Spotted at a lunchtime gig in The Cavern in 1961, The Beatles went on to become an important part of British History. The Cavern was a night club in the arches below 10 Mathew Street a few blocks back from the docks. They had previously been fruit storage areas and an air raid shelter in World War 2. There were a number of clubs in the arches all around the docks. This one was meant to be like the Le Caveau de la Huchette jazz club in Paris. Liverpool’s brick arches are quite amazing because they repeat in the docks and in Liverpool, they were storage areas for goods in days long before containers and instant transport. Before container ships, the goods came in on pallets and in sacks are required many cranes and an unimaginable amount of manpower and storage. The clubs were for drinking after work, and with shiftwork that meant round the clock. The docks kept the bars and clubs alive which meant bands and entertainers also had a living.

The Cavern Club opened in January 1957, and within years had turned from jazz to skiffle, then a golf friend the owner to book The Beatles and they were made to audition at the golf club first. When they played in The Cavern, the transition to rock n’ roll was irreversible. The Beatles rode in on the new wave of rock music. From 1961 to 1963 The Beatles made 292 appearances at the club.

We highly recommend the Beatles Story Museum as well as a few beers in The Cavern, and if you are new to Liverpool then look at our Liverpool Guide film. Then, where are you going?