In Liverpool we are blessed to have many bars and nightclubs.
The city is known for its nightlife and is why many people come to visit and for some, like students, it is part of the reason they choose to live and study here. Sadly, Liverpool has lost some firm favourites over the years.
From international giants like Cream to cult classics like Le Bateau, Liverpool city centre has said farewell to its fair share of amazing venues. However, we have many clubs and bars which have stood the test of time and remain firm favourites of visitors, locals and students.
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Here are some of the nightclubs and bars which have remained in the city for decades. Let us know in the comments your favourites.
The Jacaranda
The Jacaranda, on Slater Street, was founded in 1957 by Allan Williams, known as the man that gave the Beatles away.
Williams was The Beatles’ first manager and turned the old watch repair shop into the coffee bar - which we now know as The Jac. Lennon and McCartney were also known to be frequent customers to the bar.
In 2011, the Jac mysteriously closed down, but to many people's delight - it reopened in 2014. More than 60 years on, the venue remains the heart and soul of the city’s music scene, with an operational record label, live music venue, bar and record store.
The Jacaranda sells vinyl records across three floors but is also a gig venue, bar and club. It’s a true hub for all music lovers.
Blue Angel aka The Raz
The Blue Angel dates all the way back to the 1960s when it was historically a jazz club.
Legends such as The Beatles, Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan are known to have played in the club. Now, it’s a far way away from a jazz club but its popularity is still growing as it is a must-go-to venue for many of the students in Liverpool.
In 2008, the Blue Angel was under threat after a series of noise complaints but in 2010 it won the court battle to remain open - long live The Raz.
Baa Bar
The Baa Bar, once described as "Liverpool's first proper bar", was first opened on Fleet Street in 1991. The bar, in an area people described as "mental" to open in, was the first in the city to be granted a licence to serve alcohol until 2am.
It was also the first shooters bar in the city - a concept it remains synonymous with over 30 years later. And since the early 90s the bar has become "a rite of passage" for locals, students, and visitors who have flocked through its doors for "a good time and cheap drinks".
The two-floor venue was first created inside a converted warehouse surrounded by nightclubs. But the pristine neon bar, light walls and sophisticated setting offered a different aesthetic to its dingy surroundings that were notably run down at the start of the 90s.
A firm favourite in the city Baa Bar and its light wall is still going strong today.
The Cavern Club
The original Cavern Club opened in January 1957 as a jazz club and later became the centre of rock and roll history where The Beatles played in their early years.
Unfortunately, the original Cavern Club closed in 1973 and was demolished but The Cavern Club re-opened in 1984 and was rebuilt using many of the original bricks to the original plans. Over the years some of the biggest names in music have played in the club including Adele, Cilla, The Rolling Stones, Oasis, The Arctic Monkeys and Stevie Wonder.
Keith's Wine Bar
Keith’s Wine Bar is a Liverpool institution.
The bar and Lark Lane eatery has been open since the ‘70s and hasn’t changed much since it first opened either. In fact, it hasn’t changed in so long that many regulars took to social media to express their shock when the venue had a new lick of paint.
The shabby chic bar is loved by locals for its relaxed atmosphere, light bites, selection of wines and bohemian vibe.
The Zanzibar
Although this place has been around for way over a decade, it’s still a hidden gem in Liverpool.
It’s known by music fans across the country but due to its intimacy and size not many people even know it’s there. The Seel Street venue has had major bands and acts play there over the years including Noel Gallagher, The Coral, The Zutons, Miles Kane, Brendan Benson and much more.
The Zanzibar Club on Seel Street closed its doors after 30 years in business back in August 2020, but one of the city’s largest pub companies stepped in to save the venue.
Pub Invest Group, which also operates Liverpool bars Brooklyn Mixer, Moloko and more, confirmed it was relaunching The Zanzibar Club in 2021.
Today, The Zanzibar Club is flourishing once again.
Eric’s Club
Another club in Liverpool that has a rich Beatles and music history is Eric’s Club.
The venue opened in 1975 and is still as popular today on Mathew Street as it was back then. The club, opposite The Cavern, was known for hosting many punk bands and today still puts on live music each day.
Although you won’t find any punk bands, you will find a live solo act of everyday, followed by a band every night from 11pm.
Heebie Jeebies
Heebie Jeebies, or just Heebies as it’s known to regulars, has been the venue for memorable (or not some memorable) nights out in Liverpool since the mid 90s when it was originally a jazz bar.
A couple of years ago, the 250-year-old cellar of Heebie Jeebies was renovated and turned into EBGBs.
The Kazimier Gardens
When The Kazimier had to leave us in 2016 after seven delightful years - many of us thought that would be the last we’d see of the place.
But thankfully, The Kazimier Gardens stayed. The outside bar venue frequently has live bands and club nights too, alongside the barbecue afternoons.
With it being tucked away off Seel Street, it feels like you’re a thousand miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
La'go
The bar on the corner of Colquitt and Seel Street is always packed due to it being a favourite for good tunes, cheap drinks and boogieing until the early hours.
La'go first opened in 1997 as a Motown bar and soon became popular with students in the city. At the weekend it is almost guaranteed that there will be a queue outside the door.
Having been open for 25 years, La'go has legendary status. It is also known for its drinks - especially shots - and its sassy message board which always captures Scouse humour perfectly.
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