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The Imperial Hotel was situated at 55 St Petersgate. This pub closed in 2014

Source: Movement80

The Imperial Hotel, St Petersgate, was first mentioned in 1877, but it could go back earlier. It was originally a plumber’s shop; the proprietor was a chap called Dooley. It is thought the rather grand name was inspired by its location, next door to the Theatre Royal. This guaranteed a clientele of entertainment-goers, before and after performances. Cab drivers from the rank opposite were also regulars. The Imperial in the late nineteenth century was a Showell’s Brewery house, which had taken over Marsland’s Brookfield Brewery, based on Hempshaw Lane. By the mid-20th century, after a series of takeovers, it became a Wilson’s Brewery pub. The building, which still stands, is a survivor. The Theatre Royal was burned to the ground in 1887 before being rebuilt. It was finally demolished in the early 1960s, with a building society branch built in its place. It is now an estate agent’s premises with apartments above. To the left of the Imperial, a neighbouring shop unit was also demolished to allow widening of St. Peter’s Square. After the theatre’s demise, the Imperial was renamed, becoming Irish-themed bar the Blarney Stone and later being named the Peters Square Tavern. It reverted to its old name of the Imperial with a short-lived relaunch in 2011 but closed a few years later. Since closing, the pub has been converted to shop premises and is currently a convenience store.

Dave Stearn, Opening Times magazine, March/April 2025

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