Welsford Bistro is another reason to visit this Liverpool treasure
The largest cathedral in Britain, the second largest Anglican cathedral in the world and the world's fifth largest cathedral of any denomination. It has the world's largest working church organ, the world's highest and heaviest ringing peal of church bells and the highest gothic arches ever built. Liverpool Cathedral is BIG, man.
The bistro uses local suppliers; coffee comes from local roasters Joe Black Coffee.
It’s going to take you a while to get around all that space but fear not; there’s a pit-stop that does coffee, breakfast, brunch, burgers and what might be (controversially, always) the best Scouse stew in the city.
Tucked away inside Liverpool Cathedral is The Welsford Bistro, an independent restaurant fronted by Damien Flynn and Neil Blackhurst.
Head chef Damien is originally from Leicester but moved to London to develop his career as a chef working in some of London's finest restaurants including Fischer's Baslow Hall, The Clock House Restaurant, The French Table, and Putney Bridge. More recently, Damien relocated to Liverpool and became head chef at 60 Hope Street for eight years.
Neil was catering manager at Liverpool Cathedral from 2013-2018 and then moved into operations looking after 30 school kitchens across the North West. He previously owned Pistachio Restaurant and Vinyl Basement Bar on Lark Lane.
Damien and Neil won the catering contract for Liverpool Cathedral in October 2020. Navigating the pandemic with ingenuity, they initially set up a pop-up restaurant "The Mezz In The Well" in the main space of the cathedral offering a dine in and take away. They relaunched The Welsford Bistro in April 2021.
Enjoy the historic atmosphere of eating in the Welsford Bistro or take in the magnificent sight of Gambier Terrace from the Welsford Porch.
Breakfast is served until midday and includes the full English and vegan, plus breakfast sandwiches, eggs and smashed avocado and a banging beans on toast with sourdough.
They also do a bloomin' brilliant Scouse - beef and vegetable stew served with homemade bread and pickled cabbage - and a “blind Scouse” version for vegans; vegetable and barley stew, again served with homemade bread and pickled cabbage.
The bistro uses local suppliers; coffee comes from local roasters Joe Black Coffee and the black pudding we had in the full English breakfast was from Bexleys. They do a Sunday roast too - and that's the kind of Sunday service we can totally get on board with. Amen.
When you visit Liverpool Cathedral, keep an eye out for these quirky features...
The Nave (Well)
The Cathedral's Nave is a lowered area where on formal occasions the chapter will process from. On one side of the well you have the great west doors above which is Tracey Emin's For You installation - a special message in 20ft pink neon letters.
The Lady Chapel
The portrait windows of noble women on the west wall of the chapel show local heroes like Kitty Wilkinson and Agnes Jones, as well as nationally known figures such as Grace Darling, Elizabeth Fry and Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
The Risen Christ
On Easter Day 1993, Elizabeth Frink’s Risen Christ was unveiled at Liverpool Cathedral. The artist died a few days later, but the sculpture was enough to establish her as one of the foremost religious sculptors of the century.
The Gilbert Scott telephone box
The designer of Liverpool Cathedral, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, also designed the iconic telephone box to commemorate the Jubilee of King George V. A red telephone box, Scott's smallest creation, is housed today in his largest creation.
The Derby Mouse
On the Earl of Derby’s tomb in the south east transept, tucked behind a tassel on the left side, is a small bronze mouse. Rumour has it that the architect of Lord Derby's tomb claimed that no self-respecting church mouse would live there. As a result, he incorporated a mouse into the design of the tomb.
Te Deum window
Liverpool Cathedral was used as a backdrop in the BBC TV show Peaky Blinders, with Tommy standing in front of its huge Te Deum stained glass window.
The Whispering Arch
The arch is on the right hand side as you walk into the cathedral. Sit with a friend, one each side of the arch and whisper. Your voice carries perfectly.
The Welsford Bistro is open Monday to Saturday, 10am - 4.30pm; Sunday 11.45am - 4.30pm. Hours are subject to change for special events, please check before you travel. For more info visit the Liverpool Cathedral website.
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