Eric's Liverpool: A Legendary Live Music Venue on Mathew Street
Historic punk rock venue on Mathew Street, Eric's Liverpool pulses with live music and vibrant nightlife every night until the early hours.
Eric's Liverpool, located at 9 Mathew Street in the iconic Cavern Quarter, is a historic live music venue and bar renowned for its pivotal role in Liverpool's punk rock scene. Since opening in 1976, it has hosted legendary bands like The Sex Pistols, Ramones, and Echo & the Bunnymen. Today, Eric's continues to be a vibrant hub for live music every night, offering an electric atmosphere where emerging artists perform until the early hours.
A brief summary to Eric's Liverpool
- 9 Mathew St, Liverpool, L2 6RE, GB
- +441513516702
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-3 am
- Tuesday 12 pm-3 am
- Wednesday 12 pm-3 am
- Thursday 12 pm-3 am
- Friday 12 pm-3 am
- Saturday 12 pm-3 am
- Sunday 12 pm-3 am
Local tips
- Arrive early on weekends to secure a good spot for live performances, as the venue can get busy.
- Check the schedule online for special gigs and emerging artist showcases.
- Enjoy a drink at the bar while soaking up the historic punk rock atmosphere.
- Visit nearby Cavern Quarter landmarks to deepen your appreciation of Liverpool’s musical heritage.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Liverpool Lime Street station, take bus routes 10 or 17 towards the city centre; the journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes with frequent service. Tickets cost around £2.50 GBP. The stop is a short walk from Eric's on Mathew Street.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central Liverpool locations typically takes 5-10 minutes depending on traffic, costing approximately £5-£10 GBP. Drop-off is directly at 9 Mathew Street.
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Walking
If you are staying in Liverpool city centre, Eric's is accessible on foot within 15-25 minutes via mostly flat, paved streets. The route passes through the vibrant Cavern Quarter, enhancing your arrival experience.
Eric's Liverpool location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Eric's Liverpool
Roots of Liverpool's Punk Legacy
Eric's Liverpool first opened its doors on October 1, 1976, initially located in the basement of The Fruit Exchange Building on Victoria Street before moving to its long-term home on Mathew Street opposite The Cavern Club. Founded by Roger Eagle and Ken Testi, Eric's was named as a playful antidote to the disco clubs of the time, quickly establishing itself as a crucible for punk and post-punk music. It hosted groundbreaking performances by influential bands such as The Sex Pistols (their only Liverpool gig), Ramones, The Police, The Jam, and Echo & the Bunnymen, cementing its place in music history.A Cultural Catalyst for Local Talent
Beyond hosting international acts, Eric's played a vital role in nurturing Liverpool's local music scene. It was a membership-only venue, uniquely offering memberships to under-18s, allowing younger fans to experience live music and creating a social network for emerging artists. Many local bands who performed here went on to national and international success, including Dead or Alive, Julian Cope, The Teardrop Explodes, and Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark. This inclusive approach helped sustain Liverpool’s vibrant musical culture and youth engagement.Present-Day Vibe and Live Music Experience
Today, Eric's remains a lively and essential part of Liverpool nightlife. Situated in the historic Cavern Quarter, it operates seven days a week, featuring live music every night until the early hours. The venue continues to showcase emerging artists alongside established acts, maintaining its reputation as a haven for music enthusiasts. The atmosphere is electric and intimate, with a rich sense of history palpable throughout the venue’s underground space.Architectural and Cultural Setting
Located at 9 Mathew Street, Eric's occupies a spot steeped in musical heritage, just steps from The Cavern Club, famously associated with The Beatles. The venue’s underground basement setting contributes to its unique ambiance, offering a raw and authentic live music experience. The surrounding Cavern Quarter is a vibrant cultural district, with murals, statues, and other landmarks celebrating Liverpool’s musical legacy.Community and Legacy
Eric's is more than a music venue; it is a living tribute to Liverpool's dynamic musical past and present. It has inspired artistic works such as "Eric's The Musical," which dramatizes the club’s impact on the city’s culture. The venue’s commitment to live music and supporting new talent continues to enrich Liverpool’s cultural landscape, making it a must-visit for music lovers and cultural explorers alike.Visitor Experience and Nightlife
Visitors to Eric's can expect a vibrant nightlife experience with a diverse lineup of live performances, from punk and rock to alternative genres. The venue offers a bar with a selection of drinks and a lively crowd, often hosting celebrations such as stag and hen nights. Its location in the Cavern Quarter makes it an integral part of Liverpool’s music tourism, blending history, culture, and entertainment in one energetic setting.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Cilla Black
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Celebrate Liverpool’s beloved entertainer with the life-size bronze statue of Cilla Black on iconic Mathew Street, near the legendary Cavern Club.
