Hooters Liverpool officially closed its doors as a franchise on January 11, 2026. Located in New Zealand House on Water Street, the venue was famously marketed as the world’s largest Hooters restaurant before its closure. Following the dissolution of the operating firm, New Zealand Leisure Ltd, the site is currently undergoing a total transition. The former director, Barry Morris, has announced that the venue will be rebranded in 2026 as a “refined sports bar and restaurant” designed to be more inclusive and better reflect Liverpool’s local culture and love for sport. While the iconic orange signage and “Hooters Girls” are a thing of the past, the massive infrastructure—including over 50 large-screen TVs—is expected to remain a core feature of the new, unnamed venture opening later this year.
The Closure and Liquidation: January 2026
The sudden end of Hooters in Liverpool marked a significant shift in the city’s hospitality landscape after a turbulent three-year run.
Why Did Hooters Liverpool Close?
The business officially entered liquidation on January 11, 2026, due to “sustained financial pressure.” Key factors cited by the recovery firm included operational disruptions following major local events, kitchen damage from a burst pipe, and a long-running legal battle over unauthorized signage that was finally removed in mid-2025. Additionally, the business faced significant controversy regarding staff pay and a high-profile employment tribunal, making the Hooters brand increasingly difficult to maintain in the local market.
What Happens to the Staff?
All employees were laid off following the closure. Under the liquidation process, former staff members have been advised to claim statutory redundancy and unpaid wages through government schemes. This has been a point of local contention, as reports emerged that some workers were owed substantial amounts in tips and service charges dating back to August 2025.
Rebranding Plans for 2026
The site at New Zealand House will not stay empty for long, with a new concept already in the early stages of development.
A More Inclusive Concept
Director Barry Morris has registered a new company, Water Street Hospitality Ltd, to lead the transition. The goal for 2026 is to move away from the “breastaurant” model to create a “refined sports bar” that appeals to families, local residents, and sports enthusiasts alike. This shift is intended to distance the venue from the misogyny accusations that dogged the Hooters brand from its inception in the city.
Retaining the “World’s Largest” Scale
While the branding is changing, the new venue will likely retain the impressive hardware that made the Liverpool site famous. This includes the 52 85-inch TVs and four massive video walls, ensuring it remains the premier destination in the North West for watching live Premier League football, NFL, and international boxing.
Hooters Liverpool: The Legacy of New Zealand House
Before its closure, Hooters of Liverpool was a polarizing landmark in the city’s business district.
The Iconic Water Street Location
Situated at 18 Water Street (L2 8TD), the restaurant occupied a massive footprint in the historic New Zealand House. Its arrival in 2022 was met with both excitement from sports fans and public opposition from local leaders, including the former Mayor of Liverpool. The venue was known for its “Teasers” menu, including the legendary breaded wings and “Lots-A-Tots.”
Famous Menu and Sports Atmosphere
Until its final day, Hooters Liverpool was the go-to spot for American-style casual dining. The menu featured:
- Wings: Original Buffalo, Naked, and Boneless varieties with a range of sauces from “Mild” to “911.”
- Seafood: Buffalo Shrimp and Snow Crab legs.
- Events: The venue was a hub for “Merseyside Derby” watch parties and “All You Can Eat Wings” Mondays.
Practical Information and Planning
As the site transitions, here is what you need to know about visiting the Water Street location in 2026.
Current Status and Opening Dates
- Status: Permanently Closed (as Hooters).
- New Opening: Expected Mid-to-Late 2026.
- Address: New Zealand House, 18 Water St, Liverpool L2 8TD.
Transport and Accessibility
- By Train: The venue is a 2-minute walk from James Street Station and 10 minutes from Liverpool Lime Street.
- Parking: Street parking on Water Street is restricted, but the NCP Rumford Street car park is located directly behind the building.
- Accessibility: The ground-floor venue remains fully wheelchair accessible, with wide entrances and ADA-compliant facilities.
The Rise and Fall: A Timeline of Hooters Liverpool
The journey of Hooters at New Zealand House was a “turbulent rollercoaster,” lasting just over three years before financial and legal pressures forced its liquidation.
The 2022 Launch and Controversy
Hooters Liverpool opened in November 2022 amidst significant local resistance. Former Mayor Joanne Anderson famously described the brand as having a “sexually objectifying and misogynistic environment.” Despite this, the venue recruited nearly 200 staff and marketed itself as the largest Hooters in the world, complete with a £25,000 “Las Vegas style” changing room for the Hooters Girls.
2024–2025: Operational Struggles
By 2024, the business faced a series of setbacks that destabilized its footing.
- The Signage Battle: A prolonged legal dispute with Liverpool City Council over unauthorized neon signage resulted in the removal of the iconic orange logos in mid-2025.
- Environmental Factors: A burst pipe in the kitchen caused significant water damage, and trading was temporarily suspended after disruptions during a major Liverpool FC victory parade right outside the premises.
- Staff Disputes: In late 2025, employees accused the firm, New Zealand Leisure Ltd, of withholding tips and service charges—a practice described by unions as potentially unlawful under the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023.
The “Phoenix” Rebrand: Water Street Hospitality Ltd.
