The building was operated as a club in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s - the Kraal Club became the Golden Guinea and then RJs.

Completely renovated by Wetherspoons and reopened in April 2013 as a modern Wetherspoon pub with bright airy interior on two floors with large sea-facing beer garden and balcony above giving excellent views onto Liverpool Bay and Fort Perch Rock. Situated on Marine Promenade close to local amenities including the Floral Hall theatre and opposite a new cinema complex.

Early in 2020, Wetherspoons announced plans to extend the pub into the next door building which was formerly the Travellers Rest. The Master Mariner closed in may 2022 for refurbishment and extension next door to the site of the former Travellers Rest pub/bar. Work was expected to be completed in August 2022 but significant extra structural work was required including demolition of the adjoining former pub. The project was abandoned in April 2023.