About Us

 About Coopers at the Warehouse Arts Centre

     Coopers Bar began as a small, family-run venture on Leicester Street in Southport and has grown into one of the town’s most cherished live music and community venues. Today, we are proud to call the Warehouse Arts Centre our new home — a vibrant, multi-floor creative hub that allows us to deepen our commitment to music, arts, and local talent.

 

 Our Story

    Opened around 2018–2019 by the Cooper family (Spud, Ella, and Yvette), Coopers started with a simple vision: create a warm, welcoming space where great music, good food, and friendly company come together. What began as an intimate bar and eatery quickly became known for its cosy atmosphere and dedication to live performances across genres — from jazz and blues to rock, pop, and acoustic sets.

      We’ve always believed in supporting grassroots music. Through regular open mic nights, jam sessions, talent competitions, and events like our first Blues Festival, we’ve provided a stage for local artists to grow and shine while welcoming visitors from near and far. The recognition from Southport MP Patrick Hurley in 2026, who praised us as a shining example of the town’s live music potential, meant a great deal to our team.

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        A New Chapter at the Warehouse Arts Centre

As our popularity grew, so did our ambition. Our much-loved Leicester Street venue became wonderfully busy — but we needed more space to host larger audiences and attract even more exceptional acts. That dream led us to partner with Music Stuff and Tides Out Studios to create the Warehouse Arts Centre at 30 West Street.This four-storey creative space opened in June 2026 and now serves as the new home for Coopers Bar. Here, we combine our signature intimate vibe with expanded capabilities: a purpose-built live music stage, the relocated Coopers Music shop, Tides Out recording and rehearsal studios, Moduleart rolling art gallery, creative workshops, and much much more. None of this would of been possible without our amazing partners at Music Stuff and Tides Out studios who are very much a major part of our future development in the Warehouse Arts Centre.

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       We are proud to offer a true cultural destination — one that celebrates Southport’s talented musicians, artists, and makers while inviting everyone to be part of it.

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What We Stand For

At Coopers and the Warehouse Arts Centre, we value community, creativity, and collaboration. We are passionate about:

• Giving emerging artists platforms to perform and develop.

• Creating welcoming spaces where people of all ages feel at home.

• Supporting local makers, charities, and initiatives that strengthen our town.

• Delivering memorable experiences through live music, quality food and drink, and shared cultural moments.

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     Whether you’re here for an evening of live music, a relaxed meal, an art exhibition, a workshop, or simply a friendly drink, you’ll find the same warm welcome that has defined Coopers from day one.We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us on this journey — our loyal customers, local musicians, partners, and the wider Southport community. Together, we are building something special for the town we love.Come and be part of our story.

Warehouse Arts Centre (Home of Coopers Bar)
30 West Street, Southport PR8 1QNWe look forward to welcoming you soon.

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