8 by Andrew Sheridan and Down the Hatch are national winners

Last week Liverpool’s 8 By Andrew Sheridan won the Best Restaurant category at the British Restaurant Awards (BRAs) last week. These took place at an awards held at Porchester Hall, London.

This pushes the newish restaurant into the top rank of city centre fine dining. Sheridan’s achievement is remarkable given the Michelin-star laden competition including luminaries such as The Fat Duck in Bray; Moor Hall in Aughton; and Ynyshir in Ceredigion.

These awards reinforce the impression the Liverpool restaurant scene is improving all the time

Unsurprisingly given this victory 8 By Andrew Sheridan also won Best Restaurant in Liverpool. Sheridan, who moved his flagship restaurant from Birmingham to Liverpool five months ago, said: “To be nominated for these awards against such esteemed competition was one thing, but to actually win is amazing. I am so proud of all we have achieved so far.”

The win topped off a good week for 8 By Andrew Sheridan; it was also included in the Michelin Guide – one of only 12 new restaurants added to the online directory in August. 8 was praised for its ‘bold, distinct flavours’.

Sheridan and his business partner Sam Morgan of the Open Restaurant Group also own OXA in The Wirral, and Black & Green, Worcestershire, both upmarket neighbourhood bistros.

8 by Andrew Sheridan self-describes in this way.

‘It’s more than just food on a plate. We’ve got rid of the hushed tones, the starched linen tablecloths and the reverential wittering for a multi-sensory experience you’ll never forget.

‘It’s a rollercoaster of flavour and emotion, each dish telling a story and evoking memories. Everything is clean and precise; a total distillation of flavour with no distractions. Not confused or crowded, just simplicity and an aim for perfection in every element.’

The dishes certainly look the part, as with the main image here of a panacotta of tuna tartare with a wild garlic dressing. 

We’ll let you know what we think when we review the restaurant in the next few weeks

Meanwhile in further good news for the Liverpool dining scene, vegan restaurant, Down the Hatch, in Duke Street, won the Best Vegan Restaurant.

Earlier this year Jay Parker co-owner of Down the Hatch told Liverpool Confidential: "Despite it being a niche business, we've always had a constant stream of customers coming in, whether it be regulars who come here often, new people, or people who have been once and are introducing their friends and family to the food we serve. We pride ourselves on serving up solid, good food, and with the customer base we've had, they would seem to agree. We even get a lot of meat eaters coming here and just being absolutely amazed that it's all vegan or vegetarian food options, but they thoroughly enjoy them regardless."

The Liverpool dining scene, still has gaps, a top-notch seafood restaurant for one, but these awards reinforce the impression that it’s improving all the time.  

If you liked this then you may like this

Nord restaurant reviewed

Seaforth at the Municipal Hotel 

Hawksmoor reviewed

Lunya reviewed 

Get the latest news to your inbox

Get the latest food & drink news and exclusive offers by email by signing up to our mailing list. This is one of the ways that Confidentials remains free to our readers and by signing up you help support our high quality, impartial and knowledgable writers. Thank you!