The superclub looks unrecognisable after its transformation by AR Leisure

A new Irish-American themed bar from the AR Leisure group has opened on Harrington Street in the former home of Kingdom.

We will have karaoke with a twist, as guest singers have the chance to sing along with a live band.

Scruffy Murphy’s is on a mission to bring all the craic of live music, sports and retro arcade games to 25 Harrington Street. AR Leisure, the group behind Abbey Road Bar & Kitchen, DWNTWN and Harrison’s Bar & Kitchen & Aparthotel, says it has invested significantly in the development of the site.

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Scruffy Murphy's Irish-American themed bar Image: PR

Kingdom - once Liverpool’s most popular celebrity haunt - opened at the end of 2007, with guests ranging from the Spice Girls and Steven Gerrard to Scott Disick from the Kardashians. In January 2020, the venue celebrated its 12th birthday with a Parisian-themed party.

In May of this year, Scruffy Murphy’s began posting updates on the renovation via its Instagram account. The bar officially opens today, Friday 22 July. 

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The venue will show live sport Image: PR
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Pool party? Classic bar games Image: PR

Nicola Leppert, business development manager for AR Leisure, said, "Due to the success of our sister venues, Abbey Road and Harrison’s, we decided to keep the theme of providing live music and sports as they have proven to be hugely popular with our customers. 

"Scruffy Murphy’s will offer something slightly different with a larger stage area to showcase local music talent and we will have karaoke with a twist, as guest singers have the chance to sing along with a live band. 

"There’s a range of retro arcade machines to give you that nostalgic feeling and a wide selection of draught and bottled beers to choose from. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our opening at the end of July."

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The venue is at 25 Harrington Street Image: PR
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The bar is well stocked Image: PR

The new bar offers a wide selection of draught beers and frozen cocktails, as well as an entertainment zone featuring 17 screens of live sport, two pool tables, and iconic retro arcade machines including Time Crisis, Wrestlefest, Ninja Turtles, Street Fighter 2, Mortal Kombat, with more planned.

Local artist Paul Curtis has painted some iconic sporting icons in the entrance area of the site including Larry Bird, the Boston Celtics three-time NBA champion, as well as the Irish jockey Ruby Walsh.

Scruffy Murphys Liverpool Irish Bar Kingdom Paul Curtis Artwork
Artwork by Paul Curtis Image: PR

Scruffy Murphy’s will open daily from midday and also serve food, with live music on the bill each evening from 7pm, plus “Big Band Karaoke”. The screens will cover major sporting events, with extra late night openings for the biggest upcoming boxing matches from the US.

Scruffy Murphy's, 25 Harrington Street, Liverpool L2 9QA


Read next: Pizza, cicchetti and Gucci: inside Bacino at Flannels

Read again: Ten of the best Irish pubs and bars in Liverpool


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