Lark Lane Area

[Kev]

Day photees taken today - 28th December 2006

These are only a selection of the many I took today. A link to the whole set is at the bottom of this post:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/142/336315297_be9e6c63a3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/336315297/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/128/336315402_ff1451fc38.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/336315402/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/144/336315101_449c8ab90b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/336315101)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/148/336314984_4b6e4ebf9f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/336314984/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/144/336314466_411979fc87.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/336314466/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/154/336313335_4c9ef0b900.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/336313335/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/162/336312975_507f4fe091.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/336312975/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/154/336311501_025484b629.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/336311501/)

Plenty more here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/sets/72157594444580562/)....

[ChrisGeorge]

Fine photies of a very interesting section of Liverpool, Kev. You should go across Aigburth Road to St. Michael's-in-the-Hamlet as well to get some more great shots. :PDT_Piratz_26:

Chris

[Kev]

Fine photies of a very interesting section of Liverpool, Kev. You should go across Aigburth Road to St. Michael's-in-the-Hamlet as well to get some more great shots. :PDT_Piratz_26:

Chris

Yep, should get there soon.

[MissInformed]

lovely photos Kev.
I love Lark Lane, it has a feel that nowhere else in Liverpool quite has.
It could easily be 1960's when you are in that area...I love it!:)

I would love to know some more history of it though...
Never really seen any old pics...
Only read one little piece about it in a Whittington Egan book..

[ChrisGeorge]

Hi Kev and MissInformed

As I mentioned on another thread, Mrs. Maybrick was imprisoned in the Lark Lane Police Station after her arrest on suspicion of having poisoned husband James Maybrick at their mansion on Riversdale Road. James died at Battlecrease House on May 11, 1889. It is interesting to note, Kev, from the pic of datestone on the police station that you posted, the station was almost brand new when Florence was behind bars there, or at least it was but five years old, having been built in 1884.

Also, good observation, Kev, that the architecture of the Garston and Lark Lane police stations is similar. It occurs to me they might have been built by the same architect or builder who was working for the Liverpool City Police.

Kev, I will also look forward to seeing your St. Michael's pics when you get around to taking them. :celb (23):

Chris

[Max]

Could do some Night LarkLane snaps.

I might do.

[snappel]

You should do. I'd recommend Keiths for a coffee/beer too...

[Oisin Moonchild]

Lark Lane and Garston Police Stations were built by and for the Lancashire County Constabulary under whose jurisdiction in these areas where until 1895 when they came under the city of Liverpool.

Contrary to popular belief Florence Maybrick was not lodged at Lark Lane Police Station after her arrest. She was ill at the time and remained at home until she was transferred to Walton prison. However she was lodged at the station while the inquest was being held at Garston. At the time Heald Street police station had not been built and the Lancashire Constabulary were using premises on St Mary's Road, Garston. These premises still exist they are now a shop known as "Carberry Parts". If you look up to the gable end of the premises you will see a plaque on which is marked "Constabulary station" and the Lancashire symbol of the three Lions. That symbol can also be seen on Lark Lane Police Station and Garston Police Station (Heald Street).

[PhilipG]

Lark Lane and Garston Police Stations were built by and for the Lancashire County Constabulary under whose jurisdiction in these areas where until 1895 when they came under the city of Liverpool.

Contrary to popular belief Florence Maybrick was not lodged at Lark Lane Police Station after her arrest. She was ill at the time and remained at home until she was transferred to Walton prison. However she was lodged at the station while the inquest was being held at Garston. At the time Heald Street police station had not been built and the Lancashire Constabulary were using premises on St Mary's Road, Garston. These premises still exist they are now a shop known as "Carberry Parts". If you look up to the gable end of the premises you will see a plaque on which is marked "Constabulary station" and the Lancashire symbol of the three Lions. That symbol can also be seen on Lark Lane Police Station and Garston Police Station (Heald Street).

Welcome to the forum.
Very interesting about the various places associated with Florence Maybrick.
I'm no expert about the subject, but wasn't the Reading Room in Wellington Street involved in the case?

[Kev]

Hi and welcome :PDT11

[lindylou]

Hello and welcome O M . :)

[Libertarian]

Lark Lane is one of the nicest Bohemian areas of Liverpool.

Love the whole Sefton Park zone there's nowhere in a British city quite like that.

[Max]

You should do. I'd recommend Keiths for a coffee/beer too...

I've been In Keith's a few times, well continental looking place.:PDT11

Lol my dad used to have a second hand furniture shop In Lark Lane when I was a kid, It's now a pub which name I forget, It's opposite the former Masonic.

[naked lilac]

Lark Lane is one of the nicest Bohemian areas of Liverpool.

Love the whole Sefton Park zone there's nowhere in a British city quite like that.

I liked it too... nice place.. good food there too... :handclap:

[PhilipG]

Now painted black, which I think is awful, and it's called 'Negresco', which sounds rather racist to me. :eek:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/210/499329670_b412244eec_o.jpg

[PhilipG]

Which is French for Lark has been renamed.
The Siddeley Street sign has been replaced.
It was one of very few blue street signs in Liverpool, of which two remain off Lark Lane.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/224/499329668_ee895df1d8_o.jpg

[PhilipG]

This is on the side wall of the former Masonic pub.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/225/499371512_8069747ef5_o.jpg

[Max]

Sky Scraper City disagree with you Phil. I had to educate them.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=270255&page=13

[PhilipG]

Sky Scraper City disagree with you Phil. I had to educate them.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=270255&page=13

Thank you, Max.
I never liked going to pubs at weekends.

The Negresco isn't called Alma de Negresco, so I'm not sure now if it's the same firm.
Does anyone know for sure?

[Max]

Yeah the same people who own the Alma De Cuba and Santiago places own Negresco.

http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpooldailypost/news/regionalnews/tm_method=full%26objectid=18817451%26siteid=50061-name_page.html

[PhilipG]

Yeah the same people who own the Alma De Cuba and Santiago places own Negresco.

http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpooldailypost/news/regionalnews/tm_method=full%26objectid=18817451%26siteid=50061-name_page.html

Thanks for confirming that, Max.

