Britain's largest comedy club opens its doors

Hot Water moves into its new £7m Liverpool home

Britain’s largest comedy club has thrown its doors open to the public.

Hot Water launched its new 590-seat auditorium in Liverpool’s Blackstock Market at the weekend, after the club’s owners masterminded a £7million project to convert a disused warehouse in into a major entertainment hub.

More than 2,000 people attended the venue on its first day, which hosted a line-up comedy night headlined by Paul Smith and an audience with boxer Ricky Hatton.

The main space is believed to be the second-largest comedy club space in the world after the 650-seat Laugh Factory in Long Beach, California – and is two-and-a-half times the size of Hot Water’s former home in Hardman Street.

The site already has has a food market and bar and, when finished, will also include a 50-seat studio space, podcast studios, the largest outdoor terrace in Liverpool and a big screen that will show top sporting events live.

Blackstock Market courtyard

Blackstock Market is the brainchild of Hot Water’s sibling founders Paul and Binty Blair, whose empire began as a gig in a nightclub in 2010.

Paul Blair said: ‘It’s brilliant to finally be able to open the first phase of Blackstock Market to the public – we were overwhelmed by the reaction from everyone who came to opening day. There was a real buzz about the place, which makes all the hard work that has gone into fulfilling our vision worthwhile.

‘The comedians who played on the stage in our bespoke new 590-seater auditorium absolutely loved it too, and there was an amazing atmosphere in the room.

‘The food market was also very busy, and it was great to just walk round and see so many people really enjoying themselves. And that was just day one! We’ve got a packed line-up of events planned for the rest of April and beyond.

Comedians heading for the venue during April include Tony Carroll, Rory O’Hanlon, Paul Tonkinson, Jamie Hutchinson and Keith Farnan – while ‘audience with’ sessions will feature football icon John Barnes as well as Paul Smith ad Stan Boardman.