The venue has been shut for some time now as it undergoes a refurbishment
Dovedale Towers on Penny Lane
A south Liverpool institution has announced its reopening with a “new chapter” about to begin. 1936 Pubco, the team behind the likes of The Monro, St Peter’s Tavern and The Vines, have said the Dovedale Towers will open its doors once again in May.
The popular establishment, known affectionately as The Dovey, is found inside an historic 1800s villa which has played an integral part in the city’s rich musical heritage. The venue has served as a children’s home and a church hall where Beatles legend Paul McCartney performed as a choir boy.
It first became a pub in the 1960s and was once home to Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, who lived in a flat above the pub in the same decade.
Speaking on behalf of 1936 Pubco, head of marketing, communications and business development Emilia Bona said: “Everyone on our team has been drinking in the Dovey for more years than we can count, so if ever there was a passion project, this is it. A new chapter for a beloved institution.
The Dovedale Towers, Penny Lane
“We’re doing some restoration, renovation and re-imagining. It’s a south end legend and we’ll be paying it all due respect and giving it the very best of our love and attention. You will not be disappointed.
“We hope, and feel very confident, that the local community will like the significant refreshing of the building’s exterior and garden that we’ll be undertaking. We think all will appreciate the reanimated interior.”
The pub will be the third opening by 1936 Pubco this year, following on from Hope Street’s The Shandon Bells in January and Victoria Street’s The Queens Arms in March. The group are also behind The Bookbinder and The Masonic Arms on Lark Lane as well as The Mayflower Inn on Pilgrim Street.
Mo Salah at the Dovedale Towers pub(Image: Liverpool ECHO/Mohamed Salah)
Emilia added: “The Dovey will have many of the hallmarks of other beloved 1936 Pubco venues, like a cracking cask ale selection, plenty of stout options, hot pies and live sports on the tellies.
“The 1936 Pubco is proud of the role it plays in helping to rejuvenate Liverpool’s pub scene.
“We think Liverpool now has the most impressive stock of classical style pubs anywhere in the country, and we are made up to have played a part in that.
“We think our determination to reverse the national trend for pub closures has been hugely welcomed by the city and we are pleased that a range of other growing independent pub companies like ourselves are also committed to driving the industry in our city onwards and upwards.”
The pub group also recently announced its plans for the former Maggie May’s site on Bold Street, after the family behind the iconic cafe decided to step away after many happy years serving their customers. You can read the plans in full here.