The Jacaranda: Liverpool’s Legendary Music Venue and Cultural Hub
Liverpool’s iconic music venue where The Beatles began, blending live gigs, vintage vibes, and a vibrant community spirit.
The Jacaranda, located on Slater Street in Liverpool, is a historic live music venue, bar, and record store founded in 1958 by Allan Williams, the Beatles’ first manager. Known for its key role in the Merseybeat scene and as a launching pad for The Beatles and other local acts, it remains a vibrant cultural hotspot featuring live gigs, a vinyl café, and a rich musical heritage that continues to thrive.
A brief summary to The Jacaranda
- 21-23 Slater St, Liverpool, L1 4BW, GB
- +441513631294
- Duration: 2 to 4 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-4 am
- Saturday 12 pm-4 am
- Sunday 12 pm-3 am
Local tips
- Visit on weekends for lively live music events like Indie Rock Circus on Fridays and Rock N Roll Circus on Saturdays.
- Explore the basement to see original murals painted by John Lennon and Stuart Sutcliffe during their early days.
- Check out Jacaranda Records on the second floor for a curated vinyl collection and a unique café experience.
- Plan your visit between noon and late night; the venue opens daily from 12 pm with closing times ranging from 3 am to 4 am.
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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Train
Liverpool Central Station is about a 10-minute walk from The Jacaranda. Trains from nearby cities typically take 20-40 minutes. The station is well connected with frequent services, making it a convenient option for visitors. No parking is available at the venue.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve the city center with stops near Slater Street, including the Duke Street stop approximately 5 minutes’ walk away. Bus journeys from Liverpool suburbs usually take 15-30 minutes. Check local timetables for service frequency and ticket prices.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber offer direct access to The Jacaranda, with travel times varying from 10 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. This option is convenient for late-night returns when public transport is less frequent. Expect fares in the range of £5-£15 within central Liverpool.
The Jacaranda 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 The Jacaranda
A Birthplace of Liverpool’s Musical Legacy
The Jacaranda opened its doors in 1958, established by Allan Williams, who was notably the first manager of The Beatles. Situated in a former watch-repair shop at 21-23 Slater Street, it quickly became a cornerstone of Liverpool’s burgeoning Merseybeat scene. The venue distinguished itself by offering one of the city’s first espresso machines and an American-style jukebox, attracting a youthful and eclectic crowd. It was here that The Beatles, then known as The Silver Beetles, rehearsed and performed, with John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Stuart Sutcliffe all deeply connected to the venue. The basement walls still bear original murals painted by Lennon and Sutcliffe, a testament to the club’s historical significance.A Multicultural and Musical Melting Pot
The Jacaranda was not just a music venue but a pioneering multicultural space. Its cramped basement earned the nickname "The Black Hole of Calcutta set to music" and hosted a diverse mix of audiences, including immigrants, bohemians, and students. The venue featured a blend of musical styles, from calypso and steel drum performances to the early rock and roll sounds that would define Liverpool’s music culture. It also served as a launchpad for local acts like Gerry and the Pacemakers and Rory Storm and The Hurricanes. The club’s role as a gateway to international exposure was cemented by tours to Hamburg, organized by Williams, which were critical in shaping the careers of many Liverpool musicians.Contemporary Vibe and Cultural Role
Today, The Jacaranda remains a vibrant live music venue and bar, maintaining its independent spirit and connection to Liverpool’s musical heritage. The ground floor offers a lively bar with a mix of hot and cold drinks, including cocktails and traditional teas. The basement continues to host live performances most nights, featuring indie, rock ‘n’ roll, and open-mic nights that showcase emerging talent. The venue also includes Jacaranda Records on the second floor, a record store and vinyl café that extends the club’s commitment to music and community. This multi-level space blends vintage charm with a fresh atmosphere, making it a cultural hub for locals and visitors alike.Iconic Moments and Recognition
