The famous Liverpool pub had long been a staple of the city’s nightlife
The Liffey on Renshaw Street
A well-known former Irish pub in Liverpool city centre is set to become part of a neighbouring casino, with the new operators providing an update on the plans. Last year, the Liverpool ECHO reported that a notice of forfeiture had been placed on the front door of The Liffey pub, located within the Grand Central building on Renshaw Street.
The venue had long been a staple of the city’s nightlife. It initially closed at the end of March 2022 following a rent dispute involving a previous tenant. After changing ownership and undergoing a £200,000 refurbishment, the pub reopened on March 17, 2023.
However, after closing again in July 2025, its future has now been clarified. A planning application submitted by Genting Casinos proposes incorporating the pub into its adjacent casino premises.
A spokesperson for Genting Casinos has now told the ECHO: “This expansion gives us the chance to create a more welcoming and spacious environment for our customers.
“By incorporating the building next door, we can introduce new facilities, improve comfort, and deliver an even better experience for everyone who visits. It’s an exciting step that reflects our commitment to continually investing in our venues and the communities we serve.”
In the design and access statement, the applicant explained that the main proposal is to expand casino operations into the existing Liffey Public House premises.
This would involve creating an opening between the two properties, installing a new staircase leading to a lower gaming area, and adding an accessible platform lift for wheelchair users.
Nextdom issued an official notice to forfeit the lease held by venue operator Crosbie Bar Ltd at the Liffey, effective from July 14.
The proposed extension will include a combination of gaming machines and tables, along with an additional 40–50 seats.
Planning documents indicate that the casino operator intends to refurbish the former pub so it aligns with the current business. The report states that existing decorative metal scrollwork on the columns between the windows will be removed to create a cleaner frontage.
Timber moulding will be added to the columns to give the appearance of a traditional stall riser, while the lower section will be painted to match the neighbouring casino’s colour scheme.
All remaining frontage areas will also be repaired and repainted to ensure the building presents as a single, cohesive property.
In its submission to city planners, Genting, operator of the city centre casino for nearly 40 years, said the refurbishment would “bring a fresh new branded establishment to the city,” adding that the investment is intended to support the business’s long-term future.
