The Zanzibar

The Zanzibar began operating in 1990, founded by Tony Butler at 43 Seel Street in Liverpool’s Ropewalks area. Its two main spaces accommodated around 300 people. The programme included indie, hip-hop and garage, alongside other styles, and gave local and emerging performers stage time. Regular club nights included The Bandwagon and Valhalla. The venue hosted performances by Noel Gallagher, The Coral, The Zutons and The Libertines; SLR.dnb also staged events there.

After closing during the pandemic in 2020, the club reopened under new management in 2021. Work on the venue included roof replacement and sound-system improvements, while original features were retained. The Seel Street venue shut on 1 November 2025, and its live band shows transferred to the basement of Heebie Jeebies, also on Seel Street. In January 2026, the former Zanzibar premises were being converted into an Irish pub.