The Jacaranda is famously recognized as the site of The Beatles’ first performance under their iconic name in August 1960. This historic moment is commemorated with a World Origin Site plaque unveiled in 2024, placing the venue alongside other landmark sites of global significance. Over its more than 60 years of operation, The Jacaranda has been honored for its role in Liverpool’s music history, including a Pubs in Time plaque from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). It continues to be a cherished institution that preserves the legacy of Liverpool’s musical pioneers while fostering new generations of artists.Atmosphere and Visitor Experience
Visitors to The Jacaranda can expect a welcoming and lively atmosphere steeped in musical history. The décor combines vintage elements with quirky touches like an old jukebox and Beatles memorabilia. The venue attracts a diverse crowd, from music enthusiasts and vinyl collectors to casual bar-goers. Live music energizes the space, especially during weekend shows like the Indie Rock Circus and Rock N Roll Circus, plus the popular Open Mic Sundays. Whether enjoying a drink in the bar or catching a gig in the basement, guests experience a genuine slice of Liverpool’s cultural and musical identity.Community and Future Prospects
Beyond being a venue, The Jacaranda serves as a community hub for musicians and creatives, nurturing Liverpool’s independent music scene. Its connection to the city’s past is balanced by ongoing support for emerging artists and grassroots performances. The venue’s expansion into record stores and cafés reflects its evolving role in music culture. Despite challenges over the years, The Jacaranda’s enduring presence and recent recognitions suggest a promising future as a vital part of Liverpool’s nightlife and cultural landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St Luke’s Bombed Out Church
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A roofless Gothic memorial where wartime tragedy transformed into cultural renaissance and timeless celebration.
The Christmace Truce Memorial Statue - St Luke's Church
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A powerful tribute to the 1914 Christmas Truce, set within Liverpool’s evocative Bombed Out Church, symbolizing peace and unity amid war.
Chinese Arch
0.4 km
Europe’s tallest Chinese ceremonial arch, a vibrant gateway to Liverpool’s historic Chinatown and symbol of enduring cultural ties with Shanghai.
Coopers Building
0.4 km
Discover Coopers Building, a striking early 20th-century landmark that enriches Liverpool’s historic Church Street with timeless architectural charm.
Viewing window to the Old Dock
0.5 km
Step through a glass window into the world’s first commercial wet dock, the birthplace of Liverpool’s global maritime legacy.
'The Great Escape' statue
0.6 km
A powerful bronze horse symbolising freedom and human liberation at Liverpool's historic waterfront.
Old Wall Arch Albert Dock UK
0.6 km
Historic Georgian gateway at Liverpool’s Albert Dock, blending maritime heritage with vibrant cultural life and scenic waterfront charm.
Liverpool Beatles Museum
0.7 km
Explore the largest authentic Beatles collection in Liverpool’s historic Mathew Street, celebrating the band’s legendary journey and legacy.
Cilla Black
0.7 km
Celebrate Liverpool’s beloved entertainer with the life-size bronze statue of Cilla Black on iconic Mathew Street, near the legendary Cavern Club.
Church of England Cathedral of the Diocese of Liverpool
0.7 km
Discover the grandeur of Liverpool Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and spiritual sanctuary in the heart of the city.
Liverpool Cathedral
0.7 km
Discover the grandeur of Liverpool Cathedral, a historical gem blending spiritual tranquility with breathtaking architecture in the heart of Liverpool.
Cavern Club
0.7 km
Discover the Cavern Club, the iconic live music venue in Liverpool where The Beatles began their journey and experience a vibrant atmosphere of music and history.
For All Liverpool's Liver Birds (Wings) by Paul Curtis
0.7 km
Explore the vibrant artwork 'For All Liverpool's Liver Birds (Wings)' by Paul Curtis, a celebration of Liverpool's maritime heritage and cultural identity.
Salthouse Dock Liverpool - UK
0.7 km
Explore Salthouse Dock, Liverpool's historic waterfront, where maritime heritage meets vibrant culture and stunning views.
Queen Victoria - Equestrian Statue
0.7 km
Discover the grandeur of the Queen Victoria Equestrian Statue in Liverpool, a stunning tribute to a historic monarch amidst a vibrant city backdrop.
Unmissable attractions to see
Wade Smith Mural by Paul Curtis
0.0 km
A vibrant street art tribute by Paul Curtis celebrating Liverpool’s retail heritage in the creative heart of Ropewalks.
