A Caribbean-inspired cocktail bar is to open in Liverpool city centre following the closure of the previous venue

A new bar brand is to open in Slater Street in Liverpool city centre replacing a previous venue that closed after 13 years.

Santa Chupitos has now disappeared for good and will be replaced by Manolo. This will offer “Caribbean-inspired cocktails, reimagined classics and bar snacks”. Salt Dog Slims owner Nick Thomas is behind the new venture.

He said: “I have been working diligently behind the scenes for years now on some of the ideas and concepts that I want to bring into Manolo.

“I have been working on lab-based projects and re-designed classic drinks, to what I believe makes a truly unique guest experience. A London hotel bar style service with Caribbean drinks. I can’t wait to get started.”

John Ennis, director of Santa Chupitos and of GSG Hospitality, explained why the venue had closed: “Since COVID, things have changed drastically for the hospitality industry – there’s been a huge shift in clientele and we recognised that Santas wasn’t trading the way it had done pre-COVID.”

Next door to Manolo on Slater Street, another bar El Bandito, owned by GSG, is currently closed. However, John says it will reopen after a refurbishment. There will also be a new outdoor seating area and new cocktail menu with the venue reopening in August.

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He added: “El Bandito was due an upgrade and we’re really excited to reopen Liverpool’s world famous tequileria this summer. This will give El Bandito another dimension, welcoming al fresco drinking and be a reminder for why El Bandito exists; to spread the good name of agave and that’s what it’ll continue to do.”