Experienced hospitality industry professionals Amanda Craggs and Gill Miller have realised a long-held dream of opening their own restaurant in Wirral. Tony McDonough reports

A new restaurant has opened in one of Wirral most popular coastal towns for hospitality outlets.

Amanda Craggs and Gill Miller have opened Tasting Bar and Kitchen in Market Street in Hoylake. The pair, friends for two decades, say the project has been several years in the planning. They picked up the keys just seen weeks ago.

Both experienced hospitality industry professionals they decided to take the plunge into their own venture following the second lockdown. Amanda said: “We have always spoken about opening our own restaurant and like most things, we always probably just thought it would be a dream. But after COVID we decided that life is too short and just to go for it.”

Gill added: “We have literally been in the venue every single day sanding, painting, you name it – it really has been a hands-on job but we are so unbelievably proud of what we have achieved in such a short time.”

With the support of a local chef, Gill and Amanda have designed a new tasting concept offering tasting plates centred around the flavours of three places. The first three culinary destinations are Mexico, Greece and Indonesia, this will change bi-monthly, introducing new places and flavours every two months.

Gill, a former operations manager said: “Each place will have a selection of tasting dishes with recommended wine flights, gins and cocktails to accompany the dishes, so guests can taste one country or a selection from each – hence the name Tasting Bar and Kitchen.

“The idea came from myself and Amanda travelling together, a love of great food and wine, we love having small plates to share over wine and cocktails.”

As well as gin boards and wine boards to enable guests to explore new tastes and flavours, the drinks menu will include classic cocktails as well as Gill and Amanda’s own “taste specials”.

The restaurant features a conservatory with bi-fold windows, and a small number of outdoor tables. The pair chose a green and cream palate with accents of oak and industrial touches which they hope will bring a new style design look to Hoylake.

Tasting Bar and Kitchen will be open five days a week Tuesday – Saturday 10am-11pm, serving coffee and light breakfast and lunch, with a full tasting plates menu from 5pm.