New Irish pub set to open on former site of Zanzibar

A new Irish venue is set to open this Winter in the heart of the Liverpool Ropewalks Quarter.

McNasty’s, a new Irish pub, is coming to Liverpool’s vibrant Seel Street this February, marking the next chapter of the former Zanzibar building.

Drawing inspiration from traditional pub culture, McNasty’s will focus on live music, sport with a very welcoming no-nonsense atmosphere. The venue aims to build on the building’s long-standing musical heritage by offering a fresh platform for grassroots musicians and local talent, in a location where live music continues to play a vital role in the Liverpool nightlife sector.

A traditional pub with fixed booths and seating, cosy fireplaces, TV screens and two bars set across two floors. Key features of McNasty’s include live music across two floors, a large all-weather rooftop beer garden, and a dedicated sports viewing area showing football, rugby, GAA and other major sporting events.

The downstairs space will host singers and acoustic solo performers, while the upstairs floor will focus more on bands and group acts. The upstairs bar will also operate as a dedicated sports viewing area, screening Liverpool and Everton matches, alongside other key fixtures throughout the sporting calendar, such as the up and coming 2026 World Cup.

A spokesperson for McNasty’s said:

“One of the venue’s standout features is its rooftop beer garden. A real suntrap during the Spring and Summer months, the space will be fully covered and heated throughout the colder seasons, making it a true all-weather destination and a strong contender for one of the city’s best rooftop spaces.

Seel Street has long been a popular nightlife area of Liverpool and it’s exciting to see the area evolve into what could be considered the city’s ‘Irish Quarter,’ with several well-established Irish bars in close proximity. McNasty’s is proud to join this growing community of venues, bringing its own take on the Irish pub experience.”

McNasty’s is set to officially open in early February 2026, with opening hours from 3pm to late Sunday to Friday and from 12pm until late on Saturday..