Presumably Liverpool City Council have given permission for these alterations.
Unfortunately, I've no confidence in either LCC or English Heritage, as both the Negresco and the former Elephant in Woolton are in Conservation Areas, and the Elephant is even Listed!

I've said it before, and I'l say it again.
City of Culture.
My A*se.

[iain]

Lovely part of town. I lived on Livingstone Ave, off Lark Lane, for a year in my student days. That's when I started biking too cos of the hassle trying to get the bus to uni from there (compared to living on campus the year before that).

[taffy]

Thanks for confirming that, Max.

Presumably Liverpool City Council have given permission for these alterations.
Unfortunately, I've no confidence in either LCC or English Heritage, as both the Negresco and the former Elephant in Woolton are in Conservation Areas, and the Elephant is even Listed!

I've said it before, and I'l say it again.
City of Culture.
My A*se.

Here's how the Masonic used to look

[iain]

That was one of my favourite pubs down there :PDT_Xtremez_12:

[Steven]

That was one of my favourite pubs down there :PDT_Xtremez_12:


It was superb but I loved the Albert:PDT_Aliboronz_24:

[iain]

Hardly went to the Lark Lane pubs actually cos at the time my mates were living up by Smithdown Rd so I always went up to there instead. T'was a great place to live, except trying to get across the racetrack into Sefton Park each day :eek:

[billo]

I lived in a flat off Lark Lane and was there when Kieth's opened. The 25 bus was very good for getting into the city but they stopped that for some strange reason. The Albert was always a favorite place to go, I was shocked as to how run down it was last time I went there some years ago.
I read a book years ago called something like ''film stars don't die in Liverpool'' it was a true story about an aging Hollywood star and was set in and around Lark Lane.
I can also remember Bernard Hill running around in his trendy dungarees when he lived in the Everyman community house on the corner of Waverly Road and Ivanhoe Road.

[PhilipG]

Here's how the Masonic used to look

Thanks for the photo,Taffy.
I suppose the present owners will argue that they only painted what had already been painted!

The actress in "Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool" was Gloria Grahame.

[iain]

Thinking back, I'll take the rose-tinted specs off, the heating didn't work in that place and it was a bluddy cold winter and the landlord couldn't care less (after months of pestering to fix it, he brought us... ... a new microwave :eek::unibrow:)

But apart from cold it was a lovely place

[Max]

The Masonic definately has a better paint job.:PDT_Aliboronz_24:

[PhilipG]

The Masonic definately has a better paint job.:PDT_Aliboronz_24:

Has?

Do you like it as it is now?

Let's have a vote!

[Max]

I said the Masonic had a better paint job.

I would of said Negresgo otherwise.

[Steven]

Hardly went to the Lark Lane pubs actually cos at the time my mates were living up by Smithdown Rd so I always went up to there instead. T'was a great place to live, except trying to get across the racetrack into Sefton Park each day :eek:


You have brought back a few memories. I used to live in Thorneycroft Road off Smithdown. At the end of my street was a pub (we called it the 'Little House') I used to play the 12 string guitar in there and sing, or try to.
Also in the Willow bank, The Woodcroft and the Royal.
The whole of Smithdown road had a superb atmosphere > From the Newstead at the top, to the Vines was a magic trip.:PDT_Aliboronz_24:

[iain]

I still get to the Willow Bank every now and then, and Kelly's Dispensary. Tis a shame so many places going towards town have closed down, not just the pubs but all the shops too

[PhilipG]

I said the Masonic had a better paint job.

I would of said Negresgo otherwise.

:PDT10:)

Whew!

Actually, Max, you said "has", but you've edited it now!

[Max]

Nah, I've kept It as has.:PDT_Aliboronz_24:

[lindylou]

I still get to the Willow Bank every now and then, and Kelly's Dispensary. Tis a shame so many places going towards town have closed down, not just the pubs but all the shops too

We were commenting on this the other day - on how many pubs are closing down. You see loads of them on your travels - boarded up and some completely derelict.
Some pubs which you thought you'd never see disappear have closed.

Wondering why this is happening ?? Is it because not as many are using pubs? I know lots of people are drinking at home now. Could the smoking ban be aggravating the demise? Not bring up the smoking debate again - but I do know of people who are staying at home because of it.

The other reason people are not using local pubs so much is that some main roads have become virtual no-go areas because asbo gangs have commandered the areas and are hanging around in packs. This does make some people think twice about taking a stroll across to their local. :disgust:

[iain]

Probably is to do with that, I've seen more dodgy goings-on at the far end of Smithdown Rd where everywhere's shutting down than the other end.

I suppose it gets itself into a vicious circle too. One or two places close down for whatever reason, the empty buildings get tatty and there's less people in the area so the neighbouring pubs/shops suffer, then they go, etc.

[Kev]

LIVERPOOL star Daniel Agger is set to make his mark in the culinary world after buying two Liverpool restaurants. Read (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2007/09/14/liverpool-fc-star-daniel-agger-buys-two-lark-lane-nightspots-100252-19788153/)

[Max]

Does the Mexican bar he bought actually have any Mexicans In It?

[Soreofhing]

Did I hear Mexico?
I've lived in Mexico for 35 years, wife's Mexican and all my kids were born here.
Tomorrow is Independence Day and after dark the local town centre will be full of thousands of happy people in big Mexican sombreros, blowing horns & hooters, waving flags, dancing, drinking tequila and eating tacos, throwing confetti filled eggs, and real eggs, and bags of flour (especially at people they don't know), and using those ****ed foam aerosols.
The following morning the town will be like a ghost town--everyone tired, and hungover.

[Steven]

Sounds like my kind of place > Gets the next plane out:PDT_Aliboronz_24::handclap::)

[Liverpool_Poet]

don't forget, it's the monthly farmers' market this coming Saturday- 22nd Sept in Lark Lane.

http://www.larklane.com/farmersmarket/

[billo]

It's alway a good one at Lark Lane, as is the Woolton one which is every 2nd Sat. of the month.