Liverpool Beatles Museum
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Explore the largest authentic Beatles collection in Liverpool’s historic Mathew Street, celebrating the band’s legendary journey and legacy.
Coopers Building
0.2 km
Discover Coopers Building, a striking early 20th-century landmark that enriches Liverpool’s historic Church Street with timeless architectural charm.
Liverpool Town Hall
0.3 km
Explore Liverpool Town Hall, a stunning Georgian masterpiece and historic civic venue at the heart of Liverpool’s cultural heritage.
1 Exchange Flags
0.3 km
Historic Liverpool landmark featuring WWII command bunker, elegant architecture, and a courtyard rich with maritime and mercantile heritage.
Viewing window to the Old Dock
0.4 km
Step through a glass window into the world’s first commercial wet dock, the birthplace of Liverpool’s global maritime legacy.
Oriel Chambers
0.4 km
Oriel Chambers: Liverpool’s revolutionary 1864 office building that pioneered the metal-framed glass curtain wall and modern skyscraper design.
Hargreaves Buildings
0.5 km
Victorian banking landmark preserving Liverpool's golden age of maritime commerce and financial power
Cotton Exchange Bldg Old Hall Street
0.5 km
Historic heart of Liverpool’s cotton trade, blending Edwardian grandeur with modern business life on Old Hall Street.
The Port Of Liverpool Building
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The oldest of Liverpool’s Three Graces, this Edwardian Baroque masterpiece at Pier Head is a powerful symbol of the city’s golden age as a global port and a defining feature of its historic skyline.
Tithebarn Building
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A modern office landmark on Liverpool’s historic Tithebarn Street, bridging medieval heritage and today’s Knowledge Quarter.
Cunard Building
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A majestic waterfront landmark embodying Liverpool’s rich maritime history and Cunard’s legacy of luxury ocean travel.
Royal Liver Suite
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Celebrate your special moments with panoramic Mersey views in Liverpool’s iconic Royal Liver Suite, blending heritage and elegance.
Liverbird Monument
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Discover the Liverbird Monument, a majestic symbol of Liverpool's maritime heritage and cultural pride, in the heart of the city.
Royal Liver Building
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Explore the Royal Liver Building, an iconic symbol of Liverpool's heritage, showcasing stunning architecture and rich maritime history.
Unmissable attractions to see
Mathew St
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Experience the legendary Mathew Street, Liverpool’s iconic music hub and birthplace of Beatlemania, alive with history, live music, and vibrant culture.
Cavern Club
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Experience the legendary Cavern Club, Liverpool’s iconic live music venue where The Beatles’ legacy lives on beneath the city’s historic arches.
Heaven Nightclub Liverpool
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A compact, late‑night gay club in Liverpool city centre offering high‑energy DJ nights, compact dancefloors and themed queer nightlife until the early hours.
John Lennon Statue - Mathew Street
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Celebrate the legacy of John Lennon with this iconic statue on Liverpool’s legendary Mathew Street, the heart of Beatles history.
The Wall Of Fame - Mathew Street
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Celebrate Liverpool’s legendary musicians on Mathew Street’s iconic Wall Of Fame, a tribute to the city’s unparalleled musical heritage.
Eleanor Rigby Statue
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A moving tribute to loneliness and legacy, the Eleanor Rigby Statue invites reflection beside Liverpool’s iconic Beatles landmark.
John Lennon Mural by Paul Curtis
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A vibrant street art tribute to John Lennon’s legacy, celebrating Liverpool’s rich musical and artistic heritage.
