A historic venue said it was “heartbroken” to close
Wavertree Town Hall is closed for good(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
Three Liverpool institutions have closed, relocated or are on the cusp of doing so after years of service. While their departures took many by surprise, the city also welcomed new businesses with hundreds turning out to celebrate the openings.
Liverpool’s legendary live music and nightlife venue The Zanzibar Club is set to close after 35 years. The club opened in 1990 and is well known across the city for championing grassroots music and hosting a range of rock and alternative music.
Over the years, The Zanzibar Club has played host to stars such as The Kooks, Miles Kane, Noel Gallagher and The Libertines. Known for its two distinct areas, the venue could hold 300 people, giving it an intimate atmosphere.
The Zanzibar Club will officially mark its final day on November 1. After that date, Zanzibar band performances will move a few hundred yards away to the basement of Heebie Jeebies on Seel Street in Liverpool City Centre.
A new name for this live music basement venue at Heebies will be announced soon. The basement at Heebies has been a popular spot in the city for live music nights and an investment will now be made into making this accessible even more across each week.
The Zanzibar Club is going to be refurbished and more information about its future will be announced in soon.
Zanzibar on Seel Street, Liverpool(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
Wavertree Town Hall was “heartbroken” to announce the restaurant, bar and function space has permanently closed. The community venue has endured a challenging history and thanked guests for their support over the past five years.
Former Gusto Albert Dock manager Lisa Dixon and her business partner, Natalie Doughty, took on the challenge of reviving the building and did so with great success in 2020. Wavertree Town Hall issued a message to guests confirming the venue has shut its doors for good on Monday.
The Warhammer shop at Liverpool Central railway station has also gone, removing its signage and closing shutters to its long-time home to begin a new chapter elsewhere.
Warhammer stores offer a wide range of miniature collectibles, books, paints and hobby items coming from the fantasy Warhammer world. Retail locations also provided fans with a chance to play the tabletop battle game in person with dedicated on-site spaces.
However, the company has found a new home in St Johns Shopping Centre, opposite Flannels on Houghton Street, where fans can continue to shop.
Warhammer in Liverpool Central has closed(Image: christopher megrath)
In more positive news, long queues formed on Bebington Road, New Ferry, for sweet treats and baked goods. Notices were even placed on shutters outside informing customers their wait times may take up to an hour at specific points.
The long wait was to welcome beloved bakery Griffiths back to the scene after an eight year absence. On March 25, 2017, the Homes in Style furniture store blew up in New Ferry, levelling dozens of properties, closing several businesses, and injuring 81 people.
One of the businesses that was destroyed was Griffiths; a local bakery which was well-known in the area, particularly for its chicken and ham pies. Dave Griffiths, who founded the shop, had begun efforts to reopen but sadly died before he could do so.
In order to “carry on his legacy”, his daughter Fiona Griffiths and her business partner Ritchie Hyland have marched on with his plans to revive the business, which finally returned last week with hundreds of customers waiting eagerly to get in.
Fiona Griffiths and Ritchie Hyland from Griffiths bakery(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
The demand showed no signs of slowing down as huge queues formed at the bakery for cream doughnuts, eclairs and more.
The long-awaited relaunch of the city’s Sports Direct store also saw massive crowds as people came out to shop and watch England Liverpool FC legend John Barnes cut the ribbon.
The flagship store includes a full Everlast Gym+ complete with premium facilities, as well as a HYROX Performance Centre – said to be a first of its kind in the city.
The store is part of the brand’s vision to create stores where people both shop and workout – a destination where sport, performance, wellness and style are part of the same experience.
More new businesses are on the horizon, with Mexican restaurant Madre announcing a new bar and entertainment facility on Hanover Street, celebrity favourite Jerk Junction confirming its Liverpool opening date and Ranelagh’s Tavern expanding to Penny Lane.