Brabners advises on sale of Liverpool's iconic Cavern Club

8 October 2026

4 min read

Dim cave-like stage with a Ludwig drum kit reading The Cavern Club, flanked by two VOX amplifiers, and a vibrant wall of colorful band-name patches.

We've advised the owners of Cavern City Tours — home to Liverpool's world-famous Cavern Club — on the sale of the business to 14 Collective, securing the future of one of the city's most iconic cultural landmarks.

The transaction was supported by our corporate team, led by Partner and Head of Professional Services sector John Spofforth, alongside DTB Business Solutions and Langtons Accountants.

Best known as the birthplace of The Beatles, the Cavern Club has been at the heart of Liverpool's music scene since 1957 and today welcomes more than 1m visitors from around the world each year.

A new chapter for a Liverpool icon

The acquisition marks a new era for Cavern City Tours, which also operates the Cavern Pub, Cavern Restaurant and the Magical Mystery Tour.

The business has been acquired by 14 Collective, a London-based company, with Liverpool-born Keith Blackhurst joining the board of Cavern City Tours alongside 14 Collective CEO Roderik Schlosser.

Both have extensive experience in the music and live entertainment industry — and the new owners intend to build on the Cavern's long-standing tradition of live music and supporting emerging artists.

Building on a remarkable legacy

The transaction brings to a close more than 35 years of ownership by Bill Heckle, Dave Jones, George Guinness and Julia Baird.

During that time, they helped to put Liverpool's Beatles tourism offering firmly on the map, introducing attractions including the Magical Mystery Tour and International Beatleweek while overseeing the continued growth of one of the world's most famous music venues.

Bill Heckle said: “It’s an emotional day — but a proud day — for the four Scouse owners.

It was never about putting Cavern City Tours up for sale to the highest bidder and it has taken over five years to find a suitable and like-minded custodian. The decision to hand over the reins wasn’t taken lightly — but with all of the shareholders being of advancing years, it was time for retirement.

However, we leave with the confidence that the new owners will continue to follow the path that we’ve forged over the last 43 years of Cavern City Tours, including 35 years owning The Cavern, and that this iconic piece of music history will continue to be a pivotal and important element in both Liverpool’s economy and its tourism industry, welcoming fans and visitors from all over the world.”

Julia Baird, sister of John Lennon, added:

"We’re leaving The Cavern Club as its owners today. I’m feeling both sad for me personally, yet positive for the future of this world famous, number one music club. The club that gave birth to The Beatles.

We leave it in good hands, in good faith. We’re passing on the baton to further its spectacular story. Long live The Cavern Club."

The vision for what's next

Keith Blackhurst and Roderik Schlosser said: "We’re delighted to be entrusted with the legacy of the Cavern Club and its related businesses in Keith's home city of Liverpool. The Cavern — which played such an extraordinary role in the story of The Beatles — is an iconic part of Liverpool's vibrant culture.

We look forward to working alongside the existing management team, with a real appreciation for what makes the Cavern so special and excitement about what comes next."

Advising on the transaction

John Spofforth said: "As a firm based in Liverpool for over 200 years, we recognise the major significance of the Cavern Club for our beautiful city and the millions of people who come to visit.

We’re proud to have played our part in the next chapter of this iconic venue and look forward to watching the new custodians build on the history and hard work that make it the most famous club in the world.”