A lost Liverpool bar loved by generations hosted some of the "best nights" in the city.
Hannah’s Bar on Leece Street had a long history in Liverpool. From the 90s through to 2018, the venue was owned and ran by the Conteh family.
A popular spot for students and locals alike for many years, the businesses started as a very small pub before it expanded and became well-loved in the city centre.. The bar was known for its cosy atmosphere, comfy chairs and cheap drinks. It was also loved for its stunning views of the Liverpool skyline from its top floor terrace.
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In its time, Hannah's was known as "one of the city's most popular established night spots." In 2008, the ECHO visited the venue, whcih had recently had a refurb.
The article reads: "Hannah's Bar may have been around a while but following a luxurious refurb. the Hardman Street venue is looking better than ever. Split into three rooms over two floors, Hannah's offers something for everyone from the students who congregate nearby to town's more mature drinkers.
"Last Saturday was a perfect example of a typical night at Hannah's. The ground floor was thumping along to a modern chart soundtrack of Brit rock and dance while upstairs the 'oldies' were right at home with a little piece of Motown."
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It continues: "When it’s full, it’s one of the best nights out in the city. But when you are spread over, effectively, five rooms it can also get a little breezy during the quiet times.
Do you remember Hannah's Bar? Let us know in the comments section below.
"It's one of those bars you will either stop at for just one drink, or you'll need dragging out of at closing time. Saturday night was certainly the later for some of my friends and family, who were still swinging their own hips after the earlier flashback up at the Phil.
"A bar with real soul power. Not to be missed."
For years, generations came to Hannah's Bar, whether it be for a student crawl through the city centre or to catch up with some friends over the weekend. But in September 2021, after decades in business, the loved bar announced its permanent closure.
The sudden closure has shocked many, with hundreds of people taking to the comments section beneath their post on social media to share their sadness - and even some memories. Beneath the post, one person said: “The best memories were made at Hannah’s!!! Worked with some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met here, so sad to see it close its doors”.
Another said: “Oh no that’s so sad! Had some amazing memories in Hannah’s over the years , a Liverpool institution x. " A third added: “Oh no! That is very sad. Had some of the best nights out in there. X”.
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And a fourth fan wrote: "Some great memories with great people working in Hannah's back in my uni days, such an iconic bar that will be sorely missed in Liverpool!” Among the comments, the previous owner of Hannah’s Bar, who operated it until 2018, shared her sadness at the news.
She wrote: “Hi everyone, I’m Kelly Conteh . My husband Gerry Conteh and I owned Hannah’s from 1996 until 2018. So to all of our old Hannah's customers and all of the new Hannah's customers thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your support, for all of those years. It’s been incredible.
"Hannah's started off as a very small pub , with a dodgy history and great live bands. People supported us from day one !!!!! And with that love and support we grow and grow. Some people didn’t like the change as we grow others loved it.
"Always, we had the best bar staff, managers, door staff, DJS , cooks, cleaners , cellar man, CUSTOMERS without the support of all of the above we couldn’t of made HANNAH'S such an iconic bar….. To all of the staff that I have worked with decorating the bar, putting up Halloween and Christmas decorations ……even washing the dishes to all of the loyal customers ….
"I had the best of times with you ALL and you ALL have a special place in my heart , you know who you are ….It’s was sad to see Hannah's go when we sold it……It’s even sadder now…. Unfortunately in these strangest of times it’s not unusual. Once again , thank you x. PS I have loved reading your comments and sharing you happy memories."
In October 2021, it was announced that a new concept venue was opening in the former Hannah's Bar site. Metrocola, the sister site of The Old School House on Lark Lane, serves everything from a selection of draught, cask and craft ales, to cocktails, wines and Detroit-style pizzas.
Prior to opening, the bar front was kitted out with stylish yellow tiles, while the selection of drinks on display in front of an exposed brick wall. Metrocola was open by November that year.
Rob Gutmann, who took over the site, previously said he viewed Metrocola as part homage to his former venue Korova. Back in September 2005, Korova first opened its doors in Liverpool city centre and became a "cultural hub for musicians."
Located on Fleet Street in what is now the site of Black Rabbit, the venue was the brainchild of Rob Gutmann, Evol promoter Steve "Revo" Miller and Daniel Hunt and Reuben Wu of Liverpool band Ladytron. The venue had numerous rooms including a bar section and a basement area for gigs, with the likes of Klaxons, 2manydjs and Florence & The Machine performing there in its time.
Rob Gutmann previously said: “Korova is still fondly remembered, which is very gratifying, and whilst I think it should remain a memory I hope both the Korova generation and its successors will appreciate the lineage between the two places. Korova's gigs are now part of Liverpool's music scene heritage and its role as a vibrant social hub is something Metrocola will aim to honour.
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