Restaurateur Gino D’Acampo has opened a ‘Secret Garden’ at his Liverpool city centre restaurant in a £300,000 investment. Tony McDonough reports

A ‘Secret Garden’ costing £300,000 has opened at the Old Hall Street restaurant and 360 Sky Bar at INNSiDE by Meliá in Liverpool city centre.

Opened by restaurateur Gino D’Acampo one year ago, the 200-cover restaurant and bar has proved a hit with Liverpool diners. It is located in the building which was previously home to the Liverpool Daily Post & Echo.

On one of the upper levels of the building was a rarely-used terrace which offers views towards the River Mersey. This 4,000 sq ft space has now been converted into Gino’s Secret Garden. It offers 170 covers and is “bursting” with plants sourced from Italy.

Guests will discover a central 25-metre island bar with high seating for 30. It will serve a selection of Italian and international wines, cocktails, spirits, and beers. There will also be an open lounge complete with designer lounge furniture.

Light bites will be on offer at Gino’s open outdoor kitchen. This will provide a changing cicchetti menu comprising small Italian plates. The Secret Garden’s resident DJs will play beats inspired by Mediterranean destinations.

Gino D’Acampo said: “I’m super excited to announce the launch of my new Secret Garden at INNSiDE Liverpool. Alfresco drinking and dining are a big part of Italian culture. From the moment I saw the space I knew we had to transform it into something special.

“It’s incredible. I can’t wait to invite Liverpudlians and those visiting this amazing city to join me for a negroni.”

Access to the Gino D’Acampo Secret Garden is through the hotel, with guests directed to the first-floor roof terrace. The Secret Garden is open from noon to 10pm, seven days a week.

To celebrate the launch Gino is providing the opportunity for five readers to win an overnight stay at INNSiDE Liverpool and a bottle of champagne for them and a guest in the Secret Garden on him. Click here for a chance to win.