Lost Liverpool Buildings Top 5

[shytalk]

There was a restaurant there, it was in

the basement and was huge, I used to go for breakfast after nights out on the town. I loved it because it was the only place that still served my favourite,

porridge.

[MissInformed]

wow,

great pic
you guys are fantastic with your research, I applaud you...

[PhilipG]

The theatre was erected as part of the David Lewis building in 1906 and it was intended

primarily as a music hall for men using the David Lewis Hostel and Club. The architect of the building was J. Francis Doyle. (David Lewis was the founder

of Lewis's stores, and a great philanthropist). It was first licensed (as a music hall) from January 1907, but, as it was a large and quite elaborate

structure, it was felt it would be bad economy to limit its use to just a music hall, so arrangements were made with local amateur dramatic societies to

stage their productions there. The first theatrical licence was issued in October, 1910.
Tuesday night shows were introduced and people from the local

neighbourhood were charged much lower prices than they would pay elsewhere. There were concerts on Sunday evenings - "an hour and a half's good music for

2d". Films were shown as well, the first cinema licence was issued in January 1914. (The management of the soon to be opened St. James' Picturedrome

objected, to no avail). A scheme was also developed for the showing of films to school children. In the 1920s, a licence for boxing was obtained, and in

the 1930s, billiards was introduced.
The theatre could accommodate about 1000 people. In 1936, two sound film projectors were installed. During

the war it was described as the David Lewis Garrison Theatre. In 1960, the floor was levelled and a new stacking system of 296 seats was used. Dancing was

introduced but film shows and theatrical productions continued to be staged. The 470 seats in the balcony remained unaltered.
The David Lewis

Theatre ceased being "a place of public resort" when the certificates expired on 30 November 1977. Demolition of the complex was completed in October,

1980.
The site has been redeveloped.

[Kev]

Rotunda Theatre, Scotty Rd.

[Kev]

Pier Head Baths:

[Waterways]

Rotunda Theatre, Scotty Rd.

That was only demolished in the 1960s. There are lots of photos about. I recall

Cilla Black and Bud Flannagan were on a chat show and Bud said that he played on the Rotunda, which made Cilla screech "I lived over the road".

[Waterways]

The theatre was

erected as part of the David Lewis building in 1906 and it was intended primarily as a music hall for men using the David Lewis Hostel and Club.

Great Building. Ended up a Doss House.

[Waterways]

I can just about remember the David Lewis. I have a vague memory of going in there when I was about

13. I seem to recall that there was a cafe and we went in there for a drink and a snack.
Is that right or am I dreaming it ? Was there a restaurant in

there ?

There was a cafe in the sub basement.

Any idea when and why it was demolished ? Was the building in disrepair

?

It was probably the strongest building in the world.

[lindylou]

What a shame it was demolished.

thanks evryone for info.

[scouserdave]

Slightly OT.
I was fascinated reading about the David Lewis building and done a google. I found this cracking

website.
http://www.british-history.ac.uk/rep...p?compid=41378

[sweetpatooti]

We used to call it the Davie Loo - used to sit on the steps after walking part way home from town. The Shanghai club (the shangy) was just up the street round the back of it - but that's another story!

[Waterways]

The David Lewis is on the right. A superb building. I doubt it would be demolished today.



Below: 1976 when it was still used.


Side view down Nile St 1966.

[The Teardrop Explodes]

Waterways, have you got any more images of the triangular Place where the Guiness ad was? Was it St. Johns/ St.Georges Place? Whatever, that looked like a handsomely laid out space, car-park or no car-park. Wish that was still there.

[PhilipG]

The David Lewis is on the right. A superb building. I doubt it would be demolished today.



Below: 1976 when it was still used.


Side view down Nile St 1966.

It's depressing when you realise that out of those three photos only the cathedral and the bank remain.
Everything else has gone.
Love the colour one.

[lindylou]

Waterways. Fantastic pictures ! I only had a vague memory of the place so it's great to be able to see the pics.