The Cavern Club

What it is and why it matters

Alan Sytner opened the Cavern as a jazz club on 16 January 1957, and it soon became a centre of skiffle, rock and roll and Merseybeat. The Beatles first appeared on 9 February 1961 and last played on 3 August 1963. The club closed in May 1973 when British Rail bought the warehouses above for a ventilation shaft that was never built, and the cellar was filled with rubble. It was reconstructed and reopened in 1984 using around 15,000 bricks from the original site. Performers' names are displayed on the brick wall behind the stage.

Visiting practicalities

Live music starts on the Front Stage in the late morning every day. General admission cannot be booked in advance and is paid at the door, while ticketed shows in the Live Lounge at the back are worth booking ahead as some sell out. The venue is cashless, so bring a card or phone. Under-18s are welcome until 8pm with a responsible adult, and staff ask daytime visitors to dress with a family audience in mind. A lift serves the club and the Live Lounge; ask door staff or phone ahead.

Nearby and combine with

Mathew Street is in Liverpool city centre, a short walk from the shops of Liverpool ONE and from the Royal Albert Dock, home to The Beatles Story. Combine the Cavern with the Magical Mystery Tour, which the club itself promotes.

Highlights

• The Beatles played here 292 times, 1961 to 1963
• Opened as a jazz club in 1957
• Rebuilt in 1984 with about 15,000 original bricks
• Live music every day

Good to know

• General admission is paid at the door and cannot be pre-booked.
• The venue is cashless.
• Under-18s allowed until 8pm with a responsible adult.
• Lift access to the club and Live Lounge.

Frequently asked questions