Waterfront venue, just south of the city centre, now offers capacity for 100 diners with the addition of a bar and al fresco dining area. Tony McDonough reports

One of Liverpool’s best-known food brands Delifonseca has doubled the size of its Dockside restaurant in a six-figure investment.

The waterfront venue, just south of the city centre, now offers capacity for 100 diners with the addition of a bar and al fresco dining area, designed by local firm DK-Architects. Delifonseca is now looking to hire 10 extra staff.

They were asked to create an extension that delivered drama with natural lighting for daytime dining and a covered, south facing outdoor area. The building now incorporates a striking roof shape, deep overhang and large roof lights.

Inside, a bespoke bar facilitates an all-new seasonal cocktail menu accompanied by design features such as booth seating and a tailor-made vestibule inspired by a traditional potting shed in homage to the restaurant’s commitment to home-grown produce.

Delifonseca owner Candice Fonseca, said: “We are excited to finally share our extension with the public and showcase what we have been working on tirelessly since the springtime.

“The introduction of the bar allows us to hugely expand our drinks offering with cocktails and draft beer now on the menu, both of which can be enjoyed in our lounge area, allowing guests to relax with a tipple or two before or after dining.

“The new kitchens have also given our chefs the space and equipment to really flex their creative muscles so customers will see new dishes alongside our ‘deli classics’. We have worked with a fantastic team of local suppliers and traders to fit out the new restaurant and have achieved a great look

“As part of plans to develop the North West’s hospitality workforce, we’re also looking to recruit a further 10 members to the team before the end of the year across a number of roles including front of house, kitchen, bar and outside catering staff.”

Delifonseca’s new dining space will initially operate from midday onwards serving dishes from its blackboard menu with plans to extend its service to include weekend breakfast in the coming months. The existing restaurant will become known as the ‘Brunch Room’.