FAQ
Coming down to 75 Argyle Street to see us, or thinking about it? Got a query that needs answering? These handy frequently asked questions should cover everything! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates.
When is Future Yard open?
We’re open every day, indoors and outdoors. Our garden is open if you want to enjoy the glorious sunshine, or you can sit inside in the bar. Full details of our service and opening hours can be found here (generally Mon-Thurs 10am-11pm; Friday 10am-12am; Saturday 9am-12am; Sunday 10am-11pm).
When are you serving food?
Our kitchen is open serving our full menu of vegan + veggie amazingness on all gig/show nights from 4pm. We also serve on Friday and Saturday evenings, 4pm-9pm.
Are live gigs happening?
Our Live Room is now open at full capacity (280 inside), after slowly opening up by doing socially-distanced shows. But we’re now operating as we intended to, albeit with some very important Covid-19 safety precautions to minimise risk for everyone. You can see our full live programme listings here.
NB: All our live shows take place in the indoor Live Room, which has a capacity of 280. Performances will only take place on the outside stage in the Garden if it explicitly says so.
Do I need to book a table?
There’s no need to reserve in advance, just pick your table when you arrive at the venue. We’ve got loads of room and loads of tables, inside and out, so we’re sure we’ll be able to fit you in. If you’re looking to host a specific event or come down with a large group, then drop us a line and we’ll be happy to arrange something for you (see our Contact page for details).
Is the Garden still open?
The Garden can be accessed all year round, but we don’t programme anything specific in there during the autumn and winter. The garden bar will only be open for specific events. You’re more than welcome to sit outside when you’re here, but you’ll have to order all your drinks and food from the front bar (inside).
If there’s a gig on, can I still come in for a drink?
Yes, of course! The shows take place inside in the Live Room, and you’ll need a ticket to get in any of the shows. But the rest of the building remains open to the public – the bar and garden – which you don’t need a ticket for. Even if the show is sold-out, you can still come in and have a cuppa, get some food or enjoy our fine range of refreshments! On some occasions we will have live music outside, as one-off events or as part of festivals or all-dayers; in those circumstances we’ll communicate in advance what times the non-ticketed garden and bar areas are open from.
Can I pay by cash?
We are operating a fully cashless service, using contactless and chip and pin. We’re doing this as part of our sustainability pledge, but also for a variety of logistic and security reasons. All orders are now taken at the bars; and we’re no longer using an online menu or app. All food orders are taken from the front bar, and there’s a specific bar in the Live Room which you can use when attending shows.
Are you family friendly?
Yes, kids are most definitely welcome, so long as they’re with big kids (18+)! We’re a family-friendly environment, and we have high chairs and baby-changing facilities. We also stock some lovely child-friendly drinks and food options. Saturday and Sunday afternoons are the perfect chill environment to bring your little ones down with you.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, so long as they stay on a lead. We’d love you to bring your four-legged friends with you – and make sure you share a pic of them online enjoying the sun in the Garden! We have dog bowls and dog treats as well.
I bought a ticket for a show at Future Yard, who do I speak to about that?
If you have any queries about a ticket you’ve bought for a show, please first contact the ticket vendor. For all in-house Future Yard shows, this will be See Tickets – and you can contact their excellent Customer Service team here. For external promoters this may be different, so please check with whatever platform you bought your ticket from. If you have any other general ticketing enquiries, drop us a line here.
How do I book one of your studios?
We have five high-quality rehearsal studios in our basement, which are available to hire between 10am and 11pm every day from as little as £6.25 per hour. You can choose a studio with backline included or just a PA system and microphones, depending on your need. Book now over on our dedicated studios site, and find out more details on the equipment available.
How do I get there?
Future Yard is located in the heart of Birkenhead, in between three train stations, two bus stations and close to the Mersey Ferry and Queensway (Birkenhead) Tunnel. Full details of how to get to us can be found here.
I have specific access requirements – who do I speak to about it?
Future Yard’s venue, bar and garden is fully accessible and is all on the ground floor. You can find our full accessibility policy here, and contact details of how to get in touch about any further requests.
I lost something at Future Yard. How do I get it back?
Please see our Lost Property Policy here. If you lose something at Future Yard, please try to tell a member of staff as soon as possible. If you don’t realise til you left the venue, please email us on enquiries@futureyard.org. We don’t check direct messages on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter 24 hours a day, so email is the best way to get in touch.
What is your COVID-19 safety policy?
You can view and download our full risk assessments and operating procedures here – including our inside and outdoor operations. Our primary concern remains the safety of our customers and staff, so we will be keeping some measures in place. Staff will be testing daily; hand sanitisers will be situated around the building and we encourage you to use them regularly; masks do not have to be worn, but we fully support any staff or customers wearing them if they feel comfortable doing so; ordering and service reverts back to being done at the bar rather than via an online menu; NHS Test and Trace will no longer be a requirement upon entry, but the check-in code will remain at the front door for those who want to use it. You can read the full details of our plans here.
Are you showing the football?
We’re a music venue with a 280-capacity live gig space, bar, café and outdoor area which will be soundtracked impeccably by a host of great DJs. That’s our entertainment, so we won’t be showing any football during the normal season, sorry. You can always get the Tranmere match on iFollow on your phone though, our Wifi is great!
Are under-18s allowed in for shows?
Future Yard is a family-friendly licensed premises. We want to make sure that it’s as easy as possible for young people to enjoy live music safely and comfortably in our venue – but we also have to be practical that it is a licensed premises, so certain parameters are in place. For live shows, under-16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult if they would like to attend. We operate a challenge 25 policy, so you may well be asked to show ID. Under-18s will be given a specific wristband to wear. 16 and 17 year olds at live shows must vacate the premises at the end of the performance.
Under-18s are welcome in our Bar + Garden spaces when accompanied by an adult, until 9pm.
How do I apply for Sound Check?
Sound Check is our exciting live music industry training programme, with courses running all year round. Please sign up to our Future Yard Training mailing list to be kept informed about the next application window, and for further training and volunteering opportunities. We hold Open Days a couple of times a year, where you can come along, meet the team and get an idea of what the whole programme entails. We will also be announcing a volunteering programme to run alongside Sound Check, offering the chance to work alongside our in-house production team on delivering high quality live events. To make sure you don’t miss out on any of this news, sign up to the mailing list now!
Can I play a gig at Future Yard?
Yes, we’d love to hear from you! If you’d like to be considered for a show here, pleased drop us a message on: iwanttoplay@futureyard.org.
Can I apply to work with you?
We’re always looks to expand the team as we continue to deliver a range of events and programmes. Keep an eye on all of our current vacancies on the Jobs + Opportunities page.
If you’d like to get in touch with us about anything else, see our Contact page for where to direct your queries. Thank you!