[Kev]

Couple settle Amorous Cat bookshop into its third home

Oct 9 2007 (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2007/10/09/) by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolpost/oct2007/4/6/839379FA-987A-721C-C69357A68AA8A6F4.jpg
Amorous Cat Bookshop, Lark Lane......

Lark Lane’s reputation as a bohemian corner of Liverpool has been firmed up with the return of an old favourite. Vicky Anderson has been to find out what it is.

WHILE chain stores offer endless floors of bestsellers, celebrity signings and three-for-twos, it is the image of the cosy second-hand book shop that really captures the affections of those looking for the perfect read.

It’s a dying trade, that much is true – the number of second-hand bookshops in the city can be counted on one hand – but one South Liverpool couple have managed to buck the trend and have re-launched their business.

The Amorous Cat on Lark Lane has re-opened after six years of existing as an on-line resource only.

Proprietors Jan and Ron Sear have moved up and down the lane over the years, but it is only now in retirement that the couple have had the time to set up shop once more.

They say the move has only been possible as they have bought the premises outright, believing it would be impossible for a small business to survive otherwise.

Mrs Sear said: “Because we are older, we are in the position where we can afford to take the risk.

“Our main aim is to sell good literature, encourage children to read, and serve the local community. This place has a lot of potential and we’re just going to see how it goes.”

The couple first opened Lark Lane Books in 1980 before Mr Sear returned to his career in engineering.

It later became The Amorous Cat, for which number 47 is its third home on the same street.

Following Mr Sear’s retirement from full-time work as a lecturer in electronics and computing at Skelmersdale College, they decided to open up once more.

Mrs Sear still works as an English Literature lecturer for the Open University.

The shop’s unusual name holds no great significance to the couple, who say they just pondered words that might have an impact in business.

Stocking more than 12,000 books over two floors, the Sears don’t regret opening again in a time of uncertainty for many other shops of this kind.

“It’s a very bizarre business to say the least,” Mr Sear said with affection.

“It is almost like recycling books.

“People will come in asking for something from their childhood, and that’s what people like buying, nostalgia. That’s something we have that the chains don’t.”

Mrs Sear added: “Part of the beauty of second-hand bookshops is finding the hidden treasures, rather than being told what to read.”

They hope The Amorous Cat will soon host reading and poetry groups as well as a possible late-night opening to appeal to more passers-by.
It is now open from 10.30am to 5.30pm from Wednesday to Saturday and on Sunday afternoons.

[naked lilac]

Looks like a cozy place to browze.. thanks..for the share....
My friend who owns a second- hand bookstore in Oregon, USA.. will love to see this one... We will visit it soon I hope... .. Lark lane was a great street to wander about.. ta

[Waterways]

Is the French restaurant still there?
The guy from Chicago opened up Marantos over 20 years ago. He saw the potential (outsiders always do) of the area and did well.

http://www.larklane.com

George Melly was born and brought up in Lark Lane. He was the UKs leading Jazz performer for many. many years. Died recently.
http://www.georgemelly.com/

It is criminal what they did to the Masonic pub - it looks a disgrace!!! I used to go there quite a lot......and the Albert. My mates girlfriend (Lollipop Face) used to be the barmaid in the Albert.

[Waterways]

Haile Selassie the Emperor of Ethiopia, lived in exile on Waverley road off Lark Lane during WW2. He would walk around Lark Lane with body guards behind.

Haile Selassie was viewed as the black messiah who will lead the peoples of Africa to freedom.

[PhilipG]

Waterways.
Do you mean L'Alouette? (French for 'Lark').
It's gone - changed hands, and name.
Even the enamelled blue street sign has gone.

[Waterways]

Waterways.
Do you mean L'Alouette? (French for 'Lark').
It's gone - changed hands, and name.
Even the enamelled blue street sign has gone.

Yes. It was very good and I believe owned by French people. When did it change hands? What is there now? I haven't been to Lark Lane for a while.

[lindylou]

Haile Selassie the Emperor of Ethiopia, lived in exile on Waverley road off Lark Lane during WW2. He would walk around Lark Lane with body guards behind.

Haile Selassie was viewed as the black messiah who will lead the peoples of Africa to freedom.

oh, that's interesting. What decade would that be ? How long was here in here in L'pool ?

[Waterways]

oh, that's interesting. What decade would that be ? How long was here in here in L'pool ?

Decade? Linylou! WW2 was the 1940s!!! My Ma knew that as the Germans bombed the chippy at the bottom of the street. It caused such distress. They had to walk 200 yards to the next.

The Italians invaded Ethiopia in 1936 so he was probably in the UK after that until liberation by the British around 1941. Ethiopia is a Christian country - not that it makes any difference of course.

[lindylou]

oops ! sorry - I didn't read your post properly :o

I see you did mentioned WW2.

- tut ! I made a lot of mistakes on the forum today 'cos I was rushing thru' the posts and not concentrating :rolleyes:

I have read a bit about Haile Selassie and how he is revered by Rastafarians. I knew he was in exile at one point and had to leave Ethiopia - but I'd forgotten how long he was in exile for.
I read up a lot about Rastafarianism when I was heavily into the reggae scene :PDT_Piratz_26: it was a long time ago though and my memory is terrible.

[The coolbury boy]

Yes. It was very good and I believe owned by French people. When did it change hands? What is there now? I haven't been to Lark Lane for a while.

The owner has two sons one of whom ran the restaurant. When the owner died the other son kicked his brother out and set up/sold to a new restaurant

[Steven]

Looks like a cozy place to browze.. thanks..for the share....
My friend who owns a second- hand bookstore in Oregon, USA.. will love to see this one... We will visit it soon I hope... .. Lark lane was a great street to wander about.. ta

I am certain that you will have meet-ups with people from this site. You and your friend will be made welcome when you come here again. You are right about Lark Lane, it's a great area with nice pubs and restaurants.
About once a month, they close it to have a 'farmer's market' ~ Wow ! All kinds of interesting foods are sold there. (even for vegetarians. lol)

Do you remember the library at the bottom of Lark Lane ?

