Iconic feature of popular bar disappears as customers gutted - Liverpool Echo

Iconic feature of popular bar disappears as customers guttedThe venue vowed to carry on as normal when it reopens on ThursdayCommentsWhat's OnJamie Greer Under-35s writer10:15, 04 Jun

2025Updated 10:17, 04 Jun 2025Motel on Fleet Street in summer 2024 with the neon sign on the side(Image: Google) Customers of a popular bar were heartbroken after a much loved feature of the

venue was damaged. Motel is one of Liverpool’s most popular night-time venues, with its 'dive bar' vibe, live band karaoke and drinks deals drawing in huge crowds of customers every

weekend.

Located on Fleet Street, in the heart of the city centre’s bar and club district, it is packed out every Friday and Saturday night with music from its rotating line-ups of DJs. The bar also

hosts live karaoke sessions every Thursday and Sunday.

‌ Motel first opened in September 2013, with its current owners DGB Hospitality describing it as a “Liverpool nightlife institution”. Last year, the bar added a huge neon sign on the side of

the building, in keeping with its American dive bar theme.

‌ The sign became a mini landmark for fans of the club and an easy way to spot the venue on a night out. However, Motel announced yesterday that the sign had been knocked off after a

delivery van collided with it.

Motel on Fleet Street(Image: Trinity Mirror) Staff posted a picture of the broken sign on the pavement with shattered light fittings. There was also some damage to the exterior of the

building.

Article continues below In a tongue-in-cheek post on Instagram, Motel vowed to carry on as normal, despite the setback. It said: “Sadly, we lost our sign to the top of a delivery van

yesterday.

Content cannot be displayed without consent “But we're still here and we'll be back open as usual on Thursday with Dive Bar Karaoke, dedicated to our beloved sign. Your light will shine on!”

‌ On the loss of the sign Paul Senior, director of DGB Hospitality, said: “With the angles [sic] now.” The post received more than 900 likes.

Many customers of the club also expressed their disappointment at the iconic feature disappearing.

‌ Liverpool TikToker James Foley said: “Oh my god, this really saddens me.”

Andrew said: “The light that burns twice as bright burns half as long. RIP.” Jen said: “The MoFELL sign.”

Micky commented: “Gone but not forgotten. Always in our prayers.” Tay said: “The sign was too perfect for this world.”

Article continues below User @TheBestBarsofLiverpool commented: “Legends never die, rest in peace oh shiny bright one.”

Teddy's, another bar in the city centre operated by DGB Hospitality: "I can still feel their warm neon glow."