How a three-day transformation, an incredible team and a passion for good old-fashioned hospitality brought this Italian-American hotspot to life
When a restaurant closes, it’s often not too long before another opens in its place. But a three-day turnaround and a promise to retain all the staff from the previous business is normally unheard of.
That is, unless that new restaurant is Seel & Slater on the Ropewalks; an Italian-American haunt with traditional values by successful Liverpool restaurateurs Open Restaurant Group (ORG), known for their fine dining gem Restaurant 8 over in the Cavern Quarter.
Behind every business closure are the team that helped make the place what it was and the uncertainty of what comes next for them. With just a three-day timeline to turn the building around, get back to trading and make the transition for the team as seamless as possible, ORG pulled it out of the bag, turning what was Wreck Bistro into a new Liverpool favourite with a distinct New York feel.
Focusing on Italian-American hospitality and family-values, Seel & Slater is a restaurant that welcomes all who enter the door as warmly as its parmesan doughnuts leave the oven. Portions are generous and designed to be shared amongst loved ones, colleagues and new friends, whether it be a lunch between friends, business meeting or family reunion.
And while the food here certainly deserves to be talked about, it's the people at Seel & Slater that will keep you coming back.
Seel & Slater’s Operations Manager, Credo, not only works behind the scenes to ensure that the day-to-day side of the business runs smoothly but is often found front of house, greeting diners with a beaming smile that makes you feel like you’re being welcomed home.
Open Restaurant Group’s Regional Relationships Manager, Hayley Ryan is invested in ingraining the business into the local community as much as possible, working with independent businesses to showcase their products and services through dedicated events and supporting incredible charities in the area, such as Cash for Kids.
The partnership between Seel & Slater and Cash for Kids gives diners the option to add £1 to their bill, with their donation going towards supporting vulnerable children and families across Merseyside, providing essential resources and making sure these children don’t have to go without presents at Christmas. This small contribution has the potential to make a big impact to those who need it most.
And with Slater, the venue’s basement level speakeasy-style bar set to open early next year, that inviting atmosphere is only going to be amplified.
Whether you’re stopping by for an after-work cocktail, gathering the family for a hearty Sunday lunch, or celebrating a special milestone with friends, Seel & Slater welcomes you to be part of the family.
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