Liverpool will see its first Ivy restaurant opening in the city centre in time for the festive season. Tony McDonough reports
Owners of the new Ivy restaurant opening in Liverpool city centre says the first diners will be served before Christmas.
Located in the former Bank of England building in Castle Street, The Ivy Brasserie is being launched by The Ivy Collection, a brand well known in London for serving food to the rich and famous.
Although an exact opening date has yet to be announced the venue is aiming to grab a slice of the lucrative festive season trade. It will be home to a private dining room seating 14, whilst the main restaurant will have capacity to welcome more than 180 diners.
On offer will be breakfast, brunch and all day a la carte menus, which will offer two courses for £19.17. There will also be Sunday roasts as well as afternoon tea, late night cocktails and menus for children, vegans and vegetarians.
The Ivy Liverpool Brasserie will be led by Kate Keyes, an experienced general manager who has extensive experience in the city’s hospitality scene.
Once described as a “masterpiece of Victorian architecture” the Bank of England building in Castle Street was completed in 1848. It was designed by Charles Robert Cockerell and built in a neoclassical style.
Its features are influenced by a number of styles including Greek, Roman and Renaissance. It was Grade I-listed in 1952. The Bank of England left in 1987 and it was occupied by the TSB Bank for a few years in the 1990s.
In April 2015 it was occupied for almost two weeks by political activists, known as Love Activists, who turned it into an illegal homeless shelter. They were eventually evicted by the police. The building has remained empty ever since.
In August 2023 Liverpool developer JSM secured planning consent to convert it into a restaurant and private dining facility. The planning committee gave the green light to the project following the recommendation of planning officers.
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Laura Mills, managing director at The Ivy Collection, said: “We’re so excited to bring The Ivy Collection to the fantastic city of Liverpool.
“Since opening our Spinningfields restaurant in Manchester, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming many Liverpool residents to The Ivy who have made the trip to dine with us.
“We’re delighted that this extraordinary city, steeped in history, culture and rich heritage, will have its very own Ivy Brasserie where we can welcome everyone to enjoy The Ivy experience for any and all occasions.”