The Lock & Quay...
Since 2015, the award-winning canal-side Lock & Quay (L&Q) in Bootle has grown into one of Merseyside’s most vibrant community pubs and neighbourhood music venues.
At the heart of Bootle’s cultural life, L&Q delivers an ambitious year-round programme of more than 65 events and activities, welcoming over 35,000 audience members annually. From intimate gigs and theatre nights to philosophy clubs, exhibitions, festivals and creative workshops, the venue brings together local communities, emerging artists and internationally celebrated performers under one roof.
Alongside nurturing grassroots talent and ACE-funded touring artists, L&Q has welcomed renowned names including Nile Rodgers, The Waterboys, Glenn Tilbrook and Billy Ocean, while continuing to champion local voices through regular live music events, open mics and its inclusive monthly U18s Music Jam sessions.
A proud Music Venue Trust Grassroots Venue, L&Q works alongside arts partners including ScrapYard and Start Creative. The venue is also home to community choirs, ukulele groups, social enterprise activity and the much-loved ‘Cosy Club’ warm welcome sessions, as well as acting as a meeting point for local organisations and food bank collections.
Known as much for its atmosphere as its programme, L&Q has become a true neighbourhood hub — a place where world-class artists share the stage with local performers and where culture, creativity and community come together. Its impact has been recognised through numerous honours, including the prestigious PubAid Community Hero Award 2025.
L&Q also plays a key role in the wider regeneration of Bootle and forms part of Sefton Council’s Bootle Area Action Plan and vision for the town.
Meet The Team
The Lock & Quay is at the centre of our community and the team connect with people through good vibes, good beer and good conversation! We are very lucky to have such a fun, dedicated group of people working so hard to make sure everything runs smoothly at Bootle’s premier live music venue and the best bit? Every penny goes straight back into making Bootle a better place to live, work and play!
Some of our staff members at the Lock & Quay came to us as part of a training scheme supporting local young people into work, and have continued with us gaining full-time employment as a result!
ALL of our L&Q bar staff are a part of the local community, all living within 2 miles of the pub!
Great British Pub Awards Best Community Pub Finalist 2025!
To be named a finalist in the national Great British Pub Awards was an amazing achievement for all at the Lock & Quay. Our sector is facing the hardest challenges yet, so please keep on using your fantastic local pubs, restaurants & cafes! Thank you to all at the Great British Pub Awards for organising a brilliant event!
PubAid's Community Pub Hero of the Year 2025!
This Community Support Hero England Award recognises licensees who help their communities and pubs who are good neighbours to their local community. The pub won because it stood out as the only community-owned pub in the whole of the Liverpool City region and all profits are reinvested into Bootle.
CAMRA'S Community Pub of the Year 2022!
CAMRA Awards – In 2022, we were so delighted to receive the prestigious ‘Special Award’ from the Liverpool and Districts branch of CAMRA, for the Lock & Quay’s commitment to it’s community. Many of our quality real ales are brewed on-site at Stamps brewery based at SAFE! No carbon footprint – just rolled across the pub garden!
