Legendary Liverpool pub that once stood alone on city centre street

A rare photo from years gone by captures life inside a legendary Liverpool pub that once stood alone on a city centre street.

For decades, generations of customers have headed to Mathew Street for a drink at The Grapes pub. The current building dates back to 1804, but it was built on the site of an earlier tavern whose history is lost in the mists of time.

At one time, in the early 1960s, it was the only pub in Mathew Street and was surrounded by warehouses. One of The Beatles’ favourite venues, it was where the Fabs drank in their Cavern-playing days, as seen in a famous 1962 photograph taken of John, Paul, George and then-Beatles drummer Pete Best.

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In its time, the pub was briefly renamed The Famous Grapes and also known as The Beautiful South - for one month only - when the band of the same name embarked on a promotional campaign. Through the years, it has undergone a number of refurbishments, but many of its original features remain.

Still loved for its live music, jukebox, and karaoke nights - one rare image captures life inside the popular pub 35 years ago. Courtesy of our archives, Mirrorpix, this photograph has been unseen for years and was recently rediscovered.

In the image, you can see The Grapes after a recent refurbishment on December 13, 1989. Photographed is manager Alan Clarke with his wife Ann and barman Bernie Sharkey.

That week, the ECHO reported how the refurbishment cost nearly £50,000. The article reads: "The pub was closed for seven weeks and landlord Alan Clarke says he received an average of four to five enquiries every day."

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Mr Clarke previously said: "They all wanted to know how the work was going. Since we reopened, I haven't had a single unfavoured comment."

Another image from our archive shows outside the pub during the same decade. Many will have memories of what the site was like back in the 1980s.

Over the years, much has changed has happened at the pub. Many will remember it underwent another major refurbishment in 1998.

The most recent revamp came in 2019. At the time, Chris Tulloch, managing director of Blind Tiger Inns said: "The pub is very well known and has a historical background, so we have worked hard to retain all its original features. We have even discovered a few that have been hidden over the years, such as beautiful details of fireplaces and exposed brick walls, we’ve brought everything back to its former glory."

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