His & Hers missed the launch, so I was quite excited to be invited for lunch, and take in the floral surroundings and new menus, at Bloom Bar & Bistro.
Words: Jean Hill
The restaurant-bar is adorned in flowers and inspirational quotes, with a subdued pastel colour scheme, and booth seating that is beautifully comfortable. It is a truly relaxing, and vaguely uplifting experience. Mother and daughter duo Vicky and Charlotte McGregor took over the restaurant back in May, and continued to accommodate all bookings, big and small, until they could renovate the restaurant’s interior, to relaunch as the stunning Bloom Bar & Bistro.
It is not just the interior that’s been transformed. Bloom Bar & Bistro has an impressive brunch menu, varied lunchtime offering and evening menu packed with small plates and an A La Carte section.
I got the opportunity to chat to both Charlotte co-owner, and John, her much travelled, and much esteemed chef. Originally he came from Puerto Rico and more recently from Toronto, Canada. He seems to have found his home, and true vocation, in a leafy suburb of Liverpool, a stroll away from Calderstones Park. We talked about Toronto, I lived there once, about food and how people’s tastes have altered and sharpened. John explained how he works his magic on the ‘small plate’ king prawns with accompanying sauce, made with chili, chilli flakes, garlic, herbs and white wine.
The introduction of a customised ‘build A board’ option, and a wide range of healthy dishes is evidence that owners and chef are on a mission to deliver quality options. These include the super salad, chicken, bacon and avocado salad and stir fries for those who prefer lighter lunches. The Sunday roast is still a crowd pleaser.
Co-owner Charlotte, said: “We’re absolutely ecstatic with the finished interior of Bloom Bar & Bistro. It’s light, airy and welcoming for our guests and with our incredible new menu, we’re confident we can offer a fantastic dining experience.”
I decided on small plates. The prawns, as described, were perfectly cooked, with that succulent burst of flavour, and the sauce is simply awesome. They could indeed bottle it. The creamy sauce that came with the meat balls, didn’t have complex ingredients. Smooth, creamy, subtle flavour underpins the robust taste of the meat-balls. Works for me. The chicken wings were tangy and flavourful, but the prawn dish was the star of the show for me. I had to take the cheesecake home with me because I just could not eat any more. There is a white chocolate thing going on with the rich, dense, cheesecake with a little fruit on the side to balance it out. This is somewhere to savour good food. People have travelled from afar to add to the wonderful diversity in the region’s restaurants. Long may it continue.
Tel: 0151 4757039.
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