Stanley St Gaay Quarter LGBT Bars And Clubs
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Liverpool’s compact Pride Quarter: Stanley Street’s cluster of LGBT+ bars, clubs and colourful street life at the heart of the city.
Everyman Liverpool
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Boutique cinema in Liverpool offering gourmet dining, cocktails, and vibrant events in a stylish, welcoming setting.
Metquarter Liverpool
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Discover Liverpool’s stylish Metquarter, where luxury boutiques, curated shops, and vibrant dining create a sophisticated city centre shopping experience.
Shiverpool
0.2 km
Experience Liverpool’s haunted history with Shiverpool’s award-winning ghost tours blending thrills, laughs, and captivating storytelling.
Queen Victoria Monument
0.2 km
A grand neo-Baroque monument in Liverpool’s city center honoring Queen Victoria’s reign with rich allegorical sculptures and historic significance.
Quaker Alley Murals
0.3 km
Discover Liverpool’s Quaker Alley Murals, where vibrant street art celebrates the city’s rich history and dynamic cultural spirit in a colorful urban gallery.
Chavasse Park
0.3 km
A serene urban park at Liverpool ONE, renowned for festive cheer, community events, and a welcoming green escape in the city centre.
Derby Square
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Historic Derby Square in Liverpool blends medieval roots, iconic monuments, and vibrant city life in a captivating urban landmark.
Essential places to dine
Turtle Bay Liverpool Victoria St
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Lively Caribbean dining and cocktails in Liverpool’s historic Produce Exchange, blending authentic flavors with vibrant island vibes.
Blakes Restaurant
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Experience British classics with a Beatles twist in Liverpool’s iconic Hard Days Night Hotel restaurant.
Casa Italia
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A Liverpool institution since 1977, serving hearty pasta, wood-fired pizzas and classic Italian desserts in a lively, retro setting on Stanley Street.
Shiraz BBQ
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Charcoal-grilled Mediterranean excellence with generous portions and unbeatable value in central Liverpool.
NYL Restaurant and Bar
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Stylish American dining and cocktails in Liverpool's commercial heart, where upmarket meets approachable.
San Carlo - Liverpool
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Experience authentic Italian elegance and vibrant city dining at San Carlo Liverpool, where classic flavors meet stylish ambiance.
Bacaro
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Experience vibrant Venetian small plates and authentic Italian flavors in the stylish heart of Liverpool’s Castle Street.
Castle St Townhouse
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A stylish all-day dining venue in Liverpool’s historic heart, blending heritage charm with vibrant food, drinks, and social atmosphere.
Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Liverpool
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Modern Italian dining and cocktails in the heart of Liverpool, with a stylish terrace and a unique vaulted private dining room for special occasions.
Las Iguanas - Liverpool
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Vibrant Latin American dining and cocktails in Liverpool's premier shopping destination.
Mowgli Street Food Water Street
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Contemporary Indian street food in a vibrant, casual setting with bold flavors and communal sharing plates.
Smoke & Dough
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Interactive BBQ dining in Liverpool One where you grill premium meats at your table, paired with vibrant cocktails and a lively city terrace.
Hawksmoor Liverpool
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Experience premium British steaks and seafood in a stylish, lively Liverpool setting with exceptional service and classic flavors.
Cosy Club
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Stylish British dining with vintage charm and all-day menus in the heart of Liverpool’s vibrant city center.
Dale Street Kitchen & bar by Shino
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Award-winning breakfast and brunch spot in Liverpool’s city centre, celebrated for its full English and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
As Above So Below Emporium Ltd
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A darkly elegant witchy emporium in Liverpool’s historic Cavern Walks, blending mysticism, tarot, and alternative culture.
Cool Britannia
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Liverpool's vibrant gift shop packed with Britpop t-shirts, Beatles nods, and Cool Britannia souvenirs—your one-stop for cheeky, affordable UK mementos in the city center.
Cavern Walks - Shopping Centre
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Boutique shopping arcade in Liverpool's Beatles epicentre, linking stylish retail to Cavern Club legacy on vibrant Mathew Street.
