Two new high-end restaurants will open in Liverpool this autumn creating dozens of new hospitality jobs. Tony McDonough reports
Two restaurants creating dozens of jobs will open in Liverpool city centre this autumn – one in Hardman Street and another in Castle Street.
On the weekend of September 27, Harry Askew, son of well-established Liverpool restaurateur Paul Askew will open Barnacle in Hardman Street. And on a yet to be announced date the Ivy brand will add Ivy Asia to its Castle Street venture.
Following on from its debut in Duke Street Market in winter 2021 and the current street food pop-up in the heart of Royal Albert Dock, this is the first time Barnacle will be a stand-alone restaurant. It will create 40 new jobs.
Its bar and lobby will have a soft opening on the weekend of September 27 followed by a full opening of the restaurant space and the entire ground floor in October.
Above Barnacle is Hardman Studios, a film and TV post-production studio. The Grade II original School For The Blind instituted in 1791 and was the previous location for The Florist venue.
Harry and his team will work with “Merseyside’s finest local artisans, farmers and producers” including Wards Fish, Almonds Fruit and Vegetables to the best rare breed meat from Wirral and North Wales.
The restaurant and bar will reflect Liverpool’s storied history as a port city and the culinary inspirations which have found their way here over time. Curating menus to embody each seasonal change the kitchen will be led by head chef Kieran Gill and Paul Askew.
“We can’t wait to open our doors and show people our new home,” said Harry, who is the restaurant director. “We really feel Barnacle has now found its true home in a unique building which offers several spaces to dine, drink and socialise in.”
Paul Askew is chef patron and owner of The Art School and Harry shares his father’s passion for hospitality, having been immersed in the industry from a young age. It’s Captain Barnacle Bill – Paul’s dad and Harry’s grandad – from whom their inspirations originate.
Paul added: “Our new home is a Grade-II listed building and originally part of The Old Blind School. It’s a historic place, part neo-classical and part art-deco, imbued by Victorian grandeur.”
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Liverpool’s first Ivy Brasserie restaurant opened in the Grade I-listed former Bank of England building in Castle Street in November 2024. Ivy Asia will welcome diners to the floor above the main restaurant. Further details will be released shortly.
In a statement the business said: “As the newest addition to their existing eight locations nationwide, The Ivy Asia Liverpool will showcase the brand’s signature blend of vibrant interiors, theatrical dining, and Asian-inspired cuisine.”