The Cavern Quarter: Mathew Street and Live Music in Liverpool

Mathew Street is a narrow lane between North John Street and Stanley Street, but it is one of the most visited streets in Liverpool. The original Cavern Club opened here in 1957 as a jazz cellar and became the venue where the Beatles played almost 300 times between 1961 and 1963.

The Cavern Club today

The original cellar closed in 1973 and was filled in during construction work. The club was rebuilt in the 1980s on part of the original site, using bricks from the original building, and it is open today with live music throughout the day and evening, seven days a week. See the Cavern Club website for its programme.

More than the Beatles

The Cavern Quarter’s bars and pubs host live bands and acoustic sets most nights, ranging from tribute acts to original artists. The area is busiest on weekends and during the annual International Beatleweek festival in late August.

Where to eat and drink nearby

Mathew Street sits a few minutes from Castle Street and the commercial district, so there is a wide choice of restaurants within walking distance — see our Castle Street guide. The Hard Days Night Hotel, on the corner of North John Street, is a Beatles-themed hotel with its own bar and restaurant. Old Town Liverpool has a guide to restaurants, pubs and cafés near Mathew Street and the Cavern Club.

Getting there

Moorfields station is the closest, and Liverpool Central and Lime Street are both within a 10–15 minute walk. The waterfront and the Royal Albert Dock, with The Beatles Story museum, are around 15 minutes on foot — see our Royal Albert Dock guide.

Frequently asked questions

When did the Cavern Club open?

The original Cavern Club opened on Mathew Street in 1957 as a jazz club.

Is the Cavern Club the original?

The original cellar closed in 1973. The club was rebuilt in the 1980s on part of the original site, using bricks from the original building.

How many times did the Beatles play the Cavern?

The Beatles played the Cavern Club almost 300 times between 1961 and 1963.

More from Liverpool: Beacon Worth Liverpool — eat and drink, shows and nightlife, neighbourhoods, and business across the city.

Disclosure: Old Town Liverpool, referenced in this article, is a partner publication of Beacon Worth. Venue details change, so check opening times and bookings directly with each venue.