when it was still open under its original name 39 years ago.
Famed for its independent restaurants, bars and shops – decades ago, Lark Lane was in many ways different to how we know it today. In the past, the popular destination was home to tobacconists, dress makers and boot repairers before a period of transformation saw new bars and restaurants pop up.
At one point, many will remember when the South Liverpool area had only two public houses in the early 70s – The Albert, which still exists today under that name, and The Masonic. For a long time, they were the only drinking places until Keith's Wine Bar opened in 1979.
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The ECHO previously reported the fascinating history of how The Masonic Hotel was in operation in the 1800s on Lark Lane. It was once partially used for an entirely different purpose – as a mortuary.
Reports from the time suggest the original Masonic Hotel was on the same site of The Masonic generations came to know, which is now home to The Lodge. But these rare photos, which have been tucked away in our archives for years, offer a glimpse into life at the pub and people who worked there nearly 40 years ago.
Courtesy of our archives, Mirrorpix, these photographs were taken back in 1985 and are bound to stir some memories. They were also taken during the same decade the pub scooped a prestigious ECHO Pub of the Year award.
One image, taken in August that year, shows landlady Ruth Heague and husband Freddie pictured with staff at the time raising a glass. All wearing white t-shirts, you may recognise a former colleague or member of staff.
What are your memories of The Masonic on Lark Lane? Let us know in the comments section below.
Another image inside the pub taken that same year was when Tetley's Liverpool offshoot, Peter Walker, chose The Masonic Pub, Lark Lane as its newest outlet in the North-West. Toasting the first barrel at the Masonic are Richard Lovegrove, of Peter Walker, Ruth Heague, the licensee, and Peter Campbell, the Peter Walker area manager.
Welcoming generations, many from the area and beyond will remember socialising there and popping in for a pint or two. But fast-forward to the 00s, the site was regenerated into a trendy new drink spot by the Korova Group. It became known as Negresco, before it closed in July 2009.
Today, the pub is home to The Lodge and continues to welcome many customers through its doors every week. But many will still hold fond memories of the changing face of Lark Lane and the days of The Masonic pub.
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