Work gets under way on new Turkish restaurant
Work is under way on a new Turkish restaurant and bar in Southport town centre in a building that formerly housed the Casa Italia eatery. Andrew Brown reports
Work is underway to create a new Turkish restaurant and bar in Southport town centre.
Nazar will open its doors at 517 Lord Street, on the corner with Bold Street soon. Its menu will include a selection of hot meze, cold meze, charcoal grilled meat, salads, and more, with bookings now open.
Building work is taking place to convert the former Casablanca bar into the new venture.
It was once renowned as the home of the iconic Casa Italia, the second ever Italian restaurant to open in the town.
Local business owners Luminita Maranda and her partner Radu Ivan have built a regular clientele at the thriving Sapori Italian restaurant next door, at 519-521 Lord Street, which celebrated its third birthday in December last year.
Luminita and Radu completed a refurbishment of Sapori earlier this year and are now turning their full attention to getting Nazar ready to open over the next few days. Nazar will have 80 covers, with an initial team of six members of staff.
Luminita said: “The word ‘Nazar’ comes from a concept deeply embedded in Turkish culture, and it refers to surveillance, sight and attention. We thought it was the perfect name.
“Radu and I love eating Turkish food when we go out. We often go out to great Turkish restaurants in Ormskirk or Liverpool. There are good Turkish takeaways in Southport but no dedicated Turkish restaurant like this.
“We wanted to add something new and exciting to Southport’s thriving dining scene.
“Turkish food is so beautiful. There is so much choice in Southport. You can go out and eat Italian, Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican, Chinese and French.
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“We wanted to add a new Turkish restaurant so people can come and try some delicious charcoal cooked lamb, chicken or beef, or try our mezze platters. It’s a perfect way to eat, which allows you to try different dishes and share with friends.
“We are determined to be open in time for the school Easter holidays, which we hope will be a busy time in Southport.”
