From Award Wins to Whiskey Bars: The Tapestry’s Next Creative Chapter

Community Recognition: Inspired Spaces Award 2018

Before any of the basement doors were dug out or the radio waves broadcast, The Tapestry had already been making waves. In 2018, it won the Inspired Spaces award, a proud moment that recognised its contribution to the local community and the wider impact of the space. The award, voted for by the public, validated everything The Tapestry was trying to build: a vibrant, inclusive hub for Liverpool’s creative economy.

Radio Dreams & Real-World Connections

In 2019, inspiration struck again. Conversations about launching Fabric District Radio began, fuelled by the energy of Miguel and the MD Team, who were delivering DJ and music workshops from within the space. Early talks also included content creator Chase Johnson-Lynch, with ambitions for a dedicated podcast and vlogging studio. Budget constraints paused those plans… but fate wasn’t done yet.

That same year, the team were introduced to Melodic Distraction Radio, who were facing relocation from the Baltic Triangle. They were keen on moving into The Tapestry’s Fashion Hub bar, and discussions were progressing, until the Covid-19 pandemic paused everything in March 2020.

Beauty, Bars & Basement Transformations

When the MD Team’s lease ended, the ever-evolving space soon welcomed rising entrepreneur Clo, founder of Sample Beauty. She quickly outgrew her Fashion Hub setup and expanded into the mezzanine.

Shortly after, a serendipitous coffee with returning travellers Matt and Beck turned into a game-changer. The pair wanted to open a distinctive whiskey bar in Liverpool. Though the basement had charm, access was a challenge—until a forgotten street-level entry point was discovered. With some serious graft, a new entrance was dug out by hand.

The result?

Hopscotch, a bold and beautifully refitted basement bar that opened in December 2019 and has since become a mainstay of the local scene.

Creative Festivals, Escape Rooms & Experimental Art

The largest MD unit saw a few false starts but became a temporary gallery during the FD Arts Festival 2019, hosting exhibitions by Max Mallander and The Bridewell. Eventually, the right fit arrived: Game Over Escape Rooms, which launched on Kempston Street in January 2020.

From Makeup to Monitoring: Aeternum Arrives

When Sample Beauty was acquired and relocated, it made way for the next wave of innovation. Aeternum Innovations, born in DoES Liverpool, took over the mezzanine. Their battery-free air quality sensors now monitor citywide pollution levels, fittingly, their wall signage doubles as a live pollution map of Liverpool. Red lights? Time to stay inside…

Lockdown & Resilience: Tenants Rise to the Challenge

The pandemic brought immense uncertainty. But The Tapestry community showed remarkable grit. DoES Liverpool led a PPE drive for the NHS, 3D-printing visors and rallying local volunteers. The Fashion Hub pivoted to food delivery. Other tenants adapted, stayed lean, and held tight until the world reopened.

A New Wave of Creatives

While pre-lockdown conversations with major arts orgs like Baltic Creative didn’t move forward, fresh energy emerged post-pandemic. In 2022, Round the Corner, Life of Ply, Parr Street Studios, Wasted Heroes and Architects Emporium joined the scene, adding to a creative surge on Kempston Street alongside longtime tenants like Next Gen MMA gym.

Final Thoughts

From community recognition to creative regeneration, The Tapestry’s journey reflects the ever-evolving spirit of the Fabric District. It’s a place where big ideas take root, where bars and beauty brands share walls with art collectives and tech pioneers. And it all started with a belief that creativity deserves a proper home.

Looking to join this creative community?

Reach out to explore available spaces and start your next chapter in the Fabric District.