A former social club in Liverpool city centre where The Beatles played five times back in 1961 has now been converted into a £200,000 gym. Tony McDonough reports

A former social club venue in Liverpool city centre where The Beatles played five times is home to a new gym following a £200,000 investment.

Absolute Body Solutions (ABS), which already operates gyms at Speke in south Liverpool and in Manchester, is set to open its doors at 14 Castle Street. It offers ‘premium’ training facilities and offers the ABS “six-week transformation” programme.

Formerly a club for Civil Servants in Merseyside, the venue was nicknamed ‘The Civvy’ and saw performances from The Searchers and Gerry and The Pacemakers. The Beatles performed there five times in 1961, with tickets costing three shillings. 

It then became a pub called Castle Court, owned by legendary Liverpool FC defender Tommy Smith, but later fell into a state of disrepair. The overhaul of the space has seen top-of-the range equipment installed into the new gym facility, which has become ABS’ new flagship location. 

ABS sessions are by appointment only, and since its inception in 2012, the firm has become known for its six-week transformation programme. Clientele at its existing facilities comprises local business people, sports stars and event contestants in ITV’s Love Island.

The new Castle Street gym will offer a range of transformation options, as well as bespoke nutrition and exercise plans tailored to each new client. It is set for a launch event on Saturday, January 22. On offer will be celebratory drinks, a live DJ and competitions. 

Connor O’Brien, owner and founder of ABS, said: “The new facility on Castle Street is an incredible space for our clients to train in and we have worked extremely hard to ensure that the gym is finished to the highest standard. The whole team is so excited to have opened and it has been great to welcome our current and new clients into the gym.” 

And Connor says that, despite its tough sessions, people of all fitness levels are welcome. He explained: “Exercise is for everyone, not just people who’ve been going to the gym their whole lives. We pride ourselves on operating gyms that are welcoming and supportive, and our new Castle Street venue is no different.

“Our session numbers are now at pre-pandemic levels, which is why we felt confident in opening this new gym. It’s clear that people in Liverpool want to get back to normal, and for thousands of people the gym is not only a vital part of maintaining their physical health, but also their overall mental wellbeing.”