Liverpool’s nightlife scene is ever changing with new bars and restaurants opening every year.
But sadly there comes a time when we have to say goodbye to some of our favourites, as times change and businesses close. And no matter how much you love discovering new places, nowhere quite lives up to the favourites you had back in the day, right?
That’s why we asked people on our What’s On Facebook page if you could bring back one Liverpool bar, restaurant or nightclub, what would it be? More than 600 people commented, naming the places they loved, miss and want to see back in our city. Here's what topped the list:
Quadrant Park
Also known as the Quad, or Quaddie, this Bootle nightclub on Derby Road opened in 1988 and used to attract guest DJs from all over the world. At the time it was said to be the UK's only legal all-night rave, because it didn’t sell alcohol. It closed on New Year’s Eve 1991.
"Quadrant park but would never be the same," said Adele Coulthard. Lee Dolman agreed in another post: “The best there ever was and ever will be for music and atmosphere.”
Coconut Grove
Opened in the former Carlton Cinema (later the ABC) in Tuebrook, Coconut Grove aka The Cokey was a big favourite before later turning into The Venue and gaining a reputation as a "gangster club".
On the corner of Green Lane and West Derby Road, Coconut Grove was endearingly tacky, with plastic palm trees, chicken in a basket and Del Boy cocktails a go-go.
"How I wish things were still as good nowadays! would love to re live them all," said Yvonne Leonard.
The 051
The sign still towers above Mount Pleasant, but inside The 051 is nothing more than a shell. In the 90s, the huge 2,000 capacity venue became a Saturday night lockout and one of the most legendary nights out in Liverpool, with resident DJ Lee Butler on the decks for almost a decade from 1996.
It had other brief club incarnations, over the years including Aura in 2013 before being sold to a student property developer. John Barry said: "We need an 051 reunion.. with 2 funky 2 performing brothers & sisters live on stage. There hasn’t been one of them for years!!"
Grafton
Ahh The Grafton… Surely there isn’t a person in Liverpool who grew up during its heyday that didn’t venture through its doors. The Beatles played there of course, and who can forget its infamous "grab a granny" Thursdays in the 1970s.
"Had a some great nights in there," reminisced Cath Rowlands. Paul Jenkins added: "Learned the hard way in there," and Gerard Walsh said: "Spent my youth being taught there."
Cabin Club
The Havelock building has now been transformed into gig venue and bar Jimmy's, but for many Scousers it’s remembered for two things in particular.
"The stick to the carpet Cabin, with a lolly pop at the end of the night!" said Yvonne Leonard. George Harrison is believed to have written Don’t Bother Me for The Beatles after being hassled on his way into the club.
The State
It opened as a nightclub in the 80s and music programme The Tube was once filmed there, looking at Liverpool’s music scene. By the mid 90s, DJs Mark Simon and Lee Butler were regulars and are still running State reunions now. Angela Rogers said: "Some good Liverpool bands played there, as well."
Krazyhouse
The Wood Street venue was packed each weekend with people bouncing round to rock, indie and dance anthems. In another Facebook post, Zara Michelle Whelan remembered: “Had many a great night in there while visiting my friend who was at Hope Uni. I was living in Bangor, Wales, at the time and absolutely loved the music. I think I've got photos somewhere of us all sat on the giant LEGO blocks.”
Krazyhouse closed in summer 2018 but has returned for the odd bank holiday 'throwback' night.
Paradox
Away from the city centre, this Aintree nightclub was hugely popular, particularly for those living in north Liverpool. It opened in 1991 and ECHO readers fondly remember De Ja Vu on a Wednesday night. The club closed in 2001 and it’s now a Sports Direct store.
The Living Room
A more recent favourite was this footballers’ favourite on Victoria Street. The venue opened in 2000 and specialised in trendy cocktails and stylish food.
Nikki Metcalfe said: “The food was lovely and it was just a nice chill out place, then you go to Mosquito - all R&B tunes.” It closed its doors in 2014 and was replaced by Sugar Hut, and now is home to Dash.
Cream (Nation)
Nation, home to the legendary Cream since 1992, was a mecca for dance fans and would attract thousands of clubbers a week. Medication was a rite of passage for generations of students.
In 2002 it closed as a weekly venue, but Cream continued to host sell out parties throughout the year. Yvonne Rice was amongst those who'd like to see it back, but said: "Don’t think it would ever be the same as it was. Those days are over."
The Sportsman
Back in the 70s there were a number of bars and clubs in and around St John’s Precinct, including Bailey’s, Rotters and Romeo and Juliets. The Sportsman was also a popular choice, particularly with football fans who used to meet there before and after the match. There was even an upside down racing car on the roof as you walked in.
Club Continental
A popular club in the 80s for soul and RnB, if you’re over 35, chances are you remember the Conti well. It opened in 1982 and even offered guests their own private car parking service.
The State
If the 80s was your era, this was one of the biggest nights out on offer. The ornate Dale Street hangout opened more than a century ago hosting Littlewoods tea dances in its classy ballroom, before becoming an indie hangout and acid house hot spot. You might have been there, but chances are you won’t remember much.
Ferrari’s
Back in the day there were nightclubs all over Merseyside - not just in the city centre. Ferrari’s in Huyton was one such venue, which the owners spent a fortune on to attract footballers and clientele with money.
Best of the rest
Annabels
Uglies
Lomax
The L2
ECHO reader Louise Doherty said: “Especially on Club Tropicana night as they played some right cheese that reminded me of holidays.
The Pyramid Club
Maxims
Rotters
Flames
Quinn’s
Old Monk
ECHO reader Louise Doherty said: “For a bit of Scouse tunes like True Love Never Dies and Brothers and Sisters, oh and how can I forget Howl At The Moon!
Pickwick’s
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