With an expected launch in the autumn of 2025, the announcement was flooded with messages of support
The Magnet, Hardman Street, Liverpool.
A building once home to legendary Liverpool music club The Magnet will re-open under new ownership. QUARRY C.I.C, a community music venue, was set-up in 2010 in response to the closure of a number of grassroots venues.
Since its inception, the venture has hosted gigs showcasing upcoming talent in Merseyside, along with other creative projects. Since 2020, QUARRY’s live music events have been held in a venue on Love Lane in Vauxhall.
Earlier this year, QUARRY announced it would be leaving the Love Lane site “as soon as possible”, citing property developments in the area as the reason for moving. The company announced this morning that its new home will be at 45 Hardman Street in Liverpool city centre, the former home of The Magnet.
Originally a street level bar named the Rumblin’ Tum, a restaurant on the site was recognisable from the outside for its geometric wood panelling at the window, with the basement of the site named the Sink Club.
One of the city’s first Black music venues, entry was by way of a numbered sink plug on a short length of chain which proved membership. When the venue was called Sink Club, Freddie Mercury first played there with band Ibex.
From 60’s Soul to 70’s Disco, to nuances of Reggae and Ska in the 80’s and Electro in the 90’s, for generations The Magnet was a melting pot for different musical genres. It also saw a number of acts playing on stage in the bar’s bustling basement over the years.
Geoff Davies of Probe Records, photocall with bands on the Probe Plus Label, pictured outside the Magnet pub and restaurant in Hardman Street, Liverpool, Friday 29th April 2005.(Image: Mirrorpix)
In its time, the bar and club boasted a long list of accolades including ‘Best Bar in Liverpool’ according to The Guardian, as well as occupying the 29th spot in GQ Magazine’s Best Bars in the World list.
However, in 2018, it was announced that The Magnet would no longer host gigs, as the site was “changing ownership and usage,” according to Merseyside club promoters EVOL.
It was then taken over by Hot Water Comedy Club, but the Liverpool business vacated the building when it moved to Blackstock Market in Vauxhall last year.
Now QUARRY have announced it will re-open the building as a music venue once again later this year. In an Instagram post with a picture of some staff members, it said: “Well, the rumours are true…
“We are so happy to announce that the next phase of QUARRY will take place in the city centre as we relocate to 45 Hardman Street – the former site of iconic Liverpool music venues The Magnet and The Sink Club before it.
“It has been a long road to get here, one filled with uncertainty, and we couldn’t have got here without the support of the QUARRY community – thank you all so much for your continued and unwavering support!
The Magnet on Hardman Street, Liverpool
“We recognise that this iconic site is steeped in history. We aim to acknowledge what has come before us while also adding something new. Namely, a 250-cap community-focused music venue with high-quality sonics and a forward-thinking programme – right in the bustling city centre.
“As we have said many times before, what has made QUARRY so special are the creative communities, artists, and audiences that have made it home over the past five years. We hope that you will join us in this new chapter, as you have previously.
“This is a grassroots project through and through, with musicians, artists and creatives doing the work and coming together to create a space for everyone to enjoy.”
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The group also shared a tribute to a close friend called Joe, who died recently. He said: “Right now is a difficult time for our creative community.
“It is with great sadness that we are unable to share this journey with our friend Joe. Joe was a part of our QUARRY family, performing countless gigs and volunteering to help out with our recent building works.
“We’ll be carrying their kindness, creative energy and huge spirit with us as we enter this new era. Everyone look after yourselves and look out for each other, and we will see you soon. Stay tuned for progress and opening updates over the coming weeks. ETA Autumn 2025. Warmest, (The) Quarry Gang.”
QUARRY moving into the site was welcomed in the comments section. Nearby coffee shop Artefact said: “Excited to be neighbours.” City centre music shop Dead Air Vinyl said: “Incredible news! We can’t wait!”