Ye Cracke: Liverpool’s Historic Beatles-Linked Pub

Historic Liverpool pub famed for its Beatles connections, cozy multi-room layout, and traditional cask ales in the heart of the Georgian Quarter.

4.5

Looking to book tours, experiences or hotels? Let me help you...

Ye Cracke is a charming 19th-century pub tucked away on Rice Street in Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter. Known for its intimate, multi-room layout and rich artistic heritage, it was a favorite haunt of John Lennon and Stuart Sutcliffe during their Liverpool Art College days. The pub features a cozy front bar with a copper-topped counter, a snug called the War Office, and a welcoming beer garden, serving a rotating selection of cask ales in a traditional setting.

A brief summary to Ye Cracke

13 Rice St, Liverpool, L1 9BB, GB
+441517094171
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
Budget
Indoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 12 pm-11 pm
Tuesday 12 pm-11 pm
Wednesday 12 pm-11 pm
Thursday 12 pm-11 pm
Friday 12 pm-12 am
Saturday 1 pm-12 am
Sunday 1 pm-10:30 pm

Local tips

Try the rotating selection of cask ales, including the classic Draught Bass reintroduced in 2024.
Visit the War Office snug to experience the intimate space where locals once discussed the Boer War.
Explore the beer garden for a relaxed outdoor drink, one of the few in central Liverpool.
Look for the etched windows and blue plaque commemorating John Lennon’s visits.

Getting There

Bus

Take buses 75, 80, or 86 from Liverpool city center to South Hunter Street stop, about a 10-15 minute ride. From there, Ye Cracke is a 5-minute walk. Buses run frequently but check schedules for evening service.
Walking

From Liverpool Central Station, it’s a 20-minute walk through the Georgian Quarter with mostly flat terrain, suitable for most travelers. The route passes historic streets and local shops.
Taxi

A taxi from Liverpool Lime Street Station takes about 5 minutes depending on traffic. Fares typically range from £5 to £8. Taxis are readily available around the station.

Ye Cracke location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Ye Cracke

A Storied Heritage in Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter

Ye Cracke began life in the mid-19th century as the Ruthin Castle, originally a single-room cottage pub on Rice Street. Its small size earned it the nickname “Ye Cracke,” which became its official name by 1892. Over time, the pub expanded into two adjoining houses, creating a unique multi-room layout that includes the historic front bar, the snug known as the War Office, and the main bar. The War Office, named during the Boer War era, served as a meeting point for locals to discuss news and events, preserving a sense of community and history.

The Beatles Connection and Artistic Legacy

Ye Cracke holds a special place in Liverpool’s cultural history, especially due to its association with John Lennon and Stuart Sutcliffe. Both were students at the nearby Liverpool Art College and frequented the pub for drinks and socializing. The War Office was even used for informal tutorials by their art teacher, Arthur Ballard. Lennon’s romantic story here includes an evening spent with his future wife Cynthia, marking the pub as a backdrop to significant personal moments. The pub proudly displays memorabilia and a playful blue plaque commemorating these connections.

Architectural Character and Atmosphere

The pub’s interior reflects its layered history, with the front bar featuring a copper-topped counter and space for only about ten patrons, preserving an intimate ambiance. The War Office snug is separated by glazed wooden screens with fixed seating, offering a cozy retreat. The main bar, updated in the late 1960s or early 1970s, retains vintage fittings and a large bar counter. The exterior is notable for etched windows bearing the name of Houldings Brewery, linking to John Houlding, a key figure in Liverpool football history who founded Liverpool FC after a rent dispute with Everton FC.

A Traditional Pub Experience with a Modern Twist

Today, Ye Cracke serves a rotating selection of three cask ales from across the UK, including the reintroduction of Draught Bass in 2024, a nod to its brewing heritage. The pub has a welcoming paved beer garden, one of the few in central Liverpool, providing a relaxing outdoor space. Inside, a newer room adjacent to the main bar displays historic drawings and photographs of Liverpool, enriching the visitor experience with local culture and history.

Local Significance and Cultural Atmosphere

Ye Cracke remains a beloved local institution, cherished for its authentic character and lively yet cozy atmosphere. It is a magnet for both history enthusiasts and beer lovers, offering a genuine taste of Liverpool’s past and present. The pub’s location in the Georgian Quarter adds to its charm, surrounded by historic architecture and a vibrant cultural scene.

Visiting Ye Cracke Today

Open daily from midday, Ye Cracke welcomes visitors with traditional hospitality and a rich sense of place. Its small size and multiple rooms create an intimate setting that encourages conversation and connection. Whether you’re drawn by its Beatles heritage, historic ambiance, or quality ales, Ye Cracke offers a memorable Liverpool pub experience steeped in history and local pride.