IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Fenwick Street, LIVERPOOL, L2 7LS

The pub is called the Slaughterhouse, and the comedy club that meets above it is the Laughterhouse. Try explaining to a foreign visitor why the two words are not pronounced nearly the same!

The building on the right is a former Barclays Bank and is Grade II listed: https://www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1356279

The adjective in the current name is apt. A plain but stately Georgian facade with rusticated ground floor (and later doorcase) and very little decoration other than the usual exquisite proportions. Built 1798-1800, possibly to the designs of John Foster senior. Grade II listed. It was built as a bank for Arthur Heywood, Sons & Co., an "exceptionally early purpose-built bank". The Noble House is a restaurant and bar.

Police escort for the tour of Britain bike race, the building at the top was the Liverpool branch of the bank of England. This area is often used by film makers to depict a city in the USA

Foliage-filled gable of the building on the left of this photo: Image

During the second half of the C19th, Castle Street was colonised by banks and insurance companies, each trying to outdo the others "in the splendour of their offices". This ensemble demonstrates the ornateness of Victorian architecture, and, in particular, the attention paid to rooflines. Number 44 is a narrow faience-clad 1880s building which concentrates all its decoration in its shaped gable (Image]). Grade II listed. Number 42, formerly Victoria Chambers, puts on more of a show, with three ornate gables (Image]), though less successful below. By Grayson & Ould, 1893. Grade II listed. For Number 44 see here: Image

Ornate gables featuring mermen. Full view here: Image

During the second half of the C19th, Castle Street was colonised by banks and insurance companies, each trying to outdo the others "in the splendour of their offices". Built for the Mercantile and Exchange Bank, 1864, by J.A. Picton, its tall red granite columns make it look as if it's on stilts. Roundels are in the tympanums of the arches above the first-floor windows. It may originally have been part of a larger building. Grade II listed. The bookmaker, William Hill, occupied the ground floor. It's a pity that the signage is so unsympathetic.

During the second half of the C19th, Castle Street was colonised by banks and insurance companies, each trying to outdo the others "in the splendour of their offices". This stunning affair of c1891 was designed by W.D. Caröe. Pevsner describes the style as Northern Renaissance. Very elaborate, with bands of red and white stone (Image]), the roof embellished with copper onion domes and a panoply of finials. Grade II* listed. The ground floor housed a branch of coffee house, Caffè Nero.

A testament to Victorian craftsmanship. The figures were carved by Charles E. Whiffen. Full view here: Image