Liverpool in Merseyside, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

The Epstein Theatre and the Bling Bling Building

— The Heritage Trail at Liverpool ONE —

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, September 13, 2026

1. The Epstein Theatre and the Bling Bling Building Marker

Inscription. On School Lane you will find two landmark buildings designed a century apart. The Epstein Theatre opened in 1913 above Crane’s music emporium. It was called The Neptune before being renamed in honour of Beatles manager, Brian Epstein.

Opposite is a distinctive five-storey building with a curved curtain wall and three gleaming bronze bays. It’s known locally as the Bling Bling Building in honour of its first resident — the late ‘King of Bling’, hairdresser Herbert Howe. Herbert was a flamboyant, kind and larger-than-life character who treated all of his clients like stars!

(Captions)
Brian Epstein. Image courtesy of the Planetary.
Bling Bling Building. © Daniel Hopkinson & CZWG Architects.

Welcome to The Heritage Trail at Liverpool One

Whether you are a visitor to the city, or born and bred in Liverpool, you will be surprised by the secrets revealed by this self-guided tour.

Download the Liverpool ONE app to listen to an audio guide and view the trail map. Follow the 16 points of interest across Liverpool ONE highlighted on the map and marked with special Heritage Trail signs at each location on the estate. Each point is the site

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of an event, a place or a person that helps us tell the fascinating tale of Liverpool’s history.

The trail begins opposite the Hilton Hotel on Thomas Steers Way and ends in Chavasse Park, but you can visit the points in any order. The trail will take you approximately 60–90 minutes and if you are using the audio tour, we recommend you use headphones.

Erected by Liverpool ONE. (Marker Number 10.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the The Beatles series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.

Location. 53° 24.261′ N, 2° 58.935′ W. Marker is in Liverpool, England, in Merseyside. It is at the intersection of Hanover Street and School Lane, on the left when traveling north on Hanover Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 87-89 Hanover St, Liverpool, England L1 3HD, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North West England.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, September 13, 2026

2. The Epstein Theatre and the Bling Bling Building Marker

The marker is adjacent to the entrance to the Epstein Theatre.

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Epstein Theatre (here, next to this marker); Liverpool Blue Coat School (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Bluecoat Hospital (about 90 meters away); Dr James Currie (about 90 meters away); Bluecoat (about 90 meters away); The Athenaeum (about 120 meters away); School Lane and the Bluecoat (about 120 meters away); Hanover Street (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Liverpool.

Also see . . . Herbert - A life in bling, 1944 – 2016, guest blog (National Museums Liverpool).

Herbert Howe was a terrific Liverpool success story. Over 54 years in business, Herbert of Liverpool employed hundreds of people, giving many a future salon owner a masterclass in the art of hairdressing and in how to look after the client. His exuberant character and his shining ability as a wit and raconteur attracted national TV producers and Herbert was the star of many series of his ITV Docu-soap, called
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, September 13, 2026

3. The Epstein Theatre and the Bling Bling Building
The two buildings are across the street from one another on Hanover Street and School Lane.
Shampoo...Success brought Herbert the opportunity to give something back to the city he adored, helping thousands of disadvantaged children, young carers as young as five or six years of age and the old and lonely trough the charity he established in loving memory of his mother, Queenie's Christmas. Though not his motivation, Herbert won countless awards and national recognition for both hairdressing and for his humanitarian work.

(Submitted on October 25, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.)

Additional keywords. LGBT; LGBTQ; 🏳️‍🌈

Credits. This page was last revised on October 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 25, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 25, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.