September into autumn, in 2019, is going to be quite something at the Royal Albert Dock. The Barrie brothers who run the celebrated Marram Grass restaurant, in Anglesey, are planning to open at the Dock. Ellis Barrie, previous finalist in the Great British Menu, and his brother want to return to their roots in Liverpool. Ellis Barrie once attended a cookery course at Knowsley Community College, which inspired him to become a chef. It was the college where I once taught, and those tutors would be thrilled to know his achievements.
The founders of Liverpool restaurants, Belzan and Volpi, announced the opening of a new collaborative Mexican taqueria, Madre. It will be launching on the Dock in November 2019. The 100 cover restaurant, opening at the Grade 1 listed site on the Atlantic Pavillion, will offer seating over two floors, a dedicated bar area, and a large outside courtyard. Madre, mother in Spanish, is a taqueria inspired by the food culture of Mexico City. The founders of Breddos have visited Mexico countless times over the last 15 years. Madre will serve lunch through to dinner and at weekends, the bar will remain open until late. Lunch will feature a varied selection of tacos such as Iberico pork al pastor, and Jalisco style shrimp and beef. The evening menu will also feature larger sharing dishes to be eaten family style. All produce is sourced as locally and sustainably as possible. They will also have their own stall at the Royal Albert Dock’s Food and Drink Festival.
The free Festival, from 7-8th September, is a family-friendly event that will showcase the impressive food and drink line-up at the Dock. The Festival offers a variety of chef demonstrations, interactive masterclasses, children’s activities, spanning over the two days. The intention is to showcase some of Liverpool’s finest and most innovative independent restaurants on the Dock.
On the Saturday there will be a series of chef demonstrations, each situated on the floating pontoon by The Colonnades’ inner quay. Celebrity chef and broadcaster, Andi Oliver, will be hosting these, with Rosa’s Thai Cafe, Maray, Gusto, Lunyalita and TATE Eats showing off their culinary skills and creating a series of tasty dishes. Visitors can explore the bustling inner quay at their own leisure and explore the great selection of food, drink and lifestyle stalls which will be situated in-front of the individual restaurants, bars and retailers.
Gusto, with its beautiful interior, excels at authentic Italian cuisine. Lunyalita creates wonderful Catalan small plates and specialities. Rosa’s Thai Café takes you on a magical, mystical trip to discover Thailand’s cuisine. On the Sunday, Belling Cookery Club will be taking over the floating pontoon, offering cookery classes for families hosted by Kiddy Cook. Adults can head to cocktail connoisseurs, Revolution, for an interactive cocktail masterclass. Live music and DJs will be performing throughout the weekend, providing soundtracks to chill out to.
On Saturday the 7th of September 2019, the Maritime Museum, on the Dock, hosts an authors’ signing event. It is an international occasion. There will be different genre of books from thrillers, suspense, historical romance, comedy and children’s books. A feast for the senses, indeed the whole Dock is alive with activities: something for everyone.
www.visitliverpool.com/whats-on/liverpool-albert-dock-signing-2019-p455661
Related feature: Wellness pop-up launches at Royal Albert Dock.
