Key Points
- Todd Terry, the American house music DJ and producer, will curate Freeze Hifi, a new listening bar and cafe in Liverpool city centre.
- The venue is located inside the Tea Factory on Wood Street in the Ropewalks area, formerly the Revolution bar.
- Liverpool City Council has granted permission for the project following a licensing meeting.
- The bar will focus on vinyl music from Terry’s influences, operating until 4am on weekends without functioning as a nightclub.
- Partners have addressed resident concerns over potential disturbances, emphasising careful management.
Liverpool (Liverpool Standard) February 5, 2026 – A renowned New York house music pioneer, Todd Terry, is set to curate Freeze Hifi, a new listening bar and cafe in the city centre’s Ropewalks area.
The venue, housed in the Tea Factory on Wood Street inside the former Revolution bar space, received approval from Liverpool City Council’s licensing and gambling sub-committee. Andrew Duckworth, the proposed designated premises supervisor and business partner, assured the panel that the focus would centre on vinyl playback of Todd Terry’s musical influences rather than loud nightclub-style events.
What is Freeze Hifi and where will it be located?
Freeze Hifi takes its name from Todd Terry’s own record imprint and will specialise in curated vinyl music sessions led by the DJ who helped shape New York’s house scene in the 1990s. According to Birkenhead News, the project has secured city centre sign-off for operation inside the Tea Factory building in Liverpool’s vibrant Ropewalks district.
Andrew Duckworth explained to the council sub-committee that the venue aims to provide a refined listening experience, stating it features Todd Terry’s personal touch with vinyl selections. He emphasised, “This is about Todd, this is his thing,” distancing it from thumping techno music.
How have local residents reacted to the plans?
Ahead of the licensing meeting, some residents expressed worries that late-night operations until 4am on weekends could cause significant disturbances and affect their quality of life. Mr Duckworth directly addressed these fears, sharing the same concerns and committing to strict management to avoid issues.
What measures are in place to protect neighbours?
Duckworth told the committee, “We don’t want drunk people at our venue,” and noted that ignoring residents would harm the business. He described the location as the “beating heart of hospitality in this city” and stressed that a badly managed venue poses problems anywhere.
What are the next steps for the venue?
With council permission now granted, Freeze Hifi can proceed towards opening as Liverpool’s latest addition to its music and hospitality scene. Mixmag reports confirm Todd Terry’s key role in vinyl curation for the launch.
The project underscores a commitment to high-quality, influence-driven music experiences amid the city’s thriving nightlife landscape.
