Family restaurant Maranto’s has been part of the life and culture of Liverpool’s Lark Lane for 43 years and has reopened following a major refurbishment. Tony McDonough reports
A new-look Maranto’s in Lark Lane in south Liverpool has reopened following a major refurbishment.
Maranto’s was opened in a Grade II-listed building in 1983 by husband-and-wife duo Steve and Ruth Maranto. They installed salvaged pews, wrought iron from Preston station and a bar from Altrincham town hall.
In January the venue closed for the refurbishment and has now unveiled a refreshed look alongside a new upstairs bar called The Gathering Place.
Now led by Steve and Ruth’s daughter Anna Maranto Babel and her husband Joe, Maranto’s has undergone a transformation led by main contractor Charles Evans, a Liverpool family-run business with design by IMD, an architectural practice.
Much of the work has involved local suppliers and long-standing partners, including Aigburth Tiles, whose family first worked on the restaurant in 1983, and Traditional Flooring, who have been part of Maranto’s for more than 30 years.
Anna said: “This place means so much to so many people, and that’s something we’ve always been aware of. We didn’t want to change it for the sake of it. Everything we’ve done has been about looking after what’s already here, while making sure it still has a future.”
At the heart of the update is The Gathering Place, a reimagined upstairs bar created with the idea of a neighbourhood restaurant at the centre of its community.
“In Italian American culture, there’s always a neighbourhood restaurant that becomes the hub. Somewhere you take family, meet friends, and spend time together,” added Anna.
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“When Maranto’s opened in the 80s, we described it as a restaurant and gathering place. That phrase has always stayed with us, and now it feels more relevant than ever.”
Guests can expect Sicilian style pizza alongside interactive darts, shuffleboard and a drinks offer that includes beers, cocktails and coffees.