Lost Liverpool bars that stood out for their 'striking' themes

Liverpool has always been a go to place for incredible nights out, boasting tonnes of venues that offer something for everyone. Over the years, we've welcomed new bars and said goodbye to a number that welcomed customers for years.

Living on in the memories and photographs of those who went there, some are remembered not only for the people who went there or the events held, but for what they looked like and their own themes. Through the generations, we've seen new trends emerge, disappear and also come back.

But in a city that is known for sport and its historic football teams among many things, we also came to love a number of sports bars that called the city centre home. Once located in the city centre, they boasted different themes and events in their time.

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From upside-down racing cars on the ceiling to golf simulations and more, in many ways we hadn't seen anything like them. Here, we take a brief look back at a number of lost Liverpool sports bars that attracted customers for years.

This list isn't intended to be comprehensive, but will stir some memories for those who went to these venues in years gone by. You can find out more below.

The Sportsman Bar

The Sportsman in St John's Precinct opened its doors on December 10, 1970 and was owned by Greenall Whitley. First managed by a Mr James Shinner, the business boasted five bars - each depicting a different sport.

Many will remember heading there in the 70s and grabbing a drink from either the mountaineering, skiing, football or motor racing bar. As for the fifth bar, at the time of opening it was designed as a discotheque and all around the site, former customers will remember the distinct murals to match each themed bar.

But the "most striking" bar was said to have been the Grand prix bar. Many will remember a Formula Two racing car, previously driven on British motor racing circuits, suspended from the ceiling.

Upside-down, the car was a big attraction and is still remembered today and no doubt, a number of customers tried to climb into it from time to time. The venue also had facilities for film, shows and matches to be screened.

The Golf Bar

Located on Tithebarn Street, The Golf Bar opened its doors on October 1998 in the site of the former Churchill's pub. The business was set up by local entrepreneur Adam Coburn and it cost more than £250,000 to transform the site into a new bar, housing two simulated golf courses, operated by computer, which could cater for up to forty players.

At the venue, customers could step onto a mini green with a large screen in front, projecting the image of a real course chosen from a number around the world. At The Golf Bar, you could also watch live sports on one of their many TV screens.

Spread across two levels, with a larger drinking area downstairs via a spiral staircase, customers could grab a pint, a bite to each and watch sports on one of the 22 screens dotted around the venue. In the early 00s, burger and chips cost £3.95, while spicy chicken and chips was £2 extra.

After remaining empty for some time, Manchester-based C&C bought it from Derwent Lodge Properties in April 2013. In June 2015, developer Capital & Centric secured the first tenant for its £6m Tempest office development and the site went on to become venues Hus and FOLK, later becoming Tempest on Tithebarn in 2021.

De Coubertin's Sports Bar and Grill

Located on North John Street in Liverpool city centre, many will remember heading to De Coubertin's Sports Bar and Grill in the 90s and 00s. The bar was named after Baron Pierre De Coubertin, the man who revived the Olympic Games in 1896, and first opened its doors in August 1997.

The bar was opened by football legend Sir Stanley Matthews and hosted many celebrity visits in its time. One night, the whole of Liverpool's 1977 European Cup winning team are said to have popped in on their way to a reunion dinner.

At the time of its opening, the Liverpool Daily Post reported how the bar had "already been a hit in the US" and it would be the city's "first sports-themed eating house," with its walls lined with sporting memorabilia of the famous. In the 00s, the menu included the 1966, a classic burger for £5.25, as well as the Golden Boot for £7.50, a vegetable Wellington marinated in olive oil and mozzarella cheese. There was also a Youth Team menu with the usual kids dishes of burger, pizza and fish fingers.

But, after almost a decade in business, De Coubertin's Sports Bar and Grill announced it was closing its doors. In September 2005, owners Cavern City Tours said the basement was needed for their Hard Day's Night Beatles-themed hotel and reluctantly called last orders on de Coubertin's.