Liverpool's historic Tobacco Warehouse at Stanley Dock has become a key filming location for the new Netflix series, House of Guinness. The production, from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, transformed the iconic waterfront landmark into the streets and brewery yards of 19th-century Dublin.
The series, which chronicles the famous Guinness family dynasty, utilized the Grade II listed building's unique architecture to recreate the atmosphere of the 1860s. This continues Liverpool's long-standing reputation as a premier destination for major film and television productions.
Key Takeaways
- Liverpool's Tobacco Warehouse is a primary setting for the Netflix drama House of Guinness.
- The Stanley Dock area was transformed to represent 1860s Dublin for the series.
- The landmark has previously featured in major productions like Peaky Blinders and Captain America.
- The historic building is also undergoing a major residential conversion, with a new phase of homes planned.
From Merseyside to 1860s Dublin
The new Netflix drama, House of Guinness, tells the story of the powerful Guinness family in the years following the death of Sir Benjamin Guinness in 1868. Created by the acclaimed writer Steven Knight, the series stars actors such as James Norton, Jack Gleeson, and Niamh McCormack.
Producers selected Liverpool's Stanley Dock as a central location to bring the historical narrative to life. The vast red-brick structures and waterside settings of the area provided an authentic backdrop for 19th-century Dublin. Key filming sites included the interiors of the Tobacco Warehouse and the neighbouring South Warehouse.
Other specific areas featured in the production were the atmospheric South "Peaky Blinders" Lane, the main gates on Dock Road, and the waterside environment of Collingwood Dock. The distinctive architecture of the warehouses, with their soaring ceilings and iron columns, offered a perfect canvas for period storytelling.
A History of Hollywood on the Docks
The use of Stanley Dock for House of Guinness is not an isolated event. The location has a rich history of attracting high-profile film and television projects, making it one of Liverpool's most recognisable screen locations. Its gritty, industrial character and preserved historic features make it highly adaptable for various eras and settings.
Previous Major Productions at Stanley Dock
- Peaky Blinders: The popular BBC series, also from Steven Knight, used the docklands extensively, lending one of its lanes an informal nickname.
- Sherlock Holmes (2009): The film starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law featured scenes shot at the historic location.
- Captain America The First Avenger (2011): Stanley Dock was used to depict a 1940s New York City dockyard in the Marvel blockbuster.
This track record highlights the architectural significance and versatility of the site. Its ability to stand in for locations from different historical periods has cemented its status as a go-to choice for filmmakers seeking authentic and large-scale environments.
The Architectural Significance of Tobacco Warehouse
The Tobacco Warehouse is more than just a film set; it is a monumental piece of Liverpool's industrial heritage. The Grade II listed building was designed by the renowned engineer Jesse Hartley and was completed in 1901. At the time of its construction, it was reported to be the world's largest brick building.
The Tobacco Warehouse is comprised of an estimated 27 million bricks and covers a vast area, reflecting the scale of Liverpool's global trade importance at the turn of the 20th century.
Its primary purpose was to store tobacco imported into the city, and its immense size and robust construction were a testament to the port's commercial power. The building's distinctive features, including its brickwork, iron columns, and expansive floors, have been carefully preserved, making it a unique historical asset.
Pat Power, the director of Stanley Dock Properties, commented on the recent filming project.
"We are delighted that Netflix chose Stanley Dock and Tobacco Warehouse as a key filming location for House of Guinness. The series showcases the incredible heritage of Tobacco Warehouse, highlighting the importance of preserving such locations, and giving them renewed purpose."
A New Chapter for the Historic Landmark
Alongside its role in the film industry, the Tobacco Warehouse is undergoing a significant transformation. The landmark is being redeveloped into a thriving residential community, blending its rich history with modern living.
The first phase of the project has already converted parts of the building into unique loft-style apartments and penthouses. According to developers, this initial phase is almost completely sold, indicating strong demand for homes within the historic structure. Many of the apartments feature double-height living spaces and offer waterside views, retaining much of the original architectural character.
The regeneration of the area is set to continue. Developers anticipate announcing the next phase of homes later this month, with construction expected to begin in 2026. This ongoing project, combined with the established Titanic Hotel Liverpool in the adjacent North Warehouse, is creating a vibrant new neighbourhood at Stanley Dock, ensuring the building's legacy for future generations.