The site operated for well over a century
A “luxurious” Liverpool restaurant once tucked away down a small alleyway in the city centre was established for well over a century. Once one of the oldest eating places in the city, for generations of customers the Bear’s Paw was the “in” place to visit in Liverpool.
Located on Doran’s Lane, between Lord Street and Harrington Street, it opened as a restaurant back in 1883. However it is believed to have first opened further down Lord Street at another site.
The Bear’s Paw supposedly took its name from a large stuffed bear which stood in the entrance hall. It was established by restaurateur John Cobham, from Waterloo, within a block of property known as Cobham’s Buildings, the ECHO previously reported.
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It’s now been years since customers visited The Bear’s Paw. But many will still have fond memories going there. A Liverpool ECHO article, published on August 16, 1986 reads: “One of a Kentish family which has settled in Liverpool, he opened a restaurant in Castle Street in 1860 and became a pioneer in public catering in the city. However, 12 years later, he retired from this thriving business and set off globe-trotting for the best part of the next eight years, making several voyages to America.
“He then returned to Liverpool and opened The Bear’s Paw which became Liverpool’s “most palatial and luxurious restaurant,” widely famed for its luncheons and dinners which the proprietor arranged. John Cobham died in 1889 in the heyday of his restaurant’s prosperity, and his widow ran the business until 1895 when it changed hands
“It was run by Mr T.J. Fletcher and later, by Mr J.A. Brown. In 1900, it was controlled by Bear Paw Restaurant Ltd. and the block was renamed Bear’s Paw Buildings. ” For years, the restaurant was said to be the “rendezvous of city men in business including cotton, corn and provisions” and became the “in” place for functions like freemason’s dinners, reunions and wedding parties.
A fire causes serious damage to the site in 1922 and two years later, it was sold again. But many generations from the 60s onwards will still remember visits to The Bear’s Paw.
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Through the years, The Bear’s Paw passed through the hands of a number of owners including Professor Andrew B. Semple, Mr. Harry Isaacson and Mr. Harry Waterman. At one point, it reopened under the name the New Bear’s Paw and renovations saw a maple dancefloor fitted.
Curtess, the shoe shop, eventually opened a branch in that part of the building incorporating the Lord Street entrance to the restaurant in 1959. And in later years, much of the original décor had been covered up.
A Liverpool ECHO advert from September 21, 1962, offers an insight into the site when it was known as the New Bear’s paw. It describes the venue as having entrances on Doran’s Lane and Harrington Street, offering a three course lunch, Liverpool’s finest table d’hote and an “always fabulous” a la Carte menu. At the time, it also hosted a dinner dance every Saturday.
Fast forward to the 70s and 80s, many will remember visiting the venue not only for meals and business lunches, but also for a drink or to enjoy the disco. In the early 1970s, it was owner Gordon Shearer who took over the business, which went on to incorporates the Harrington Bar.
One image, courtesy of Liverpool Central Library and Archives, will transport former customers back to the days of The Bear’s Paw. Taken on March 5, 1973, you can see the rear of the building which also shows the Swiss Chalet.
Many through the decades will remember visiting The Bear’s Paw, whether it be for a dinner dance in the 60s or a drink with friends in the 70s and beyond. For some, it would be the place to go for a drink if you missed your bus after work or were waiting for one to arrive.
It’s now been years since The Bear’s Paw was open. But it boasted a long history in the city with its origins and first owner being “ahead of their time.”