[Waterways]

I am certain that you will have meet-ups with people from this site. You and your friend will be made welcome when you come here again. You are right about Lark Lane, it's a great area with nice pubs and restaurants.
About once a month, they close it to have a 'farmer's market' ~ Wow ! All kinds of interesting foods are sold there. (even for vegetarians. lol)

Do you remember the library at the bottom of Lark Lane ?

There was a library where Lark Lane meets Aigburth Rd, on Aigburth Rd.

[PhilipG]

Was?
The library's been there since 1911.
It was closed for months while it was being refurbished.

[Waterways]

Looks like a cozy place to browze.. thanks..for the share....
My friend who owns a second- hand bookstore in Oregon, USA.. will love to see this one... We will visit it soon I hope... .. Lark lane was a great street to wander about.. ta

Ross-on-Wye is the place for second hand books. The whole town is a second hand book shop with book fairs, etc.

[Waterways]

Was?
The library's been there since 1911.
It was closed for months while it was being refurbished.

It was nice inside, and a Tudor style building. I spent many, many hours in that place.

http://www.disabledgo.info/Images/BusinessImages/Business/Large/29086.jpg

[Steven]

Maria C and myself went there for the 'Fag Ends' meetings (the Roy Castle set up).
It is a lovely library and if you phone in advance, you can get more than 1 hour's free PC use.

[Ross08]

Lark Lane - One Of The Best Parts Of Liverpool. It's A Well-Kept Secret.

I Know Liverpool Quite Well, But I'd Never Been To Lark Lane Until Last Week.

Red Fort Indian Restaurant - To Die For, Absolutely Beautiful.

[Steven]

It's no secret ? I just jump on an 82 bus and I am there in minutes. At the top of Lark lane is Linnet lane and then the park.

Now there are some great pubs and restaurants in this area.

[billo]

We went down there last Sat. night for the first time in 5-7 years. It was as lively as ever, though we did not get into The Masonic(I'm not going to call it by it's new name ever!). The new(?) Turkish BBQ place looked good. Our biggest shock was crossing Aigburth Road to go to The Belgrave, I knew they had done it up and cleaned the outside but what a change from an honest working men/womens pub into a brown and mushroom coloured, fizzy larger drinking emporium :shock:

[AngelCake]

I like Lark Lane. It's a shame the road isn't wider!

[Waterways]

I like Lark Lane. It's a shame the road isn't wider!

Widening the road would ruin its character.

[Max]

I was going to take pics In Lark Lane today but got put off by the amount of road work being done there.

So many roads In the city are getting work done to them but are leaving the roads that need them?:eek:

[Kev]

Pics here (http://www.yoliverpool.com/lark_lane_liverpool.html)

[AngelCake]

It wasn't a proposal to widen the road. It should be left the way it is.Pedestrianising Lark Lane wouldn't work

[andrew macaulay]

greeting from www.larklane.com

great work Kev.

regards Andrew

[Kev]

Hi Andrew. Thanks for the comments and use of images :PDT11

All the very best to you and the Lark Lane area. Your site is looking fab :hug:

Kev

[kevin]

When we got married - 1978 - we lived on Rutland Avenue, off Ullet Road. It was a short walk across the park to Lark Lane. It was only starting to develop then and I remember Keith's Food & Wine opening. Lots of bottles sunk and meals consumed there. Is it still going?

Sorry - just looked at the earlier link and see that Keith's is indeed still there. We used to look through the window when it was being prepared for opening - seeing Keith and his mates busy with paint brushes. The main memory of the opening night was the smell of paint!

Prior to him opening, I used to go in the Albert a lot with my mates.

[naked lilac]

greeting from www.larklane.com

great work Kev.

regards Andrew

Great Pics on your site. It looks like even more exciting cafes, etc. have opened since my last visit.. Ta for sharing the area and its news..

[lindylou]

I've saved the link for later. :)

[Norm NZ]

If anyone back there in Liverpool is visiting the "Lane' please pass on my regards to my old home 'Hadassah Grove'! Ta! and Cheers to All:PDT_Aliboronz_24:

[Waterways]

Is Marranto's a bar as well now? Where you can just drop in for a drink? It was just a restaurant (mainly steak) initially. Still is steakish from their web site.

[Waterways]

When we got married - 1978 - we lived on Rutland Avenue, off Ullet Road. It was a short walk across the park to Lark Lane. It was only starting to develop then and I remember Keith's Food & Wine opening. Lots of bottles sunk and meals consumed there. Is it still going?

Sorry - just looked at the earlier link and see that Keith's is indeed still there. We used to look through the window when it was being prepared for opening - seeing Keith and his mates busy with paint brushes. The main memory of the opening night was the smell of paint!

Prior to him opening, I used to go in the Albert a lot with my mates.

Keiths originally only had the corner. He has bought the place next door and extended. When did that happen?

[knowhowe]

Uh-uh. Keith's was originally just the one next door. They grew into the corner one- a former butcher's- later. I, too, remember it opening and being made up as they stayed open half an hour after the Albert closed so you could nip across for a quick last one in there- even though it was wine... (hadn't then developed the boundless appetitite for the stuff I have now!)
Their food was brilliant though, right from the start (couldn't say how it is now) and was cheap enough for even students and dole-ites to eat there regularly. My regular snacks were their soup or pate and bread. Also the cheesecake was gorgeous.
Keith's was the first of its kind in the lane. There were no other wine bars / restaurants / who knows what like there are today. It was all much more work-a-day shops.
Ah, the Albert and Masonic. I tended to inhabit the former mostly. It was a toss-up, however, which of them had the most mardy barmaids- a breed only found in Liverpool pubs who seemed to consider everyone under the age of 40 a 'student' and treated them accordingly..
I was later involved in a business in Lark Lane (does anyone remember it?) called 'Curiouser and Curiouser'. It was a weird mixture of junk shop- postcards, wind-up gramophones, old bottles, crap from Paddy's Market- second-hand bookshop and leather goods emporium- that was my bit. I had a tiny workshop at the back but, weather allowing, preferred to sit and make my stuff outside the front of the shop. Used to make belts, handbags, sandals etc. It was a decent living all in all. (Strangely, after pursuing a photographic career for the last couple of decades, I've just got back into the leather and am again enjoying it greatly).

http://www.bwpics.co.uk/leather.html

Later was a member of the Liverpool Wholefood Collective (later 'Dancing Cat Wholefoods') which started out in a small room in the old Police Station before later moving to Lodge Lane.
Later again, after a long spell in London I lived for a while in a spectacularly squalid squat round the corner in Linnet Lane- a vast house with, apparently, no known owner.
Don't get back to visit the Lane very often now but always immediately feel at home there when I do.