Ropewalks
0.0 km
Discover Liverpool’s Ropewalks: a vibrant blend of maritime heritage, creative arts, eclectic dining, and lively nightlife in the city’s independent quarter.
Concert Square Bars And Clubs Liverpool
0.1 km
A compact, purpose-built nightlife square in Ropewalks — bars, clubs and heated terraces that keep Liverpool’s evenings buzzing until the small hours.
Soho's Liverpool
0.1 km
A multi-level Bold Street bar with retro flair — cocktails, DJs and a lively city-centre scene.
Bold St
0.1 km
Bold Street in Liverpool pulses with independent shops, vintage finds, diverse eateries, and rich maritime heritage in the city’s cultural core.
Moonshine Saloon Liverpool
0.1 km
Discover the Wild West at Moonshine Saloon Liverpool, a unique cocktail bar and dinner theatre offering immersive experiences and dynamic performances.
Alcotraz Liverpool: Cell Block Three-Six
0.1 km
An immersive prison‑themed cocktail experience where theatre and mixology collide in Cell Block Three‑Six.
Wolstenholme Square
0.2 km
Explore Wolstenholme Square in Liverpool, a vibrant cultural hub filled with art, food, and community spirit, perfect for every tourist's itinerary.
Pop Boutique
0.2 km
Discover timeless style and sustainable fashion at Pop Boutique, Liverpool’s vintage clothing gem on Bold Street.
Quirky Quarter
0.3 km
Dive into Liverpool’s playful world of illusions, puzzles, and quirky exhibits at Quirky Quarter, where creativity and fun collide.
Clayton Square Shopping Centre
0.3 km
A compact, light-filled shopping arcade in central Liverpool — ideal for essentials, coffee and a quick stop near Lime Street and Liverpool Central stations.
Bluecoat Display Centre
0.3 km
Discover Liverpool’s vibrant hub for contemporary craft, showcasing unique handmade art from over 250 talented makers since 1959.
The Bluecoat
0.3 km
Liverpool's creative heart: where 300 years of history meets contemporary art and community.
China Town - Liverpool
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Liverpool’s Chinese community with authentic cuisine, iconic architecture, and lively cultural celebrations on Nelson Street.
Nordic Church and Cultural Centre
0.4 km
Historic Scandinavian church and vibrant Nordic cultural centre in Liverpool’s Baltic Quarter, celebrating maritime heritage and community spirit.
Essential places to dine
Wreck Bistro
0.0 km
A warm, inventive British bistro in Liverpool’s Ropewalks, blending seasonal ingredients with creative flair in a relaxed, inviting setting.
Almost Famous Liverpool
0.1 km
Big, messy burgers and loud, fun vibes in a graffiti-covered diner on Liverpool’s Parr Street.
Alma De Cuba
0.1 km
Experience vibrant Cuban culture and cuisine in Liverpool’s stunning former St Peters Church, blending historic charm with lively dining and entertainment.
Greek Taverna Bold Street
0.1 km
Experience authentic Greek cuisine and vibrant Mediterranean hospitality in the heart of Liverpool’s Bold Street.
La Finca Eivissa
0.1 km
Experience the vibrant spirit of Ibiza with fusion tapas, cocktails, and live DJs in the heart of Liverpool city centre.
Mowgli Street Food Bold Street
0.1 km
Experience authentic Indian street food bursting with bold flavors in a lively Liverpool setting on Bold Street.
The Italian Club
0.2 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Liverpool’s Bold Street at The Italian Club.
Maray Bold Street
0.2 km
Discover vibrant Mediterranean and Middle Eastern small plates with bold flavours and plant-based options in the heart of Liverpool’s Bold Street.
Down the Hatch
0.2 km
A vibrant vegan basement bar and restaurant in Liverpool offering generous plant-based dishes and creative cocktails in a lively, dog-friendly setting.
Villa Romana - Italian Restaurant Liverpool
0.2 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Liverpool at Villa Romana.
Cowshed Liverpool
0.3 km
A cozy, intimate steakhouse in Liverpool’s city centre, serving expertly cooked beef with attentive service and a unique historic setting.
Turtle Bay Liverpool Hanover St
0.3 km
Vibrant Caribbean jerk and cocktails in central Liverpool's most colourful, energetic dining destination.
