Royal Liverpool Philharmonic

You'll feel the weight of musical history the moment you step into this magnificent Art Nouveau concert hall on Hope Street. The acoustics are phenomenal – whether you're catching the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in full flight or settling in for one of their increasingly popular comedy evenings, every note and punchline lands perfectly from any seat in the house. The programming is refreshingly eclectic these days. Yes, you'll find Brahms and Beethoven, but they're just as likely to host film screenings with live orchestral accompaniment or contemporary acts that make full use of that incredible sound system. The bar stays open late on show nights, and there's something deeply satisfying about discussing the evening's performance over a proper drink in those ornate surroundings.