In a move that has drawn fire from the Unite union, the former director of Hooters Liverpool, Barry Morris, registered a new company, Water Street Hospitality Ltd, just days before the official closure.
A Scouse Family Concept
Morris has publicly stated his desire to create a “more inclusive concept” that better reflects the culture of Liverpool. The new vision for the site is a refined sports bar that ditches the “Hooters Girl” archetype while retaining the venue’s massive viewing capabilities. However, union leaders have warned that closing a company and immediately reopening a similar business under the same control may face legal challenges under TUPE Regulations.
What to Expect in 2026
While the “Hooters” brand is gone, the infrastructure at 18 Water Street remains world-class. If the rebranding is successful, visitors in late 2026 can expect a venue that utilizes the existing 52 high-spec 4K screens but with a menu and atmosphere that feels more “Liverpool” and less “Florida.”
Top 5 Alternative Sports Bars in Liverpool (2026)
With Hooters closed, several other venues in Liverpool have stepped up to accommodate the city’s massive sports-watching crowd.
The Long Shot (Albert Dock)
A contemporary favorite, The Long Shot features 11 4K screens and a massive projector across two floors. It is widely considered the best spot for an “elevated” sports experience, offering monster sandwiches and world-class cocktails.
Bierkeller & Shooters Bar (Liverpool ONE)
Located in the heart of the city centre, this remains a staple for major events. It offers the classic “rows of screens” feel that Hooters fans enjoyed, along with pool tables and a heavy focus on the Premier League and boxing.
Pins Social Club (Ropewalks)
For a more social atmosphere, Pins offers huge screens in its Rocco’s Games Room. It’s a perfect alternative for groups looking to combine the match with bowling, pizza, and a rooftop bar experience.
Punch Tarmey’s (Baltic Triangle)
This Irish-themed bar in Cains Brewery Village is one of the largest in the city. It is famous for its incredible atmosphere during international rugby and football matches, featuring multiple HD screens and live music after the whistle.
O’Neill’s (Hanover Street)
A reliable option in the city centre, O’Neill’s provides full access to Sky Sports (including the Red Button) and TNT Sports. It is known for its “mix & match” small plates and a noisy, stadium-like atmosphere on matchdays.
FAQs
Who was the director of Hooters Liverpool?
The venue was managed by Barry Morris, who took day-to-day control in April 2024 before moving the company into liquidation in January 2026.
What is the “Fair Tips Act” mentioned in the news?
The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 requires employers to pass 100% of tips and service charges to staff without any deductions.
Can I still visit Hooters in Nottingham?
Yes, the Nottingham and Newcastle branches are independent of the Liverpool closure and remain open for business in 2026.
Was Hooters Liverpool really the world’s largest?
At its peak, the Water Street venue claimed to be the largest Hooters by square footage and seating capacity globally.
Is the building at 18 Water Street listed?
Yes, New Zealand House is a historic building, which contributed to the legal difficulties regarding the venue’s external signage and branding.
What happened to the £25k changing rooms?
The high-spec facilities installed for the staff remain part of the building’s infrastructure and will likely be repurposed for the new 2026 concept.
Why did the landlord change the locks?
Following the liquidation of New Zealand Leisure Ltd, the landlord posted a bailiff’s forfeiture notice, legally reclaiming the property.
Will the new bar have the same menu?
While the specific “Hooters” recipes will go, the new venue is expected to offer similar “sports bar” fare like wings, burgers, and beer, but under a new identity.
How many staff lost their jobs?
Nearly 50 staff members were made redundant when the doors closed on January 11.
Where is the best place to watch the NFL in Liverpool now?
The Long Shot at Albert Dock and Bierkeller remain the top destinations for American football fans in the city.
Is Hooters Liverpool still open?
No, Hooters Liverpool closed permanently on January 11, 2026, after the operating company went into liquidation.
What is replacing Hooters in Liverpool?
A new, refined sports bar and restaurant is planned for the site in 2026, though the official name has not yet been announced.
Why did Hooters Liverpool close?
The closure was due to a combination of financial pressure, legal battles over signage, kitchen damage, and a desire to create a more inclusive local brand.
Can I still use Hooters Liverpool gift cards?
No, since the franchise has closed and the operating firm is in liquidation, gift cards for the Liverpool location are generally no longer valid.
Are the other UK Hooters still open?
Yes, Hooters locations in Nottingham and Newcastle remain open and are unaffected by the Liverpool closure.
Who owns the new venue on Water Street?
The new venture is being led by Barry Morris under the newly registered Water Street Hospitality Ltd.
Will the new bar show live sports?
Yes, the plan is to remain a high-end sports bar, utilizing the 52 existing large-screen TVs for major sporting events.
Is the signage still there?
The controversial orange neon signage was removed in mid-2025; currently, the windows are boarded or feature forfeiture notices.
Can I still order Hooters Liverpool on Uber Eats or Just Eat?
No, all delivery services for the Liverpool branch have been deactivated following the January 11 closure.
How many Hooters were in the UK?
There were three: Nottingham, Newcastle, and Liverpool. Only the Nottingham and Newcastle branches remain in operation as of 2026.
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