If you've ever spent a sunny afternoon or a late night drinking in Liverpool's Georgian Quarter, you may already be familiar with the iconic Ye Cracke pub. Located on Rice Street, this beloved pub is a local favourite, and its reputation as John Lennon's go-to spot also draws in tourists.
However, Ye Cracke has also gained a following among other celebrities, including Liverpool-born actress Jodie Comer. In an interview with British Vogue, Jodie shared her ideal 24 hours in Liverpool with her co-stars from her recent film, The Bikeriders, which also features Austin Butler and Tom Hardy, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Describing her ideal day in her hometown, Jodie said: "I'd have to take them to my mum's for a roast dinner because my mum does the best roast. Then I was thinking a walk on the Albert Dock, maybe The Cracke up by Hope Street. They have a little jukebox in there, it's very stripped back".
After receiving such high praise from the world-renowned actress, Liverpool Echo journalist decided to pop in for a pint - claiming that the pub "exudes an ageless charm" and is "the quintessence of a traditional city centre pub".
Nestled off Hope Street, the pub was originally named Ruthin Castle, with a history spanning over 150 years. In his book 'Liverpool Pubs', Ken Pye reveals that in 1862, the then landlord of Ruthin Castle expanded the premises by purchasing the neighbouring cottage.
The nickname 'Ye Cracke' only came into use around this time, possibly due to the narrow entrance beside it.
There are other theories suggesting the name could have originated from the lively banter among the pub's patrons, akin to the Irish term 'craic'. According to Pye's book, the name Ye Cracke wasn't officially registered until 1892.
While the origins of the 'Cracke' part of the pub's name remain somewhat ambiguous, the 'Ye' is a thorn - a letter more commonly found in Scandinavian dialects. However, in this context, it's likely just a touch of old-fashioned whimsy given the pub's 19th-century roots.
To most, though, the pub is simply known as The Cracke. It boasts traditional bar areas and wood panelling, complemented by long bench seating throughout.
Tucked away behind an unassuming facade, this beloved pub conceals a warren of intimate rooms and snugs where patrons can escape the lively music and chatter. Yet, a step through another doorway reveals a hidden gem: a tranquil beer garden, cherished by regulars and newcomers alike, which provides a serene escape from the bustling city centre.
For visitors, The Cracke's main draw is the connection with the late Beatle.During his art student days in Liverpool, former staff claim Lennon would indulge in a Black Velvet, a cocktail made with Guinness and sparkling wine.
This pub also holds a special romance, as it was where John took his first wife, Cynthia Lennon, on their first date after meeting at a college dance. A commemorative plaque on the wall highlights another significant connection to the Fab Four.
In the late 1950s, within this pub, Lennon and fellow original Beatle Stuart Sutcliffe, along with artist Rod Murray and writer Bill Harry, formed 'The Dissenters' - a group of art students determined to put Liverpool firmly on the map in their own unique way.
A former employee's letter about John Lennon recalls that the legendary musician "could be a real pain at times". The letter continues: "He would put his feet up on the tables just after we had polished them. The clean beer mats on the tables he would split in half, and as I thought, [he] was always writing poems on them.
"I wish I would have known then what I know now. I would have held on to them instead of putting them in the bin."
A further unique feature of this 19th-century pub is a small side room known as 'The War Office'. Furnished with red leatherette benches, it's the oldest part of the pub and served as a snug where regulars and soldiers returning from the Boer War could discuss their military adventures without disturbing other patrons.