Ropewalks Bar And Kitchen
0.3 km
Stylish and welcoming, Ropewalks Bar And Kitchen serves hearty British and international dishes in Liverpool’s vibrant city center.
Amalia - Italian Restaurant Liverpool
0.3 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality at Amalia, Liverpool’s beloved family-inspired Italian restaurant in Campbell Square.
Shiraz Palace
0.3 km
Lively Mediterranean bistro in Liverpool famed for generous grilled meats, vibrant breakfasts, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Beat That
0.1 km
Unearth retro gems at Beat That, Liverpool's quirky vintage haven on Concert Street, blending punk edge with timeless thrift treasures in the Ropewalks buzz.
Utility Gift Store
0.1 km
Quirky gifts and unique designs on Liverpool's Bold Street – your indie haven for Moomin magic, scented candles, and cards that say it best. Dog-friendly delight.
Resurrection
0.1 km
Liverpool's legendary streetwear haven: vintage roots, branded edge, tattoos, barber, records, and café vibes on bohemian Bold Street.
Shared Earth
0.1 km
Discover unique, sustainable gifts at Shared Earth, Liverpool’s hub for fair trade treasures and ethical craftsmanship.
The Hippy Hole
0.2 km
Discover handmade tie-dye fashion and bohemian treasures bursting with color and spirit on Liverpool’s vibrant Bold Street.
COW Liverpool
0.2 km
A compact Bold Street vintage haven where curated retro clothes, approachable staff and frequent one-off finds reward close, unhurried browsing.
69A
0.2 km
Discover unique antiques and vintage treasures in Liverpool’s vibrant Renshaw Street at 69A, where history meets style.
Bleu Prints
0.3 km
Stylish clothing boutique in Liverpool's vibrant L1, curating unique apparel and accessories for fashion-forward urban explorers.
Utility
0.4 km
Independent Liverpool gift shop specialising in quirky, design-led presents, cards and small homewares with a friendly, well-curated atmosphere.
Urban Outfitters
0.4 km
Discover unique vintage-inspired fashion and eclectic homewares at Urban Outfitters Liverpool, a vibrant hub for style and culture in the city centre.
Rebellious Fashion
0.5 km
Discover trendy, affordable women's fashion in Liverpool’s vibrant Houghton Street boutique with extended weekday hours and a youthful style vibe.
The Liverpool Gift Shop
0.5 km
Discover authentic Liverpool souvenirs and memorabilia in the heart of Williamson Square, open daily for all fans and visitors.
Oliver Bonas
0.5 km
Colourful, design-led fashion and homeware in Liverpool ONE — a boutique atmosphere for stylish gifts and everyday statement pieces.
F&G Discounts
0.5 km
Explore unique gifts and souvenirs at F&G Discounts, the ultimate gift shop in St. John's Precinct, Liverpool.
LFC Official Club Store
0.5 km
Discover authentic Liverpool FC merchandise and immerse yourself in the club’s vibrant spirit at the heart of Liverpool city centre.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
MOLOKO
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A music-led cocktail bar in the Old Stables with a beer garden, late DJs and an over-25s disco energy for evening socialising.
The Lime Kiln - JD Wetherspoon
0.1 km
Affordable ales and hearty meals in a historic warehouse pub at the pulse of Liverpool's nightlife district—daytime calm meets evening energy.
Soho Bar Liverpool
0.1 km
Liverpool's neon-charged party hub in Concert Square: cocktails by day, club beats by night, perfect for epic nights out.
Kazimier Garden
0.1 km
Liverpool's original garden bar: quirky outdoor oasis with craft brews, live gigs, and fairy-lit magic in the heart of Ropewalks.
Be At One - Liverpool
0.2 km
Liverpool's cocktail epicenter: 100+ mixes, 2-for-1 happy hours, and masterclass shakes in a chic Seel Street hotspot.
Bar Bodega
0.2 km
Liverpool's underground disco den: Ibizan house beats in a brick cellar nightclub, pulsing late into the night with cocktails and private party vibes.
Motel Bar
0.2 km
A moody, music-first Fleet Street dive bar famous for band-backed karaoke and late-night crowds in Liverpool city centre.
