We take you inside one of Liverpool's best looking bars, The Royal Institution off Seel Street

With such an iconic building and a rich history, the Royal Institution in the city can seem a little bit daunting.

But the newly re-opened bar in Colquitt Street which it’s now home to is anything but.

The logo of Royal Institution is an open door which, according to assistant general manager Jenny Collins says it all, and she’d love more people to seek out the famous Liverpool venue and join them for a drink.

“Royal Institution is in such a central location but it’s just a little bit hidden, and it’s one of those venues that feels a bit intimidating,” she explains. “You enter into a big entrance hall, and you have to turn right to find the bar and I think that can put people off.

“What we need is people to know we’re very, very welcoming, and to pop their heads in and say ‘hello’. And you’ll be greeted by an elegant venue, a sensational bar team and the best care and attention they can offer.

The Royal Institution was established by the city’s leading philanthropists in 1814 to promote literature, science and the arts, and officially opened by William Roscoe ahead the granting of its Royal Charter in 1821.

Its ornate décor – a pink flamingo fills one wall of the imposing entrance hall – was inspired by John James Audubon’s iconic ‘Birds of America’ exhibition of the early 1800s, making it flamboyant and sophisticated.

Its importance isn’t lost on its new owners. Jenny says: “As the gatekeepers of a piece of Liverpool history, we take our role very seriously. The building is more important than us and we have a responsibility to preserve this history of Liverpool and a pride in keeping it alive.”

There are three main rooms which create the backdrop for any superb evening out.

“It’s such an elegant venue and there’s a wonderful drinks menu, which makes it a great space if you just want to sit and sip great cocktails with the girls and chat the night away, you want to meet for a drink before a meal out, or you want to find somewhere to unwind after food,” adds Jenny.

“It’s all table service so you’ll be treated well, and there’s a real speakeasy feel. There’s low lighting and a relaxed atmosphere, but at weekend there’s a bit of a buzz in there too.”

She goes on: “In the room where the bar is it’s a little bit busier, but then you’ve got the other rooms so you can take yourself away from that if you wish.”

All tastefully decorated with dark wooden furniture and plush furnishings, each room oozes class, and every one is available for hire, offering an impressive venue for that birthday gathering, a work’s party, or a corporate meeting.

And Royal Institution has its own event organisers who can provide music and entertainment from DJs to local artists to help you dance the night away, or its Cocktail Masterclass could be the perfect ice-breaker or the ideal thing to make that occasion go with a swing.

Smiles Jenny: “We know what we’re doing and we’re doing it really well, so come and say hello, and get a lovely, warm welcome.”