Local artist, Susannah-Rachel Gorman, has pumped some life back into the old Sergeant Pepper's Bistro(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)

Penny Lane Wombles paint 'eyesore' building on Allerton Road

by · Liverpool Echo

Sergeant Peppers Bistro closed its doors in 2003, more than 20 years ago

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Penny Lane is arguably the most famous lane in Liverpool, if not the world. As the heart of the Beatles Homeland quarter it attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world, but situated in the middle of it is an 'eyesore' building that was in much need of some TLC.

Without saying it, many of you will know which 'eyesore' we mean, the old Sergeant Pepper's Bistro. As you approach the huge junction that connects Smithdown Road, Penny Lane, Church Road and Allerton Road, the former café sticks out like a sore thumb. The circular building in Mossley Hill has seen better days but is a crucial part of Liverpool’s past and present.

It was originally a tram stop and inspectors’ office, with public toilets added to the back of the building. It's also been a bus shelter where John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison would meet during their time at school. Then it was made famous when McCartney wrote in Penny Lane about “the shelter in the middle of the roundabout”.

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The building later reopened as a café and restaurant, decorated with Beatles photographs, posters and Fab Four memorabilia. But the Sergeant Peppers Bistro closed its doors in 2003 and since then has sat empty.

Thankfully, the Penny Lane Wombles have been working on a project to regenerate the historic building and give it that much needed TLC. They have collaborated with local artist, Susannah-Rachel Gorman, who has painted the 'eyesore' building and put some life back into it.

Here is a sneak peek at the work she has been doing.

  1. Artist Susannah-Rachel Gorman, with her artwork
    1 of 7(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
  2. Close up of the Beatles themed artwork
    2 of 7(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
  3. The building in the middle of world famous road has been given much needed TLC
    3 of 7(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
  4. Sergeant Pepper's Bistro, which closed its doors more than 20 years ago, has been brightened up
    4 of 7(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
  1. Local artist, Susannah-Rachel Gorman, has pumped some life back into the old Sergeant Pepper's Bistro
    5 of 7(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
  2. Sarah had collaborated with the Penny Lane Wombles to regenerate the area
    6 of 7(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
  3. Artist Susannah-Rachel Gorman (second left) at the unveiling of her artwork on the Sergeant Pepper Bistro, with the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Richard Kemp and ltr Neighbourhood Managers Hayley Corless and Graeme Edwards, and Neighbourhood Officer Fran Williams
    7 of 7(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)