Salt Dog Slim's
0.2 km
Liverpool's dive bar legend: world beers, fiery cocktails, chili dogs, and secret speakeasy vibes on Seel Street.
The Oracle
0.3 km
Liverpool's secret speakeasy where cocktails meet close-up magic—buzz in for illusions, tarot, and vintage vibes that defy reality.
Berry and Rye
0.3 km
Knock to uncover Liverpool's speakeasy soul: jazz-infused cocktails, whiskey whispers, and Prohibition magic behind Berry Street's black door.
Red Door
0.3 km
A lively cocktail bar on Berry Street offering expertly crafted drinks, vibrant music, and a buzzing rooftop atmosphere in the heart of Liverpool.
Present Company
0.3 km
Intimate Liverpool cocktail bar blending expert drinks, music culture, and warm hospitality in a stylish, relaxed setting.
Brass Monkey
0.3 km
Liverpool's quirky cocktail haven on School Lane, blending inventive drinks, British bites, and lively vibes from midday to late-night revelry.
Sub Rosa
0.6 km
Quirky outdoor bar in Liverpool's Baltic Triangle: fire pits, craft brews, street food, and industrial charm for unforgettable gatherings under glitter balls and warehouse skies.
The Bierkeller Liverpool
0.6 km
Experience the ultimate Bavarian beer hall vibe in Liverpool with giant steins, live Oompah bands, and a lively party atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Baa Bar Liverpool
0.0 km
Two floors of house and R&B beats, £2 shooters, and courtyard vibes in Liverpool's nightlife epicenter—perfect for students and party-hoppers alike.
Ink Bar Liverpool
0.1 km
Liverpool's premier R&B and house nightclub, where stylish cocktails, thumping beats, and luxury vibes fuel unforgettable nights on Wood Street.
Aura
0.1 km
Dive into Liverpool's pulsating beats at Aura Nightclub, where Afrobeats and R&B fuel intimate, high-energy nights in Ropewalks' vibrant core.
BrooklynMixer
0.1 km
Liverpool's original R&B haven on Seel Street: three floors of hip-hop beats, craft cocktails, leather lounges, and private party vibes from dusk till dawn.
Modo, Liverpool
0.1 km
Liverpool's Concert Square legend: multi-room nightclub with cocktails, sports screens, heated terrace, and epic party spaces for every vibe.
EBGBS
0.1 km
Liverpool's gritty basement nightclub where live indie gigs, craft cocktails, and underground vibes fuel epic nights until 4am in the heart of Seel Street.
Heebie Jeebies
0.1 km
Liverpool's eclectic nightlife heart: multi-level bar, live music basement, courtyard hangs, and anthemic nights until dawn on Seel Street.
LEVEL Nightclub Liverpool
0.1 km
Liverpool’s expansive multi-floor nightclub offering diverse music, VIP areas, and a buzzing party atmosphere in the heart of Ropewalks.
Pure Nightlounge
0.1 km
Liverpool’s boutique R&B nightspot with VIP booths, tight dancefloor energy and a late-night, fashion-forward vibe.
Cool It
0.2 km
A multi-level, student-friendly nightclub on Seel Street offering loud DJ nights, bargain entry and packed late‑night dancefloors.
ELECTRIK WAREHOUSE
0.2 km
Liverpool's multi-floor warehouse nightclub: three dance floors of dance, RnB, indie, and chart hits in quirky industrial surrounds, open Thu-Sat till 4am.
Popworld - Liverpool
0.3 km
Liverpool's ultimate cheesy pop haven: 90s bangers, cheap drinks, and dance-'til-dawn vibes in the heart of Ropewalks.
The Blue Angel Nightclub
0.3 km
Liverpool's dingy dive for 60s rock legends, dirt-cheap drinks, and sweaty throwback dances—where The Beatles once rocked and students still rage till dawn.
Playground Liverpool
0.6 km
Liverpool's luxury nightclub haven in the Hilton, pulsing with upscale beats by the Mersey waterfront – exclusive nights await in the heart of the city.
Flares - Liverpool
0.7 km
Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife at Flares on Mathew Street, where great cocktails and unbeatable party vibes meet iconic music heritage.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
