Owner of the new Masonic Bar in Hope Street joins a 12-strong team of ex-military personnel who have set a new world weightlifting record in aid of mental health charity Rock 2 Recovery

Liverpool bar entrepreneur Tom Birch-Mantova was part of a 12-strong team of ex-military personnel who have set a new world weightlifting record – lifting the equivalent of 94 double-decker buses.

Tom, who is about to open Masonic Bar in Hope Street, said the successful 12-hour attempt to lift 1,190 000kg – beating the previous record by over 300,000kg – was to raise money for mental health charity Rock 2 Recovery.

The team of men and women included a group of Royal Marine Veterans.

Tony said: “I was very proud to be on the team. It’s shocking how many military veterans have problems with mental health issues and how little support is available to them. Rock 2 Recovery is a great charity offering counselling help and support.

“Being honest, when I agreed to be a part of the challenge team a year ago I naively hadn’t thought that I’d be in the midst of the creation of my own cocktail bar in Liverpool.

“My whole body is aching and I need to move fridges for the bar.”

Masonic Bar in the Masonic Hall building at the end of Hope Street opens its doors to guests on November 17 following a VIP opening the day before.

Tom has transformed the building’s former 1851 entrance lobby into an opulent lounge with a bespoke dark walnut and copper topped bar as its centrepiece.

Masonic Bar will feature a range of exclusive wines, beers and spirits sourced from around the world along with a cocktail tasting menu.