From Parkside Taverns to 'pubby pubs', here's what we've spotted in the Liverpool Food and Drink scene this month...
NEW FACES
Bam Boo, Bold Street
Offering brunch and cocktails, Bam Boo on Bold Street is as fun to visit as it is to say out loud. As well as a breakfast and lunch menu smushed into one, you can book for bottomless brunch at £40 per person.
Botanico, Woolton Village
If you're looking for authentic Italian cakes, baked goods, gelato and pizzas, then Botanico is the place to go. Located in Woolton, this brunch spot and bistro is a welcome addition to the village, providing a cosy spot for afternoon tea and evening dining.
Loretta's Parkside Tavern, Liverpool One
Bringing beers, cocktails, wines and good times to Liverpool One, Loretta's Parkside Tavern has arrived this week. As well as a wide variety of tipples to whet your whistle, Loretta's serves 'bites' and charcuterie. Plus, there's entertainment in the form of pub quizzes and live music.
Mojo, Hanover Street
Known for blasting Indie Rock 'n' Roll until the early hours, Mojo has landed on Hanover Street, along with their colourful cocktails and plenty of pizzas to sober up with. Mojo will be open from midday until 3am. Every single day of the week.
Pho, Castle Street
The Vietnamese chain has opened another site in which to serve their delicious broth-based dishes. Pronounced 'fuh', Pho serves a mixture of street-food dishes and noodle soups.
Picar, Duke Street Market
Picar is one of the latest vendors to arrive at Duke Street Market, serving traditional Spanish small plates and tapas dishes. Like all other vendors in Duke Street Market, you can order from the comfort of your table via the app. No need to leave your seat.
Queen of Hope Street, Hope Street
From the brains behind The Vines and The Red Lion comes the Queen of Hope Street. Described as 'a very pubby pub' on their website, the Queen sits in the heart of Liverpool's Georgian Quarter, next to the Philharmonic Hall (on Hope Street, if you hadn't already guessed). Hot drinks and home made pies are served until 7pm, with a wide selection of rotating cask ales, ciders and craft beers available from midday onwards.
Spice Thai, Castle Street
Spice Thai have opened a third site on Castle Street, serving up the curries, grilled meats, mains and noodle/rice-based dishes that they're so loved and well-known for. The new space is set over two floors and follows a similar minimalist style that's in keeping with other Castle Street venues.
We visited earlier this week. Check out the video below.
CLOSURES & HOSPITALITY NEWS
Monro pub closes with unusual statement
The popular Monro Pubm which has stood on Duke Street for decades, announced its sudden closure along with a puzzling statement on its website. The statement, which has since been removed from the site, read:
'THE MONRO PUB HAS NOW CLOSED.
'THE REASON?
'The owner of the building feels that the fire safety of the building is compromised.
'While Merseyside Fire are prepared to let us operate, the owner does not want to risk his reputation should anything happen.'
Read the full story here.
Popular burger chain Byron Burgers is moving over to a new unit in Liverpool ONE, leaving its old location on Paradise Street behind to take over the former Bill's restaurant site. The new site on Thomas Steers Way, which is opposite the Hilton Hotel, is a lucky turn of events for the Liverpool branch as nine sites across the UK were closed at the start of the year following the company being placed in administration.
Baltic Triangle voted coolest UK neighbourhood by Time Out
Time Out are known for recommending the trendiest suburbs and hottest places to eat and drink - a bit like our Confidential Guides. This year, they've crowned Liverpool's own Baltic Triangle as one of the coolest neighbourhoods, replacing last year's winner; Cliftonville in Margate.
Oracle Bar searches for new venue
Following the closure of the Monro pub, Oracle bar which was situated above is looking for a new home. A statement on their website reads: "The Oracle is moving house and will be back shortly in a new venue. Until then... Our magicians are available to perform at your events."
OXA is added to Michelin Guide
OXA, a fine dining restaurant ran by chef Andrew Sheridan, is one of 15 restaurants that have recently been added to the Michelin Guide. The restaurant opened back in May and has gone from strength to strength since. Learn more about Andrew Sheridan and OXA here.
BOXPARK Baltic are looking for food traders
BOXPARK, who already have a very successful site in the capital, are heading up north to make a home out of Liverpool's Baltic Triangle. The development is expected to create 150 jobs in the area. BOXPARK have issued a fresh appeal for food traders to join the market when it opens in 2024. All traders will be provided with a fully-fitted commercial kitchen worth £100,000.
NEW MENUS & EVENTS
Meat Me launches bottomless brunch
Lark Lane Greek restaurant Meat Me have launched their bottomless brunch offering. Served every Monday to Friday, diners can enjoy two gyros, loaded fries and a dip and pitta bread alongside a plethora of cocktails, beers and Prosecco.
We visited earlier this month to get a sneak peek. Check out the video below.
Pizza Punks launches kids menu
Bring the little punks along next time you head out for pizza. Sourdough pizza brand Pizza Punks have launched their new kids menu and it's full of tasty toppings that will keep even the fussiest of children happy. For just £8.95, little ones can enjoy a pizza of their choice with a Fruitshoot, homemade cookie and vanilla ice cream.
Luca launches new menu
Italian restaurant Luca, known for its authentic small plates and colourful cocktails, has launched a new menu jam-packed with delicious dishes including chicken Milanese, Orecchiette rapini and king prawns alla busara.
Spitroast launches new menu
Spitroast has 'revamped and refreshed' their menu, adding more seasonal dishes to their offering to prepare for the cold months ahead. Both their Smithdown and Crosby sites have recently had a refurbishment, too.
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