It was open for over 30 years
The second dining room, showing the band platform and parquetry dance floor at the Royal Restaurant in Hanover Street, Liverpool. December 1958(Image: Mirrorpix)
Fascinating images offer a glimpse inside a lost Liverpool restaurant, once loved for its popular cabaret and dinner dances. Located at 68 Hanover Street in Liverpool city centre, many people will remember The Royal Restaurant.
According to an old Liverpool ECHO advertisement, the restaurant and café opened its doors on October 19, 1942, offering continental cuisine and afternoon teas. And for the next three decades, it saw many local musicians, stars and performers pass through its doors, as well as many customers.
Over a decade after establishing itself in the city, the venue has a huge refurbishment. And rare photos, courtesy of our archive, Mirrorpix, capture what life was inside the venue at that time, as well as a number of staff members in the kitchen.
Taken in December 1958, you can see the second dining room, showing the band platform and parquetry dance floor at the Royal Restaurant. Another image also shows head chef, Mr Marius Michea, with the under chef, Mr William Mills.
At the time, the ECHO reported: “A new venture in theatre cabaret at dinner-dances in the city is being inaugurated this evening by the Royal Restaurant in Hanover Street, Liverpool, which has undergone a major internal reconstruction in the last two months at a cost of £10,000.” The man behind the new enterprise, Mr R I Roberts, said: “There is nothing nicer outside of London.
Royal Restaurant, Hanover Street, Liverpool. Head chef, Mr Marius Michea with the under chef, Mr William Mills. December 1958(Image: Mirrorpix)
“As for the cabaret, no artist will be engaged unless he is a star in his own right. We shall be paying up to £200 a week for the right kind of performers.”
Inside, the restaurant was described as a “continental setting of contrasting colours,” with red carpets, large wall mirrors in gold frames and subdued lights. In the main two rooms, 200 people could be seated and there was also a dining broom for private functions, accommodating 32 people.
The article continues: “Those who may be revisiting the Royal since the alterations started will find the main entrance has been entirely reshaped and improved, and there are now three attractive windows, in which are displayed a variety of goods for sale, including chocolates, perfume.” Many will remember the restaurant as seen in these historic images, or have their own memories of visiting in years gone by.
By September 1974, an ECHO advertisement shows the venue was still operating, offering cabaret every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, as well as Wine, Dine and Dance. A large private suite was also available to book for a wedding reception.
But not long after, the restaurant closed its doors for good. On December 12 that year, another ECHO ad stated that the then manager, Mr Ciro Cecchini, was moving to work at La Bussola on Bold Street, “following the closure of the Royal Restaurant in Hanover Street.
Today, venues O’Neills and Popworld call 68 Hanover Street home. But many will still remember the Royal Restaurant which was open for decades.