Two brothers from Waterloo have opened their own bar on Seel Street in Liverpool after years of saving and repeated rejections from landlords. Joe and Antony McNally, aged 29 and 26, finally received the keys to the venue this month, having been told "we'll call you" by numerous landlords who doubted their lack of entrepreneurial experience.
The pair describe themselves as "just two run-of-the-mill brothers from Waterloo." Joe previously worked as a mixologist at the cocktail bar Ours on Castle Street, while Antony worked at Goldsmith's jewellers in the city centre. Together, they saved £10,000 each, always hoping their money would one day be enough to open their first bar.
From savings to signing the lease
Joe told the ECHO: "We've been talking about it for years. We worked non-stop and even together for six months at one point to see if we could stand each other."
Antony said: "I was looking for businesses that were up for sale for years. I looked everywhere but the stars finally aligned and we had the capital ready. I called Joe and told him I found another place and that we had a viewing."
Joe added: "I thought this would just be another one, not expecting to say yes. We viewed it on Wednesday, watched the match the next day and suddenly we were signing the lease by Friday and had the keys the next week."
Bohemian opens its doors
With a combined £20,000, the brothers secured a cosy alleyway space between the Fifty Four Club and Epic Apart Hotel on Seel Street, which they have named Bohemian. They moved in at the beginning of July, added personal touches, and officially opened on Wednesday, August 10.
The bar features colourful lighting, distinctive furnishings, and trinkets, with a red telephone box and a throne at the back, plus a cosy corner, disco balls, and heaters near the entrance. The space is sheltered from the elements, allowing guests to enjoy it in any weather.
Antony said the response so far has been amazing, adding: "We've been surprisingly busy. Friends and family have came in five or six times so far. The support means so much. People will pile in when you least expect it."
Future plans
For now, Joe and Antony are focused on spreading the word about Bohemian and keeping the business running day to day. They are considering creating a winter wonderland for Christmas and may host events once they settle in.
Antony added: "It's a bit surreal, really. We're just two brothers who had a conversation about it, and now we have our own bar. It's as independent as it can get."