[samanthacheryl]

I used to visit the Cafe Francais from 1991-1997 on a fairly regular basis, I loved it SO much. I then moved away from the area and when I moved near the Lane in '06; Fallen Angel was there.

That place was so great inside, loved the atmosphere and the food; for me it was the best Cafe ever. Can anybody tell me when it closed?

[Waterways]

I used to visit the Cafe Francais from 1991-1997 on a fairly regular basis, I loved it SO much. I then moved away from the area and when I moved near the Lane in '06; Fallen Angel was there.

That place was so great inside, loved the atmosphere and the food; for me it was the best Cafe ever. Can anybody tell me when it closed?

Look at posts 50 and 54 on this thread. I liked that place too.

[samanthacheryl]

I had a look at those posts. I have never been to L'Alouette (although I wanted to and just never got round to it!) that was on the opposite side. This was the upstairs Cafe and French deli downstairs (number 93), Is that the one you mean? I have some pics of it, have to upload them on the forum.
The cakes they sold were absolutely gorgeous...:hug:

[GingerTheCat]

I just saw the following in the latest minutes of the council 3 parks committee meeting.

Motion by Councillor John Coyne –

This Committee considers that Lark Lane has become saturated with licensed premises which are at such a concentration as to create a public nuisance and impact on crime and disorder.



This Committee notes that section 10 of the Liverpool City Council Licensing Policy Statement, 7 January 2005, allows for the creation of a special licensing policy for a local area which suffers from too high a density of licensed premises.



This Committee requests Licensing Officers to prepare a case for a special licensing policy to protect the area of Lark Lane.

_____



Amendment by Councillor Paul Clein, duly seconded



That the Motion be approved with the addition of another paragraph requesting the Licensing Officers to liaise with Merseyside Police to see if there is a basis for a Cumulative Impact Policy.



During the course of the debate the first Amendment was accepted and became the Substantive Motion.

_____



Second Amendment by Councillor Peter Allen, duly seconded



That the Substantive Motion be approved with the addition of Licensing Officers contacting Councillor Elaine Allen with regard to current work she has undertaken regarding this issue.



During the course of the debate the second Amendment was accepted and became the Substantive Motion and was resolved accordingly.

[joe scouse]

This is on the side wall of the former Masonic pub.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/225/499371512_8069747ef5_o.jpg
MY OLD LARK LANE
The corner of bickerton st which is now part of the pub was a green grocer shop by the name of cheers,i lived straight across the road in the maroon painted building the other pics one of christ church hall was used by the boys club of lark lane,the two buildings one on the corner of siddley st an antiqe shop, and the other is now a pub facing down bickerton st was owned by the same family,mind you this was all 60yrs ago loved it then not now.
ta for the pics and comments on the lane joe

[gorgeous]

Do any of you remember Robbo the punk ?, He was a familiar site down the lane with his dog & his skateboard.

Karen

[joe scouse]

I've been In Keith's a few times, well continental looking place.:PDT11

Lol my dad used to have a second hand furniture shop In Lark Lane when I was a kid, It's now a pub which name I forget, It's opposite the former Masonic.

That shop years ago after the war was used as a second hand clothing shop the family that run it also had the select furniture shop on Siddley st (now ,the chilli banana,cheers joe

[joe scouse]

I am certain that you will have meet-ups with people from this site. You and your friend will be made welcome when you come here again. You are right about Lark Lane, it's a great area with nice pubs and restaurants.
About once a month, they close it to have a 'farmer's market' ~ Wow ! All kinds of interesting foods are sold there. (even for vegetarians. lol)

Do you remember the library at the bottom of Lark Lane ?

Yes it was facing the mayfair picture house on aigburth rd ,i worked in it for short tome sorting the books out ,joe

[corky100]

Just thought I'd add wheteher people ere aware that there is a small recording studio just off Lark Lane. Bands who recorded there include OMD, Arctic Monkeys, Atomic Kitten, The Coral and The Zutons.

Its owned by the OMD Frontman, Andy McCluskey. OMD are working on a new album there at the moment.

Remember the old Motor Museum? :)

[arrr_bob]

Just thought I'd add wheteher people ere aware that there is a small recording studio just off Lark Lane. Bands who recorded there include OMD, Arctic Monkeys, Atomic Kitten, The Coral and The Zutons.

Its owned by the OMD Frontman, Andy McCluskey. OMD are working on a new album there at the moment.

Remember the old Motor Museum? :)

Not forgetting Atomic Kitten :)

The Motor Museum Recording Studio (http://www.whitenoiseuk.com/motormuseum/about.html)

[Punkster]

So what do people think of the new Pablo's?

I don't think it fits in at all - hope this isn't the way the lane's going!

Oh, and hi by the way!

[kdraper42]

Nice photos Kev. I did live off Lark Lane many years ago up until I was 21, we left there in 1962. I lived in Bickerton St number 55 right at the bottom which isnt there now and a new housing corperation estate was built on the site. I have visited it many times over the years when coming home on holiday, all of those restaurants were very different shops in those days. Many Peoples comments saying about the feel of the place, just brings back memories that I felt all those years ago It always had a village feel to it. Anyway I digress as I always tend to do . I will write some more later about my memories in the Lane. Cheers Keith. PS I should mention that I now live in Melbourne Australia.

