In a big week for the city’s burgeoning bar and restaurant sector, Barnacle Liverpool opens its doors and The Ivy Asia announces November launch date. Tony McDonough reports
Two well-loved and well-established bar and restaurant brands have reasons to celebrate this week, as Barnacle welcomes its first guests in its new home, and The Ivy Asia gets set for its November launch.
Barnacle, the brainchild of father and son duo Paul and Harry Askew, has opened the doors to its new home in the heart of Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter.
Originally established in 2021 as a pop up, Barnacle quickly established itself as a firm favourite with Liverpool foodies, receiving rave reviews. It will now serve the city’s diners from its new, permanent home on Hardman Street.
Working alongside the region’s farmers and producers, Barnacle will focus on seasonal dishes prepared with organic and locally-sourced ingredients, something chef Harry Askew says is integral to its ethos.
He says: “The dishes will be hand-written on a menu to reflect what’s available to us that day, with meat and vegetarian options and plentiful trimmings.”
Barnacle boasts an attractive bar, snug and terrace serving cocktails, wine and bar snacks. The restaurant will be open Thursday to Sunday each week and a Sunday roast service will be available.
Paul Askew is chef patron of Barnacle and owner of The Art School. He adds: “My father was Captain Barnacle Bill Askew and he sailed the world on the Blue Star lines – his travels always inspired me and set me on my course in hospitality.
“This formed the founding principles of Barnacle when we launched in 2021 and it remains the cherished narrative we have to take Barnacle forwards in our new chapter.
“We’re all about telling these wonderful stories and bringing them to life on every plate and in each glass for our customers.”
And, more exciting news for the city’s diners as just a year on from the launch of The Ivy Liverpool, The Ivy Asia has announced it will open its doors next month.
To celebrate, on Tuesday, the brand brought a taste of Asia to Liverpool’s Castle Street with a cherry blossom tree and Japanese dragon dancers creating an eye-catching display.
Based in the former Bank of England building, The Ivy Asia Liverpool will combine opulent interiors with decadent dishes, show stopping cocktails and its signature ambiance.
The new restaurant, just upstairs from its sister restaurant, will offer 46 seated covers and space at the bar, providing an ideal backdrop for delicious lunches and lavish dinners in Liverpool’s city centre.
Signature dishes include sushi and sashimi, flavoursome small plates and mains, as well as a selection of desserts to share.
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Reservations for the restaurant are already live and bookings can be made via its website ahead of the official open date, planned for November 4th.
Laura Mills, Managing Director of The Ivy Group, explained: “Since we opened The Ivy Liverpool Brasserie last November, it has been such a joy to welcome so many wonderful guests.
“We know how much Liverpool loves The Ivy Asia, and we’re thrilled that this vibrant city now has its very own.”
Leading on The Ivy Asia launch is the team behind The Ivy Liverpool launch, public relations, brand and events experts Propel PR.
Propel PR is fast making a name for itself as the go to for the hospitality sector, having delivered hugely successful campaigns for an impressive portfolio of brands, including The Ivy, Wylde Sauna and Boxpark.