'It's a real shame and it shouldn't be left like that. It's part of The Beatles' story'
19:33, 15 Jan 2026
Residents are puzzled over the circumstances that have led to the world's most famous bus shelter being left empty and decaying for 23 years. This week, the ECHO was granted access to the former Sergeant Pepper's Bistro on Penny Lane for the first time since its 2003 closure.
Previously a bus shelter and public toilet, the structure was made famous around the world when it was featured in The Beatles' Penny Lane. The building has been owned by Raad "Ray" Maatook since 1989, and was Sergeant Pepper's Bistro for 14 years.
Despite repeated and ambitious plans for its reopening, the building has remained firmly shuttered for more than two decades. Residents told the ECHO that they think the famous landmark being out of use for so long as being "a real shame".
'It should be left like that'
George Luke, 63, originally from Dunoon and now living in Wavertree, said: "It's a real shame and it shouldn't be left like that. It's part of The Beatles' story.
"Unless they change where the buses park, I don't think any progress is going to be made. The owner is trying really hard, I've followed all the stories."
The owner, Ray, this week told the ECHO that he plans to turn the building into a franchised fast-food restaurant, such as a McDonald's, Pizza Hut or a Starbucks. He wishes to extend the back of the restaurant into the road to create a drive-thru.
Of Ray's plan, George said: "Not for me. I think something Beatle-themed would be good. It's a bit obvious, but I think it would be a good thing."
'An unrealistic dream that is blighting the area'
Veteran local councillor Richard Kemp told the ECHO: "Mr Maatook has always talked about having a drive-thru, and no one is going to give him that because the city engineers say it's dangerous. It's a major junction. It's an unrealistic dream that is blighting the area."
Ray this week told the ECHO that he had rejected publicans and restaurateurs who had expressed an interest in the premises, explaining that he was holding out for a major global chain. He added: "Once a restaurant takes the lease, the dream is over. There are people waiting to take it, but once I release it, I cannot control it."
Of Ray's rejection of local publicans and restaurateurs, George said: "I'm puzzled, but, saying that, Allerton Road is full of pubs and cafés, and they come and go very quickly."
George suggested the building could become a microbrewery and bar, such as the nearby Handyman's Supermarket. George added: "Before they put the artwork up it looked awful, but now, having seen the artist at work, I think it looks okay."
'Why is it empty?'
Deborah Saks, 69, a collage artist from Woolton, said: "We moved back in 2022. We were looking for a place to live and we drove past here; my first thought was 'Why is it empty?' I looked up at the top [of the building] especially and thought 'This would be a great restaurant'.
"I've been living here now for three years, I come past a lot, and it's still empty. I think it would be great if it became an arts centre, or something that benefits the community. It takes a village, and if people get involved, something could happen. But it should definitely be open for people in the area to use.
"[A McDonald's] is the last thing we need. England doesn't need any more McDonald's. Say goodbye."
'Anything other than a McDonald's'
Anthony Jackson, 65, from Gateacre, said: "I'd rather it be anything other than a McDonald's. I'd prefer it to have a Beatles theme. You see tourists coming in on the coaches and taxis, and they love posing by the John Lennon statue. I just think get something else Beatles-themed. Some people might say 'Another Beatles thing, arr 'ay'."
Ray told the ECHO: "If Sergeant Pepper's Bistro comes back, it won't be with me. I've refused pubs and international food restaurants. Can you imagine coming to Sergeant Pepper's and it's a kebab place? Tourists want something recognisable, they are used to the franchises. I am trying to work with the city."