Independent Liverpool bar operator Ma Pub Group is to open a third venue close to the city’s waterfront in a £250,000 investment that will create 50 jobs. Tony McDonough reports

A new food and drink venue is to open close to Liverpool waterfront, creating 50 jobs.

Independent Liverpool bar operator Ma Pub Group, which already owns the well known Ma Boyle’s Alehouse and Eatery and the recently opened Tempest on Tithebarn, will open Nova Scotia in May in the Mann Island building.

Nova Scotia is named after the little-known 19th century dockside village where Mann Island now stands – it was once a shanty town made up of small dwellings, rope and sail makers and ship-repair businesses for the lumber trade.

Ma Pub Group owner, Iain Hoskins, says the venue will utilise the extensive open-air drinking and dining space as well as a “beautiful” interior restaurant and bar serving food and drinks. 

“We have a great relationship with the Mann Island landlords, RBH Properties, who are our landlords at Ma Boyle’s. Mann Island is a perfect fit for us, operating two neighbouring bars locally we know the area very well.

“With our other two sites we’ve found the perfect balance appealing to the business district footfall, local residents and tourists – there really is something for everyone and we are looking forward to a fabulous spring and summer in the city.

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“We plan to build on our track record at Ma Boyle’s and Tempest, enhancing their localities and encouraging other businesses to follow suit. It’s really pleasing that since we opened last May the Tempest Building is now at 100% commercial occupancy with a waiting list for office space.”

Back in the 19th century, Nova Scotia was made up of dwellings and businesses serving the huge ships that came up to the Pier Head. The dock served Canada and the ‘lumber’ trade, twinning with Nova Scotia in Canada.

Iain added: “I’m fascinated by this part of Liverpool and the story of a forgotten dockside village that got swallowed up when the docks expanded. The new Mann Island building is an incredible edition to the waterfront.

“I really like the idea of the juxtaposition of celebrating this old district that was replaced by newer industries now replaced in a new iconic building that trailblazed Liverpool’s post millennium renaissance as a modern European destination city.

“The recent public realm improvements to The Strand and the area around Mann Island and Three Graces are exceptional and were a massive factor in my decision to take on this site in what many would consider are challenging and risky times. We have a world class waterfront and it’s an absolute privilege to be able to open a restaurant here.”