[kdraper42]

Hi its me again, the shop that Joe Scouse mentions was run by a family called Martins ( corner of Sydley Street) the shop that they had in Lark lane was a brick a brack shop. I remember when I was about 12-14 yrs old going every Saturday to the Silver blades ice rink Kensington, with a girl from Hesketh street , and one day looking in the window of the forsaid shop in Lark Lane a pair of iceskates for sale !!! albeit in beige !! obviously a girls pair of skates, but I wanted them !! the asking price was if I remember 16 shillings, well I went home and told my mum about them , well she said no at first , but in the end I won her over and off I went to buy these skates, I took them home and my mum dyed them for me to a navy blue, although they did get too small for me after about 2 months, but it did save on hiring skates from the rink. Oh so many memories. Cheers Keith.

[Mikerux]

Kdraper-that rings a bell-weren't you a mate of Dave Foley??

[kdraper42]

Hello mikerux, yes Dave and I were in a band in the sixties (The Nocturns) the last time I saw him was at my wedding in 1967 dont know what happened to him although he was in the army at the time,By the way what is your name as I must know you. Cheers Keith.

[Mikerux]

Keith-I went to primary and G.S school with Dave.I had cousins who lived on Linnet lane.I can remember using the shed at the back of Dave Foleys-and playing on the water tank at the back of the Mayfair.I think the last time I saw you or your name was mentioned was at a cousin of mines party in Walkers Lane Penketh in the late1960's or early 70's.Cant remember if you were there or if it was one of your mates.I married a St Michaels girl from Burdett street who you may remember one of three sisters and a brother.She lived a few doors away from Les Chadwick who was in Gerry and the Pacemakers-I think he is in Australia as well.
Cheers
Mike

[kevin]

Hi its me again, the shop that Joe Scouse mentions was run by a family called Martins ( corner of Sydley Street) the shop that they had in Lark lane was a brick a brack shop. I remember when I was about 12-14 yrs old going every Saturday to the Silver blades ice rink Kensington, with a girl from Hesketh street , and one day looking in the window of the forsaid shop in Lark Lane a pair of iceskates for sale !!! albeit in beige !! obviously a girls pair of skates, but I wanted them !! the asking price was if I remember 16 shillings, well I went home and told my mum about them , well she said no at first , but in the end I won her over and off I went to buy these skates, I took them home and my mum dyed them for me to a navy blue, although they did get too small for me after about 2 months, but it did save on hiring skates from the rink. Oh so many memories. Cheers Keith.

Went to Kenny ice rink once. Me bum is still soggy!

[18stanley]

Never set foot in the Lark Lane area when I was a lad in Liverpol but I've
thoroughly enjoyed reading this thread. I'm fully aware that you can't hold
back the passage of time but sincerely hope that you all manage to keep
the essential spirit of the place. It was a pleasure to read your posts.
Good luck Stan H;

[kdraper42]

Hello mikerux, yes I must know you , but just cant put a face to your name, by the way what was your wifes maiden name? and it was me who took Les Chadwick to join Gerry and the Pacemakers , as I was supposed to have joined them , but I was playing with another band and didnt like letting them down so I took Les along to Gerries, and as they say the rest is history, the story of my life !! although we didnt do to bad as we went into the musical Maggie May, our manager at the time was Alun Williams( the man who gave the Beatles away ha ha ) Oh so many memories cheers Keith.

[kdraper42]

I forgot to mention that I did live in Penketh at that time so I could have been there, It was our first house after getting married 1967. Cant say that I remember it , Cheers once again Keith.

[dilligaf]

Do any of you remember Robbo the punk ?, He was a familiar site down the lane with his dog & his skateboard.

Karen

Hi Karen.

I do remember a guy who you have mentioned , he usually had his hair done Moheecan style , it was big and blonde and he was the only guy in Liverpool who was dressed like that way back then, he also used to have a davy crockett coat with all the tassles on the back and down the arms, he was also at the time a roadie for Susie and the banshees and the Teardrop explodes. I lost touch with him around 1982 as i left Liverpool to get a job down south ( and have been there ever since ) , for what its worth i would love to get in touch with him again , we used to hang out at a mutual mates house in Greenheys road just at the bottom of Lodger lane , there was a house there that was occupied by a guy who used to have two huge st bernard dogs , he was connected to the punk scene somehow and thats how i knew him , he also had another mate who was a full on punk who`s name was known as stretch.... he was a small guy in stature but he had a big reputation amongst his mates .

Get back to me if this is the guy you mean Karen.

Mike.

[kevin]

Hello mikerux, yes I must know you , but just cant put a face to your name, by the way what was your wifes maiden name? and it was me who took Les Chadwick to join Gerry and the Pacemakers , as I was supposed to have joined them , but I was playing with another band and didnt like letting them down so I took Les along to Gerries, and as they say the rest is history, the story of my life !! although we didnt do to bad as we went into the musical Maggie May, our manager at the time was Alun Williams( the man who gave the Beatles away ha ha ) Oh so many memories cheers Keith.

I knew Allan Williams. He was a mate of my Uncle Charlie's. I worked for my uncle when I was 14 - 16, during weekends and holidays. We'd often call in to see Allan during the day. It paid off a few years later when I started going to clubs, as I could always get into the Blue Angel for free.

[gorgeous]

Hiya Mike ,
Yeah your description is Robbo alright , lol
I may well have met you at some point as i also remember going to a party at Robbo's flat & Toyah Wilcox was there ( hope i've got her name right , she was very small with a lisp lovely girl ) i always pressumed she was his girlfriend , I think his flat at that point was around Marmion Rd . waverley Rd area. Last i heard Robbo was into publishing some eerie comic/magazine about grave yards , i think it was for an American comic ,
Although i was never into the punk scene you couldn't help but love Robbo , remember the 1st time i met him i thought Jeeezzzus what's this ! lol.

