A family who saved a ‘gem’ of a live entertainment venue from developers are celebrating 15 years at the helm. The Nicholas family took on Liverpool Naval Club in Childwall in 2010 when the Royal Naval Association could no longer keep it going and have since been hosting ‘unforgettable’ nights.
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Located off the beaten track on Bowring Road, just behind The Rocket pub at the beginning of the M62, Liverpool Naval Club has thrived despite being hidden away without any natural footfall. The venue has hosted many fantastic nights of live entertainment over the past 15 years, including top tribute nights, themed events, their monthly Soul & Motown showcases, comedy and private functions.
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The venue has attracted top performers throughout the UK and stars such as Ricky Tomlinson, meanwhile Liverpool and Everton FC legends have frequented it. That said, the achievement of keeping the venue going hasn’t come without adversity and sheer hard work. The Nicholas’ have endured severe ill health within the family, Covid, price hikes, the cost of living crisis and of course, being off the beaten track.
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Mark Nicholas explained: “Liverpool Naval Club has been an institution since opening in 1963 — mostly as a members club for naval and ex-naval personnel. It was known as a ‘mini Grafton’ back in the day, with singles nights where many people met partners. Unfortunately, in 2009 the Royal Naval Association struggled to keep it going and it was going to be sols to developers.”
He continued: “My Dad Joe had been going for years and as a family we’d had many a great night there. We’re a naval family and most of us have served in the Royal or Merchant Navy, so it was really sad to hear this legendary place was to be knocked down. Despite having no hospitality experience, we stepped in and bought the venue — it was a massive risk but thanks to lots of hard work we’re still here 15 years later!”
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Liverpool Naval Club is very much a family run independent — with Dad Joe and Mum Maureen overseeing the hard work of son Mark, his wife Collette and their wonderful team. It’s not all been ‘plain sailing’ for the naval family, however. In 2012, Joe became temporarily paralysed and nearly died due to Guillen Barre Syndrome, whilst in 2013 Mark’s daughter Poppy almost died of a rare heart condition.
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The family invested a small fortune in refurbishing the venue to a high standard in 2020 despite facing the uncertainty of Covid and the challenging energy price rises and the cost of living crisis since. During all this, they still have to work very hard to raise awareness and promote themselves with being situated in such a hidden away location.
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Mark summarised: “It takes really hard work to keep this venue going and keep the place busy at weekends. We don’t get people walking in off the streets, so we need to promote our events really well whilst keeping ticket prices and drinks affordable for people. It’s a constant balancing act. Fortunately, our entertainment here is top draw so people keep coming back and we have an amazing team.”
He continued: “It’s really sad to see more and more hospitality businesses closing — especially the social clubs that have been iconic institutions with lots of history. So many memories have been made and friendships and relationships formed in places like these. We’re determined to keep this place going, even though it’s really hard work. We’ve come this far so here’s to another 15 years!”
CLICK HERE FOR WHAT’S ON & TICKETS OR CALL 07766190194 FOR VENUE HIRE ENQUIRIES
A family who saved a ‘gem’ of a live entertainment venue from developers are celebrating 15 years at the helm. The Nicholas family took on Liverpool Naval Club in Childwall in 2010 when the Royal Naval Association could no longer keep it going and have since been hosting ‘unforgettable’ nights.
Liverpool Naval Club / 38 Bowring Road, Liverpool, L14 3NN / 07766190194
CLICK HERE FOR WHAT’S ON & TICKETS OR CALL 07766190194 FOR VENUE HIRE ENQUIRIES
