Mersey Beat - The Cassanova Club

Sampson & Barlows at the corner of Fraser Street

The Cassanova Club was situated above Sampson & Barlow's Restaurant at 39 London Road, Liverpool on the corner with Fraser Street. The club was previously situated in The Temple, Dale Street, Liverpool, but moved to this location on 9 February 1961. Brian Casser of 'Cass & The Cassanovas' had started his own music club in Liverpool, the Cassanova Club, renting the Temple Jazz club, an upstairs room above the Temple Restaurant in Dale street every Sunday. It was the city centre's first rock venue and guest groups included one known at the time as the 'Silver Beetles'. (see picture below )

At The Cassanova Club in Dale Street with Stuart Sutcliffe 

    

These events were promoted by Sam Leach who gave Cilla Black her first regular paid gig at the Cassanova Club in 1961 under the billing, 'Swinging Cilla,', so when Brian Casser decided to move down to London in 1961 Sam opened the Cassanova Club at a new venue. After seeing and meeting them at Hamilton Hall he decided that 'The Beatles', numbering 5 at the time, were the only ones he wanted to open his new club and it was here that what was believed to be the band’s earliest known film footage was filmed.

It is interesting to note that after Brian Casser had left them, the three remaining members formed the Big Three but the name 'Cassanova' was still used on the advertising poster. Also note that Sam Leach is stating that 'The Beatles' were 'the originators of the Atom Beat'.
The Beatles played at the Cassanova Club on seven occasions, the dates being the 11th, 14th, 16th, 21st and 28th February 1961 and on the 7th and 12th of March the following month. The Cassanova Club was later replaced by the Peppermint Lounge.

see also : - http://www.thefootballvoice.com/2017/09/mersey-beat-odd-spot-club.html