The Gallery
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Discover Liverpool’s musical heritage and unique local crafts at The Gallery, your destination for Beatles memorabilia and authentic souvenirs.
Hard Days Night Shop
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Explore the heart of Beatles heritage with exclusive memorabilia and authentic merchandise at Liverpool’s iconic Hard Days Night Shop.
House Of Gifts
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A fun-filled Liverpool novelty shop packed with souvenirs, local memorabilia, and quirky gifts for visitors and locals alike.
Scouse Bird Shop (inside Boutique 56 & online)
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Discover cheeky Liverpool gifts and local charm at Scouse Bird Shop, nestled inside the stylish Boutique 56 hotel on Stanley Street.
Menkind
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Discover quirky gadgets and imaginative gifts for men and boys at Menkind Liverpool, your go-to spot for unique presents in the city centre.
Liverpool Souvenirs and Gifts
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Discover unique Liverpool keepsakes and exceptional service at this friendly souvenir shop in the heart of the city.
Beats of Liverpool
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Discover authentic Liverpool memorabilia and Beatles-inspired souvenirs in the heart of the city’s historic Whitechapel district.
KENJI Liverpool ONE
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Discover cute plushies, quirky gifts, and local makers in Liverpool ONE's playful arcade-gift haven—perfect for unique souvenirs and fun finds.
The Liverpool Gift Shop
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Discover authentic Liverpool souvenirs and memorabilia in the heart of Williamson Square, open daily for all fans and visitors.
LFC Official Club Store
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Discover authentic Liverpool FC merchandise and immerse yourself in the club’s vibrant spirit at the heart of Liverpool city centre.
Oliver Bonas
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Colourful, design-led fashion and homeware in Liverpool ONE — a boutique atmosphere for stylish gifts and everyday statement pieces.
Urban Outfitters
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Discover unique vintage-inspired fashion and eclectic homewares at Urban Outfitters Liverpool, a vibrant hub for style and culture in the city centre.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Rubber Soul
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Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife and Beatles heritage at Rubber Soul, a lively bar with three unique atmospheres and nightly live music.
Slug & Lettuce - Liverpool
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Liverpool's ultimate cocktail spot in a historic building—2-for-1 drinks, bottomless brunches, and three floors of festive vibes for groups and celebrations.
Ex-Directory
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Discover Liverpool’s hidden speakeasy with quirky charm, expertly crafted cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere on Vernon Street.
The Slaughter House
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The Alchemist Liverpool
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Experience Liverpool’s premier cocktail bar where molecular mixology meets bold flavors and vibrant city vibes.
Brass Monkey
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Liverpool's quirky cocktail haven on School Lane, blending inventive drinks, British bites, and lively vibes from midday to late-night revelry.
The Bierkeller Liverpool
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Experience the ultimate Bavarian beer hall vibe in Liverpool with giant steins, live Oompah bands, and a lively party atmosphere.
Present Company
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Intimate Liverpool cocktail bar blending expert drinks, music culture, and warm hospitality in a stylish, relaxed setting.
Motel Bar
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A moody, music-first Fleet Street dive bar famous for band-backed karaoke and late-night crowds in Liverpool city centre.
Be At One - Liverpool
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Liverpool's cocktail epicenter: 100+ mixes, 2-for-1 happy hours, and masterclass shakes in a chic Seel Street hotspot.
Kazimier Garden
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Liverpool's original garden bar: quirky outdoor oasis with craft brews, live gigs, and fairy-lit magic in the heart of Ropewalks.
Soho Bar Liverpool
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Liverpool's neon-charged party hub in Concert Square: cocktails by day, club beats by night, perfect for epic nights out.
Pump House
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Experience the essence of Liverpool at the Pump House Pub, where British tradition meets modern dining in a stunning dockside location.
The Lime Kiln - JD Wetherspoon
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Affordable ales and hearty meals in a historic warehouse pub at the pulse of Liverpool's nightlife district—daytime calm meets evening energy.
The Jacaranda
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Iconic Liverpool music venue where The Beatles began, blending historic charm with vibrant live performances and a vinyl café.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Nightlife
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adult Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
