A host of glamorous guests, including local celebs, business people, bloggers and influencers packed into The Ivy Liverpool Brasserie for its official launch party. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool saw the official launch of The Ivy Liverpool Brasserie on Thursday evening as the iconic restaurant brand arrived in the city for the first time.
A host of glamorous guests, including local celebs, business people, bloggers and influencers packed into the Grade I-listed former Bank of England building in Castle Street for a launch event. The restaurant opens to the public on Tuesday, November 19.
On arrival guests were welcomed with “free flowing” Ivy Cuvée and canapés, giving a first taste of what’s to come once doors are open to the public. Guests were also treated to an exclusive preview of the restaurant’s interior and private dining room.
Entertainment on the night included a private performance from renowned Liverpool band Mic Lowry, as well as other live entertainment including fire breathers on the green carpet to welcome guests, a DJ, as well as sax and percussion performers.
The Ivy Liverpool Brasserie will be home to a private dining room seating 14, while the main restaurant will have capacity to welcome more than 180 diners. It will offer breakfast, brunch and all day a la carte menus.
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General manager Kate Keyes said: “Myself and the team are delighted to have celebrated our opening in Liverpool.
“The launch party was incredible; from the turnout of guests from across the city to the outstanding entertainment, it really was such a glamorous and unforgettable evening.
“We’re very excited to officially open our doors on Tuesday 19th November, and are looking forward to welcoming our valued guests throughout the festive season and beyond.”
Once described as a “masterpiece of Victorian architecture” the Bank of England building in Castle Street was completed in 1848. It was designed by Charles Robert Cockerell and built in a neoclassical style.
Its features are influenced by a number of styles including Greek, Roman and Renaissance. It was Grade I-listed in 1952. The Bank of England left in 1987 and it was occupied by the TSB Bank for a few years in the 1990s.
In April 2015 it was occupied for almost two weeks by political activists, known as Love Activists, who turned it into an illegal homeless shelter. They were eventually evicted by the police. The building has remained empty until now.