Do you remember an Irish lad Skully , lived above a shop in the la, he went on to do the lighting in Brookie then Hollyoaks , ?
Lovely " chattin " to you hun .
take care
luv
Karen xx

[Paddy]

The Lark Lane I recall was back in the sixties. I lived on Linnet Lane and had a paper round for Killeys at the bottom of the Lane facing the police station. In those days you could drive into the Lane of Aigburth Road. There was a caf? in the middle of the Lane called Joes and for a shilling you could buy a cup of tea and two toast. They always played Scot Mc Kenzie and the Kinks plus of course the Beatles. That was the hang out on Saturday mornings. In those days it was already bed-sit land yet there were some quite opulent households, my round could be quite heavy. The park was always a venue for football. I remember a lad called Alex Bradley he was a fantastic footballer and really nice lad. I know he got run over on Aigburth Road in the eighties that was very sad. Sundays in summer the Lane got quite busy as everyone got of the bus at the Mayfair that was a short stretch to the park. We would go to the Mayfair and one would pay and open the fire escape door then we would pile in. Saw the movie Midnight Cowboy and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid for free! The cop shop was a bit of a standing joke as it was always deserted. They got a bit of business on Bank Holidays with fights in the park but most of the time it was a very quiet place. Mr. Killey was a very decent man and he never complained about how long it took me to do my paper round, which was really quite long owing to my dawdling. Lark Lane in those days was a very laid back quiet community and most people knew each other. Most people knew me and would say hello. I think it has changed a lot since those golden sunny days.:)

[Norm NZ]

'The Lane' certainly was a quiet place when I lived there in the early 60's! My wife and I rented a house in Hadassah Grove, and I drove taxi's out of Logans Garage (now Marantz restaurant, I think!) that was prior to our leaving for NZ in 1963. It was so quiet I can't remember us knowing any of our neighbours!!!:PDT_Aliboronz_11:

[Paddy]

I once had lodgings myself on Hadassah Grove with a Mrs Turton she was also my mates mum.You have been gone along time Norm!

[gorgeous]

Do you know Benny who owned the garage in Hesketh St ,
My uncle had a little Antique shop next to what is now Marranto's ,
I loved the La in the 80's .

Karen

[Paddy]

I dont know Benny but I recall the shop with coins and stamps in the window!
I have to go for now folks!

[Norm NZ]

I once had lodgings myself on Hadassah Grove with a Mrs Turton she was also my mates mum.You have been gone along time Norm!

"Too true Paddy!" The house we rented was No 7, owned by a Mr & Mrs Garvey, they had a shop in Kennsington, and they found it more convenient to live over the shop, we were there for about two to three years, we left for NZ in Sept of 63. Cheers Mate:PDT_Aliboronz_24:

[Paddy]

I walked down the Lane Last month Norm it is much the same. When they blocked it off from Aigburth road they effectively secured it, it is a bit of a time warp.The pubs are there and there is quite a few food outlets.Sadly my old hang out Joes Cafe is a chinese now.Waste of pocket money trying to keep it going:rolleyes:

[Ronijayne]

I have just read this whole thread. I loved this area and went to the Mayfair. I was in the Michel-in-the-Hamlet girl guides!

That whole area had a good vibe, I hope it still does.

[Mikerux]

I have just read this whole thread. I loved this area and went to the Mayfair. I was in the Michel-in-the-Hamlet girl guides!

That whole area had a good vibe, I hope it still does.

Do you remember the water tank behind the Mayfair-and the rubble I think of bombed buildings behind that

[kdraper42]

I have happy memories from the 40s and 50s in the Lane, I used to go to Joes cafe , and have a cup of bovril, or a penny Vimto, along with a couple of mates, I went to St Michaels with Joes son, Joe also ran a table tennis club in Christ church hall, which was also our scout and cubs hall (28th Toxteth) among the shops then was a fishmongers called Glendennings, who used to hang out side the shop on hooks an array of pheasants , rabbits and hares. I used to work on Fridays nights and all day Saturday delivering green groceries for Joneses and recieved 16 shillings for it plus any tips!! this enabled me to save up for my first guitar amplfier a little 12 watt Selmer from Rushworth and Dreapers, I think it cost 32 guineas, I used to frequent the horse stables , which was run by a Billie Owens, and owned by a as we called him Mr Rab (Rabinowitz) there used to be also a watch repairers called Ransomes. A bike shop on the corner of the Lane and little Parkfield road called Macfarlands, which later became a shoe repairers. God I could go on for ever with my happy memories. Cheers Keith

[Ronijayne]

Do you remember the water tank behind the Mayfair-and the rubble I think of bombed buildings behind that

I don't remember that. I remember as a kid we lined up on Saturdays for the kids movie at the Gourmont complete with cartoon and weekly episode of something like Robin Hood. Mayfair was in the evenings with parents and then as a teen (without parents!)

[Ronijayne]

Is the Cast Iron Shore still around?

I have popped 11 photos of old Liverpool on my hello from Manhattan thread on introductions as I did not know where to put them. Have a peek, I will move them if someone tells me where to pop them.

I must give a thanks for this thread (did not know we had thank yous so I must nip around and give them to all the threads I have really enjoyed and stayed up till the wee hours reading!)

[kdraper42]

Re the water tanks behind the Mayfair cinema, they used to be water tanks for emergency water supplies to help fight the fires from the bombings, I used to live in Bickerton street and went to school , down beside the Mayfair and cross the waste ground (water tanks ) and on to St Michaels , stopping off at the dairy to buy sweets or sticky lice or black jacks ! before going in, the headmaster at that time was a MR Ringrose and his deputy was a Miss Maxwell. Just a little bit of trivia. Cheers Keith.

[Paddy]

It was a civil defence yard they had one on Knowsley road Bootle and there was a few more sites dotted around.We used to go to St Michaels Rugby club on a Saturday and get in the window of the changing room the door led you onto the dance floor. 'Those were the days' I was accused of not being a Rugby player one night and asked to leave. There was a scuffle and to the tune of 'My Sweet Lord' we got evicted. We ended uo back in Aigburth and as bored as usual :PDT10

[Ged]

Lark Lane 1951. (Daily Post & Echo)


http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/4701/larklane1951.jpg (http://img522.imageshack.us/my.php?image=larklane1951.jpg)




.

