A Liverpool pub has been listed for protection by the government.

The Wheatsheaf, in St Helens, was selected as one of 21 inter-war pubs as part of a project by Historic England.

The watering hole has been given Grade II listed status and recognised as one of the pubs throughout the country that helped change the image of drunkenness associated with pubs.

Built in 1938, The Wheatsheaf lured huge crowds on its opening day by the promise of a free pint for ale drinkers.

Crowds were allegedly met with campaigners who sang and preached outside the St Helens pub, warning others against entering the “House of the Devil”.

Between 1918 and 1939 breweries rebuilt thousands of pubs, spurred on by the need to appeal beyond their usual male clientèle and leave behind the popular image of drunken rowdiness associated with Victorian and Edwardian pubs.

By creating bigger, better pubs with restaurants, gardens and community meeting spaces, breweries aimed to attract more respectable customers, specifically aimed at inviting women and families.

A total of 21 inter-war pubs have made it onto the list of protected venues, with most being newly listed as Grade II status and one upgraded from Grade I to Grade II.

Heritage Minister Tracey Crouch said: “These inter-war pubs are more than a slice of living history, they play an intrinsic role in English culture and our local communities.

“I’m delighted that these pubs and their fascinating history have been protected for generations to enjoy for years to come.”

Other pubs that made it onto the protected list are The Black Horse in Birmingham and the Royal Oak in Hoxton, London, which has become known as the “early pub” as it serves market traders at 9am.

The Berkeley Hotel in Scunthorpe as well as The Daylight Inn in Kent are also now among the 21 protected buildings throughout the country.