The Waterloo Music Bar is one of Blackpool’s best-known independent live music venues and a must-visit for rock fans. Describing itself as a “small venue with a massive attitude”, The Waterloo has built a fantastic reputation for bringing together grassroots bands, tribute acts and established touring artists from the UK and overseas.

With a capacity of around 300, a proper stage, impressive lighting and a crowd that genuinely loves live music, it manages to create the atmosphere of a much bigger venue while keeping the intimacy of a great rock pub.

Address: 166 Waterloo Road, Blackpool, FY4 2AF

What to expect:

• Live music throughout the year

• Rock, metal, punk, alternative and tribute bands

• 300-capacity live music venue

• Dedicated stage, lighting and sound setup

• Main bar and separate Backstage bar

• Wide selection of beers, ales, ciders, spirits and soft drinks

• Food available from the neighbouring Burgerhein kitchen

• Wheelchair accessible with accessible toilet facilities

• On-site parking

Atmosphere:

Loud, friendly and completely centred around live music.

The Waterloo attracts a real mix of local regulars, travelling music fans and people visiting Blackpool specifically for gigs and music weekends. Despite attracting some big names, it retains the feel of an independent rock venue where the bands and audience are right on top of each other.

On a packed gig night, expect a lively crowd, plenty of singing and an atmosphere that feels much bigger than a 300-capacity venue.

Nearby Parking

The Waterloo has the major advantage of having free parking available on site.

Waterloo Music Bar

• Free on-site parking

• Immediately adjacent to the venue

• Spaces may be limited during busy gigs and events

There is also additional parking around the South Shore area if the venue car park is full.

Tip: Blackpool can be extremely busy during summer weekends, Illuminations and major events, so arriving early is recommended if you want to use the venue car park.

Transport Links

Train:
Blackpool South is the closest railway station and is only around a 5–10 minute walk from the venue.

For visitors travelling from further afield, Blackpool North has considerably more rail connections but is on the opposite side of the town centre. A tram, bus or taxi can then be used to reach Waterloo Road.

Tram:
The Waterloo Road tram stop is around a 10-minute walk away on the Promenade.

Blackpool’s tram network provides an easy connection along the seafront towards Blackpool Tower, North Pier, North Shore, Bispham, Cleveleys and Fleetwood.

Bus:
Several Blackpool Transport bus routes stop close to Waterloo Road, with stops within a few minutes' walk of the venue.

Taxi:
Taxis are widely available throughout Blackpool.

For busy gig nights and festival weekends, booking your return taxi in advance is recommended.

Food Options Nearby

The Waterloo’s Backstage Bar offers access to food from the neighbouring Burgerhein kitchen, so it is possible to grab something to eat without travelling far from the venue.

There are also plenty of alternatives around Waterloo Road and South Shore, including:

• Fish and chips

• Burgers and fast food

• Pizza and kebab takeaways

• Pubs serving food

• Cafés and restaurants

• Numerous options around the Promenade and South Pier

There are considerably more restaurants and bars towards Blackpool town centre if you are making a full day or weekend of the trip.

Why Visit?

Best for:

• Live rock music

• AC/DC and classic rock fans

• Tribute bands

• Punk, metal and alternative music

• Independent grassroots music

• Music weekends and festivals

• A proper intimate rock venue

• Combining a gig with a weekend in Blackpool

The Waterloo isn’t simply a pub that occasionally puts bands on – live music is at the heart of the venue. If you like loud guitars, packed rooms and independent venues with character, it’s well worth the trip.