[Norm NZ]

Thanks for posting that pic Ged! It revived a few memories for me. Cheers:PDT_Aliboronz_24:

[Ged]

You're welcome Norm. I've seen how Lark Lane has achieved over 100 posts/12 pages of messages so it's obviously a much loved place. It's a nice photo isn't it and obviously how you remember it so when I saw it, I knew it had to go on here.

[Norm NZ]

Thanks Ged! Hadassah Grove was just further up on the right in photo, and the garage i drove taxi's (Logan's) for, was opposite on the left. the old 1947 vauxhall parked on the corner of Sidderley St made me smile too! I once had a similar one!:PDT11

[Ged]

I know there's a better pic than this of someones way back on the thread of the actual little quiant cobbled street itself.

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/8296/larklnfromhadassahgrove.jpg (http://img191.imageshack.us/my.php?image=larklnfromhadassahgrove.jpg)





.

[Norm NZ]

Yes Ged! I think I have the one you mention, taken by Max , some time ago, it was the pic of the house we lived in prior to coming to NZ. :PDT11

[Ronijayne]

Thanks, I too have memories flooding back

[kdraper42]

Those photos take me back to the Lane of my childhood,(1942/1963) Thanks Ged for the happy memories you have sent in . I hope you have more in your collection, Just sorry that I didnt take any pics when I lived there.
Cheers Keith Draper.

[Mikerux]

Great Picture Ged brought back a lot of happy memories of my youth.I can remember a large house before you got to Lark Lane-I think it was on the corner of Parkfield Road-It had something to do with Spiritualism and used to have seance times posted on a board.I always felt it looked a little spooky.
When I started drinking I used to frequent the Albert pub on Lark Lane.It had a snooker room upstairs with a dumb waiter set in the wall-handy to have your drinks sent up on-saved carrying them up the stairs and spilling them on the way.

[gorgeous]

Mike
My friend & her husband used to be the caretakers of the spiritulist church in Parkfield rd , they were given free rent & in turn they looked after the spitulist's that came to do whatever it is they do , lol readings & healings ( i think )
i was glad when she'd saved enough money & moved house .
It's still the same today , doesn't look any different .

Luv Karen

[birdseye]

Some pictures here of Aigburth Road/Lark Lane in the early 60s. There's also a couple of Grassendale showing the Aigburth Hotel and Garston Old Road.

http://www.liverpoolcapitalofculture2008.co.uk/index.php?page=historic-liverpool

[Davec]

Some pictures here of Aigburth Road/Lark Lane in the early 60s. There's also a couple of Grassendale showing the Aigburth Hotel and Garston Old Road.

http://www.liverpoolcapitalofculture2008.co.uk/index.php?page=historic-liverpool

I'm getting this warning; 'Reported Attack Site!'

[Kev]

I think the attack warning is an advertisement.

[Paddy]

Fantastic pictures birdseye :handclap:

[kdraper42]

Thanks for those photos Davtec and birdseye, but when I click on the small photos to enlarge them , I am only getting half a photo !! Is it something I am doing wrong?I cant seem to scroll them up either. cheers Keith.

[birdseye]

I don't seem to have anything attached to the link, it just opens normally. KD, I've just got an email from a friend in Australia and they've opened okay for him.
I wonder does anyone remember the blocked up gateway on the corner of Aigburth Road and Parkfield Road where a local photographer used to put up big pictures of babies as an advertisment?

[lindylou]

I've viewed them ok. :PDT11

[dazza]

http://i861.photobucket.com/albums/ab174/dal8077/Lark%20Lane/ForgeCottages1960s.jpg
Forge Cottages c.1960s - photo courtesy of LRO
Forge Cottages were accessed from Lark Lane. The yard doors [centre image] were once the entrance to the old Smithy , which the cottages took the name from. The cottages themselves are shown with the end gable bordering the yard. The houses in the distance are the backs of Prince's View, which was accessed from Hesketh Street. The side of the old Masonic pub [now Negresco] can be seen on the right.



http://i861.photobucket.com/albums/ab174/dal8077/Lark%20Lane/ForgeCottagesToday.jpg
[B]Forge Cottages today, 2007 - My photo.
The street still exists, including the kerbs and side pavement, but now forms the car park to the old Masonic Pub. The new housing development is built over what was originally Prince's View. Think of the Blacksmith's hammer clanging, next time you walk past.


http://i861.photobucket.com/albums/ab174/dal8077/Lark%20Lane/Princes_View.jpg
Prince's View, c.1960's photo courtesy of LRO
One of the earliest laid out streets in Lark Lane. The backs of Bickerton Street houses can be seen over the wall.


http://i861.photobucket.com/albums/ab174/dal8077/Lark%20Lane/LarkLane19052-1.jpg

1905 OS map extract.

[pablo42]

Great pictures Darren.

[ItsaZappathing]

Great pictures Darren.

I'll second that:PDT11:handclap:

[Paddy6]

Two nice pictures, thanks Darren. I remember Forge Cottages well and they appear on early maps of Lark Lane, well before the other streets. On the map where the word "Cottages" appears were small patches of garden which the tennants could use to grow a few vegetables and keep a few hens.

Princes View achieved some notoriety in the late 1920s in a very sad affair when a Mrs Stewart murdered her two young sons there with a razor after becoming involved with another man. He was found to have had no part in the murder and discharged whilst she was later found guilty but insane. The razor had been borrowed from Mr Williams the barber in the Lane, who was still cutting hair there in the 1960s.

[ChrisGeorge]

Very interesting information, Paddy6. Thanks for the fine photographs, Darren. :handclap:

Chris :PDT_Aliboronz_24:

[dazza]

Hi everyone, thanks for your comments earlier. :PDT_Aliboronz_24:

Also, great article find Paddy, thanks for posting that.
What a tragedy though. My grandparents were living in Prince's View in 1901, but had moved on to Bickerton Street by 1911. They must have known about it though.

I've attached the 1930's Kelly's Directory for Lark Lane.