The steak is good and the decor is jaw-dropping
Gaucho has arrived at 7 Water Street and is now welcoming guests through those iconic tiger-head doors. Tiger-head doors? That's just the start of it. We expected the new Gaucho Liverpool to have the wow factor but this venue is spectacular.
The Grade ll listed building was constructed in 1899 and purpose built as the head office of the Bank of Liverpool.
Gaucho has invested a seven-figure sum in renovating the Grade ll listed building. It shows. Guests can now enjoy the stunning architecture of a property that was closed and unused since 2015, now reborn into an award-winning steakhouse with an a la carte menu that features a whole range of contemporary Latin American dishes.
Martin Williams, CEO of Gaucho, fell in love with the elegant features and detail of the building during lockdown and knew instantly it would be the perfect home for Gaucho Liverpool.
The Grade ll listed building was constructed in 1899 and purpose built as the Head Office of the Bank of Liverpool. In more recent years the building was known as Il Palazzo and was serviced offices for a time.
Gaucho has now carefully restored the building to its former glory, polishing a lot of marble pillars and actively encourage anyone who wants to take a look around to come at any time and view the amazing architecture which has been preserved.
The restaurant, which offers dining from lunch ‘till late, will be a flagship for the group as its largest restaurant outside of central London. Two private dining rooms are a stand-out feature of the restaurant and are aptly named ‘The Board Room’ and ‘The Bankers Office’ in homage to the buildings original use as the Bank of Liverpool.
One of the quirkier features of 7 Water Street is the pair of tiger’s heads mounted on the external doors. Legend has it that lascar sailors, of which there were many in Liverpool in the late 1800s, used to come and rub the tiger’s teeth for good luck - hence why they look a bit more worn and shiny than the rest of the head.
With grand high ceilings, stunning original timber panelling and a beautiful original marble fireplace, the restaurant is set to create an iconic destination for Liverpool.
The a la carte menu, overseen by culinary director Mike Reid, features contemporary Latin American starters such as shrimp ceviche and empanadas. These are followed by a selection of steaks from Black Angus cattle, bred in Argentina from the Pampas provinces. Other main courses include the likes of vegan pasta alla norma and whole grilled seabass with herbs and lemon. Desserts feature Gaucho’s signature salted dulce de leche cheesecake.
Gaucho Lates launch on Thursday 24 November and will bring the party and the culture of modern Argentina to the venue every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night with entertainment, live music and DJs. All of this as well as a ‘Beef Bar’ and a wine tasting area look set to make Gaucho Liverpool one of the most exciting restaurant experiences in the North West.
Gaucho Liverpool, 7 Water St, Liverpool L2 0RD
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