Casbah Coffee Club, Liverpool

The Casbah Coffee Club, located in the West Derby area of Liverpool, holds a significant place in the history of rock and roll and The Beatles. Founded in 1959 by Mona Best, the mother of Pete Best, the club originally served as a meeting spot for her sons Pete and Rory and their friends to enjoy the popular music of the day. Mona was inspired by the success of the 2i's Coffee Bar in London’s Soho district, where many music stars had been discovered. The Casbah was set up in the family home’s basement, creating a unique members-only club atmosphere.

The Quarrymen—featuring John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ken Brown—secured their first booking at the Casbah, but not before helping Mona finish painting the venue. The cellar walls became a collaborative art project, adorned with designs like spiders, dragons, rainbows, and stars painted by the boys. Cynthia Powell, John Lennon's future wife, also contributed by painting a silhouette of John, which remains visible to this day.

The Casbah provided a platform for the fledgling band, offering them a venue when others, such as the jazz-focused Cavern Club, were less welcoming to rock and roll. This early support played a crucial role in the band's journey toward global stardom.

The original cellar decor has been preserved, and in 2006, the Casbah earned Grade II listed building status, complete with a blue plaque commemorating its cultural importance. It joined a list of Liverpool landmarks associated with The Beatles, including McCartney's and Lennon's childhood homes, which also became tourist attractions.

In a modern twist, the Casbah was transformed into holiday flats in 2024, now available to rent on Airbnb. Visitors can immerse themselves in the venue's storied past while enjoying a unique stay in a piece of music history.