Bold Street-based business Laros marks its fifth year of trading with a packed out programme of celebrations over the Bank Holiday weekend. Jennie Lewis reports
Despite the challenges being faced by businesses in the hospitality sector, Liverpool restaurant business Laros has celebrated five successful years of trading with a full weekend of festivities.
Founded by Crete-born owner Nikolaos Fylladitakis, Laros first launched on Bold Street five years ago with a clear mission to introduce authentic Greek street food to Liverpool, sourcing ingredients directly from Greece and preparing everything in-house.
Liverpool’s hospitality sector is worth £6.25 billion to the local economy and supports over 55,000 local jobs.
And although the city continues to benefit from a strong visitor economy and above average hotel occupancy rates, independent businesses are facing significant operational challenges driven by rising wage costs and increasing overheads.
Rising costs across the board have pushed an estimated 53% of hospitality businesses in the UK to serious risk of failure. Operators are struggling against major hikes in the National Living Wage, employer National Insurance contributions, and the end of temporary business rates relief.
Sadly, some 25 hospitality businesses closed their doors in Liverpool last year, many of which had operated successfully in the city for decades.
Bit Nikolaos says Laros’ growth has been carefully curated, steady and strategic. And this approach seems to be paying off.
Since its launch in 2021 the brand has grown significantly, to become a multi-site operation, with locations spanning the North West, including Liverpool city centre, Mossley Hill, Blackstock Market and Manchester’s Ardwick and Sale.
But it says its Bold Street restaurant remains the flagship site and it was here that its lively anniversary celebrations were centred.
Greek-inspired delicacies, DJs and dancers were all part of a day-long party and there were thousands of pounds worth of prizes up for grabs – including a three-night trip to Greece.
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Reflecting on the weekend and on his time in business, Nikolaos said: “The support we’ve had from the city over the past five years has been incredible. Liverpool has truly embraced what we’ve created and we’ve seen a real love for authentic Greek flavours grow.
“We wanted to celebrate this milestone properly and give something back to the community that has supported us from the beginning. The event on Bold Street is all about bringing people together, sharing great food and creating a real atmosphere.
“The trip to Greece is something really special for us. It’s a chance for someone to experience the food, culture and lifestyle that inspired Laros in the first place.”