Major update on future of Liverpool pub that was one of John Lennon's favourites amid row with neighbours

Originally called The Ruthin Castle, the pub was established in 1862 when the landlord extended the premises by buying the cottage next door. It has been suggested its name derives from the narrow entrance at its side.

It is a former storeroom at the side of the pub that has caused a row between the business and those living on Hope Place nearby. An application to use the cellar as a drinking space had caused a number of residents to lodge a passionate objection to the city council.

The pub is perhaps most famous for being John Lennon’s favourite spot for a beer as an art student. The Beatles’ drink of choice was a black velvet, made from Guinness and sparkling wine. It’s also where he took his first wife, Cynthia Lennon, on their first date after meeting her at a college dance.

As well as Lennon, Ye Cracke can count another celebrity among its fans – Liverpool actor Jodie Comer. Mike Girling, who bought and runs the pub, told a meeting of the licensing and gambling sub-committee how he sought to use the former cellar as an additional internal area for about 15 people.

The space, facing out onto Rice Street, increases the indoor area of the pub, according to Mr Girling, who said the pub represented a “very important part of Liverpool’s history.” He added how the business was “conscious of noise concerns” and the adjacent beer garden is closed at 9pm.

However, this wasn’t enough for opponents who attended the meeting to object. These included Dan Skinner.

He said “multiple” complaints had been made to environmental health and residents had a “pre-existing noise problem”. Steven Squire said noise issues had “impacted the mental health” of residents in Hope Place and caused the sale of a property to fall through.

Former councillor Alderman Janet Kent added her objections, saying Mr Girling had “obfuscated” in his responses to concerns and the plans for the cellar represented a “den for football fans”. Mrs Kent, who said she was “sweating and shaking” as she spoke, added how there was “no way it will be anything other than a noise nuisance.”

Mr Girling said: “This will stop people when the pub is busy from going into the beer garden. It’s somewhere nice to sit, is all.”

The pub owner also cited his experience in the hospitality industry. He said: “We are an operation that is well established; we know how to run these pubs.

“I am confident we are doing everything we can to be a good neighbour in this residential area. I don’t know anything else we can do.

“It harms me financially to close the beer garden at 9pm but I do because I want to be a good neighbour. To me, it helps the residents, not hinders them.”

After deliberation, the committee agreed to approve the application, subject to conditions being met, including doors remaining closed.