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Liverpool Echo

Who knows what secrets are kept within the walls of one of Liverpool's oldest boozers, The Cornmarket?
This question came to mind as reaquainted myself with a pub which is huge and just seems to go on and on and on (yes, it does remind me
of pub column regular Big Fat Joe).
Its Location - it's tucked away, almost hiddin, in the Old Ropery, off Fenwick St in Liverpool's business district - conjures up images of illicit couples canoodling on the luxurious leather furniture.
Or perhaps in the large back room, which is even more tucked away
than the rest of the pub.Then again, all this could just be my cynical, suspicious mind.Some first-time visitors have probably got lost trying
to find the Cornmarket and, given its gargantuan interior, you could probably get lost once you're inside.But you wouldn't guess this
from its exterior, which gives no indication of what lies within.
Although there's even enough room for Big Fat Joe, it was Big Frank
who was accompanying me on this pub column outing - and helping
me recall previous enjoyable nights here. Like that leaving-do when allegedly mature journalist colleague decided, for some reason, to
take his shirt off and twirl it around his head as he gave us a song.Thankfully, he kept his vest on - but it still wasn't a pretty sight. Then there was that time ...no, I'd better not go there. Do you think
I'm a gossip, or something? Talking of which, Big Frank told me a stunning piece of gossip on this occasion. Those who know me
and know the people I know, please form an orderly queue. Mine host Kevin Smith, who has run the pub with his wife Barbara, since 1990,
has, obviously, seen more comings and goings than anyone: "I've
been here that long, when a couple come in I can say to myself
'That isn't his wife!' I can spot them - and I could write a book!"
Tittle tattle, forbidden lust and flying shirts aside, this is a pub
which has a lot going for it - its size obviously included.
Food is a big attraction, especially among the office workers who
come here for lunch. I know this because I've been here for lunch
myself - and I've seen the food counter. Any pub which has its own dedicated serving area has to be serious about food. The Cornmarket boasts lavish drapes and intricatley-carved wooden paneliing, which
came from the old Reina del Pacifico - a ship well-known to Liverpool seafarers of old. And, still on a nautical theme, there's the pub's sea
of deep green and brown leather furniture (sea of furniture? I know. I'm sorry). In fact, the boozer's baronial feel reminds me a little of the
smaller Baron's Bar in Southport's Scarisbrick Hotel. People may
have been drinking on this site since the 1700s (that must be some hangover!) but its location means punters still, when ringing for a
taxi, feel the need to say: "The Cornmarket - opposite The Slaughterhouse."
And in these credit crunching times, it's the Smiths - Kevin and
Barbara - who have the job of trying to fill the place. Kevin says:
"It is tough at the moment and there's lots going against us, so we're looking for any help whatsoever." If therefore, you're looking for somewhere to conduct an affair - or you just fancy a few pints -
you know where to go.

Paddy Shennan Liverpool Echo