Project Overview

Located within the historic Pacific Chambers on Victoria Street, The Queen’s Arms occupies a former banking hall in the heart of Liverpool’s commercial district. The recent refurbishment sought to transform the grand, heritage space into a traditional yet elevated pub environment — one that respects the building’s architectural character while delivering a warm, inviting hospitality setting.

Designer Lighting Store (DLS) was appointed to supply the decorative lighting scheme, ensuring all fittings complemented the scale, detailing and historic integrity of the interior.

The Brief

The project required a cohesive lighting scheme that would:

• Reflect the heritage of the original banking hall
• Enhance ornate architectural features such as high ceilings, cornicing and columns
• Deliver a warm, welcoming pub atmosphere
• Balance statement lighting with functional illumination across different zones

The challenge was to introduce impactful decorative lighting without overpowering the existing structure — allowing the building itself to remain the focal point.

Lighting Solution

DLS supplied a full suite of bespoke and decorative luminaires tailored to the space:

Bespoke Cast Brass Chandeliers
At the centre of the scheme, custom-designed cast brass chandeliers were developed specifically for the project. Featuring multiple opal glass globes, these fittings provide a soft, diffused light while reinforcing the traditional aesthetic of the venue. Their scale and detailing ensure they sit comfortably within the volume of the former banking hall.

Ornate Wall Lights & Pendants
To complement the chandeliers, a series of decorative wall lights and pendants were introduced throughout the space. These fittings echo the classical design language of the building, adding layers of light while enhancing vertical surfaces and architectural rhythm.

Bespoke Brass Post Lights 
A key feature within the scheme is the run of bespoke ornate brass post lights installed along the bar and space dividers. Designed specifically for the project, these fixed luminaires integrate cleanly into the bar top, with concealed cabling passing through the counter for a seamless finish.

The post lights deliver focused task lighting across the bar surface while also acting as a strong visual detail — creating rhythm, intimacy and a sense of craftsmanship at eye level for guests seated at the bar.

Marine-Style Ceiling & Wall Lights
A selection of marine-style luminaires was incorporated to introduce contrast and subtle industrial character. These fittings provide robust, practical illumination in circulation areas while contributing to the overall layered lighting approach.

Experience & Atmosphere

The lighting scheme plays a central role in shaping the guest experience. Warm colour temperatures and opal diffusers create a soft, ambient glow that enhances the richness of materials and finishes throughout the interior.

Layered lighting ensures the space transitions seamlessly from day to evening — offering functional brightness where required, while maintaining an intimate and comfortable atmosphere typical of a traditional British pub.

The addition of the bespoke bar post lights strengthens the human scale of the space — drawing attention to the bar as a focal point while enhancing usability for both staff and guests.

Project Credits

• Project Type: Hospitality – Pub / Bar
• Location: Liverpool, England
• Client: 1936 Pub Company
• Lighting Type: Heritage-style chandeliers, Bespoke Chandeliers, Decorative wall lights