We love heading over to the Heswall branch. Here’s why.
The 19-strong Gusto group of restaurants have been inspired by the traditional grand cafes of Europe. Their contemporary, mainly Italian menu is full of delicious and timeless dishes created from simple ingredients, to make any occasion; from after work drinks to larger family celebrations, feel special.
The Heswall branch is one of their smaller, more intimate venues and here are the main reasons why we love it so much.
It’s gorgeous
The first thing you notice is the pretty front terrace, (with an adjustable canopy in case of rain) surrounded by a plant covered trellis and tables decked out with white linen tablecloths. It’s the perfect place to sit on a sunny day to enjoy al fresco dining. The welcoming bar area leads onto the elegant restaurant which features 200-year-old olive trees bedecked with fairy lights running down the centre. You could be in an Italian hill top restaurant – magical.
The staff
We think this is one of the most welcoming restaurants we’ve been to. Everyone who works here is friendly, smiley and helpful, opening door for customers and really caring about the needs of their guests. As part of the Living Ventures Empire, Gusto staff members are extensively trained and supported with opportunities to advance through the company, but there’s more to it than that. There’s a real pride in what they do and it’s reflected in all the positive comments from happy customers on various public forums.
2 for 1 cocktails
Gusto put as much effort into their drinks offering as they do into their food. They know that sometimes you might’ve had a hard day at work, so they’ve introduced a two for one cocktail deal between 5pm-7pm every Monday-Friday. Our favourite was the raspberry and rosemary sling with Monkey Shoulder whiskey, Chambord, Disaronno, lemon, sugar and apple juice shaken with fresh rosemary and poured over ice. It was as refreshing as sherbert but had some real depth of flavour too. If you love Gusto’s cocktails, you can even book a cocktail making master class to learn the secrets of how to make them at home.
The food
Gusto is well known for its excellent Italian dishes, especially their award winning pizzas, which are all freshly prepared in house using homemade dough. But you’ll also find lots of delicious and substantial main courses like slow cooked pork belly on roast red peppers with apple sauce and red wine jus, or roast chicken breast with creamed leeks, tomato and caper dressing with fried gnocchi. Even their popular Gusto burger, has been given an Italian slant; topped with melted mozzarella with homemade burger sauce, relish, lettuce, tomato, red onion and gherkin on a seeded bun.
They love families
Although Gusto’s atmosphere is perfect for romantic dinners for two, it is also a great place to bring young children. They absolutely love having a go at making their own custom made pizzas whilst wearing a proper chef’s hat. Also, all pasta and risotto dishes on the menu are available as child size portions. This is available every day until 6pm at £6.95 including dessert.
Heswall is a 25 minute drive from both Chester & Liverpool
Gusto Restaurant & Bar, 146-148 Telegraph Rd, Heswall, Wirral CH60 0AH
