Beatles Fan To Open British-Themed Pub In Waukesha

WAUKESHA, WI— A little less argument and more conversation is the vibe a man wants for his soon-to-be British-themed pub and eatery named Let It Be, located at 716 Clinton Street in Waukesha.

Dave Meister, of Hartland, felt it was symbolic given the stress, fear, and turmoil the world is currently facing.

The pub will be without televisions to encourage patrons to talk with each other.

"This is a place that will be calming to be in and just let it be," he told Patch.

Throwback to decades past

The name "Let It Be," is inspired by The Beatles and their hit song. Meister was a teenager when Beatlemania hit and witnessed the evolution of the band coming to America via the Ed Sullivan show.

He started collecting guitars and found a violin bass, a Hofner, which Paul McCartney played. Meister told Patch he started looking into The Cavern Club, the venue in Liverpool, England where the Beatlemania started.

"I thought well that is kind of cool," Meister said.

A few years ago, Meister built his replica of The Cavern Club in the basement of his office building in Hartland. He uses it for private events. Meister also operates BlueSky Jazz, a nonprofit organization that brings together veterans, students and music professionals. He also has an art deco jazz club in the same building.

In 2017, he came across a red brick building at 716 Clinton Street which used to be a brewery. It was in terrible shape with mold, rusty walls, and cracked sewer pipes. Meister has been working on it ever since.

The goal is to finish the project by the summer of 2021. The pandemic has caused some disruptions and Meister felt it would be unfair to hire employees only to possibly shut down.

"It wouldn't be good for the continuity and enthusiasm, so I scaled back," he said.

Plans include making another replica of The Cavern Club which will be the stage with live entertainment. Meister hopes to attract local college students who may not have the opportunity to showcase their talents.

The pub will house nostalgic throwbacks to the 60s and 70s such as Waukesha's Les Paul. A replica of Paul's hollow-bodied Epiphone log guitar will be displayed within the pub restaurant, which plays.

"Of course I want Paul McCartney to come and play," Meister told Patch.

Meister hasn't met McCartney yet but is slowing getting closer. He bought a guitar played by McCartney’s guitarist and drummer Rusty Anderson. He met Anderson and attended a show with backstage passes. Unfortunately, McCartney didn't come backstage.

When McCartney and former Beatles member Ringo Starr were in town, he tried to get them to check out his replica of The Cavern Club.

For now he will let it be.