The venue had previously been a restaurant and bowling alley. Construction began in late 1972, after the venue's alcohol licence application had been approved, and cost £200,000. The opening night was attended by 1,600 people, including World Cup winning England international footballers Geoff Hurst and Gordon Banks. Merseybeat group The Fourmost and comedians Little and Large were the headliners. The club used a jester as its logo.