Jean Hill takes a look at what’s afoot at Liverpool’s Metquarter this summer…
Liverpool’s historical post office launches as a mega food hub
The 11,000 square foot space within the Metquarter has been taken over by a new wave of independent food and drink traders: creating an impressive indie food hub.
GPO Liverpool, pays homage to the building’s past as General Post Office and is the brainchild of the Milestone Group, alongside Metquarter owners Queensberry.
GPO will champion independent regional food traders, showcasing a wide variety of cuisines with a focus on high quality street food. This is the ideal destination for groups of friends, family, and city centre dwellers, who can dine together with a wealth of choice.
The food hall also includes a Grab & Go area – a place where the GPO showcases local independent businesses from Liverpool. Ideal for time poor city workers and local students, the quick-purchase station provides convenient and tasty lunchtime snacks, alongside unbeatable takeaway coffees and other hot drinks.
The opening marks a huge boost for this part of the city, creating over 130 new jobs.
Matt Bigland, Founder and Director at The Milestone Group, said: “After months of hard work, we’re thrilled to finally open the doors to the food hall and invite the city of Liverpool to enjoy the independent vendors on offer. GPO will be a hub for Liverpool’s emerging food hall scene and will showcase the best in up-and-coming food and drink talent in the heart of Liverpool City Centre.”
His & Hers was lucky enough to be invited to the pre-launch celebrations and I can confirm that the food and drink sampled were impressive. Torito Taco was a particular favourite, because it does have the authentic taste of Mexican street food with a cosmopolitan twist, and I enjoyed every mouthful.
The Traders:
Konjo Robatayaki Kitchen, from the team behind critically acclaimed Restaurant Joro, serves up street food that impresses. The Japanese-Scandi mashup focuses on produce and flavour. Serving skewers, snacks, and small plates, expect fire-fuelled flavour with all dishes cooked over a Japanese Konro BBQ Grill.
Jailbird Nashville Fried Chicken brings loaded fries and great fried chicken, inspired by the owners’ travels across the US. With three levels of heat to choose from, chicken is served with just a hint of chilli, marinated in Carolina reaper, or clucking hot Nashville inspired spice.
Patty B’s Burgers – As Pat would say: “You think Frank wants you – mutton dressed as lamb”. Patty B’s does not pretend to be anything other than the best dirty-loaded burgers in town.
Ice serves ice-cream and desserts that will be fresh, carefully selected, and all about the flavour. You can create your own combinations from ice cream sourced locally from a family business.
Torito Taco serves modern Mexican street food in the heart of Liverpool. It was founded by a team of like-minded foodies; a group of friends who have always liked to eat, drink, and create amazing food together. Freshness and creativity are their hallmarks.
Thai 25 delivers authentic tasting Thai Street food, cooked fast and fresh, with favourites including the fiery Choo Chee Curry and Nam Tok, a traditional barbecued meat dish.
Nama, meanwhile, will bring responsibly sourced shashimi grade fish, tuna, wagyu and caviar to GPO, served raw, fresh and natural.
Chit ‘N’ Chaat is where you’ll be able to immerse yourself in some fantastic flavours inspired by parts of both North & South India. There is a blast of tasty flavours and textures in each mouthful.
MorMor is an award-winning independent food trader making health-conscious food inspired by the cultures and colours of the Levant (the historical name given to the region spanning the eastern Mediterranean). Food is rich in colour, bold in flavour and made from the freshest ingredients, locally sourced and organic where possible. Everything is made in house from award-winning shawarma, to classic shakshuka’s.
ALS Gongcha brings Bubble Tea from Alishan, the most famous tea-growing area in Taiwan. This is made by blending a tea base with milk, fruit and fruit juices, then adding the signature “bubbles” – delicious tapioca pearls. These delicious fruit or tea infusions can be served either piping hot or ice cold.
Monkey Board Coffee sources the best single origin coffee from around the world supplying some quirky and unique blends. They work closely with their roasters to acquire top quality coffee and provide the best taste experience possible.
The GPO will be powered by iBe Loyalty, a multi ordering platform, allowing guests to order from their seat or while shopping within Metquarter. iBe Loyalty has been designed to benefit both customers and hospitality businesses. It instantly rewards guests with cashback on purchases and 100% of every bill goes direct to merchants.
The food hall will be open Sunday to Thursday 8.30am until 11pm, and 8.30am until midnight on Friday and Saturdays, serving alcohol throughout.
To book, visit: https://the-gpo.co.uk/bookings/
Retail therapy from the Metquarter
Say it with Diamonds specialises in bespoke diamond jewellery, as well as alluring pieces and lasting, meaningful gifts. These are classic, timeless pieces. Whether it’s a chain, cufflinks or a personalised engraved bracelet, these are gifts to treasure.
Art Quarter boasts artwork from talented local artists. From greeting cards to bespoke artwork with plenty of nods to Liverpool culture, there’s something to suit everyone. Commissions are available too.
Mococo is the hub for head turning jewellery suitable for any occasion. Whether you fancy a simple token of appreciation or a detailed wrist piece, there’s something for every taste and budget. Featuring brands like Thomas Sabo, UNODe50 and Nomination, there are ‘gems’ to be found.
Everyman Cinema is where you can meet up with that/those significant other(s) in your life and catch up with the latest or classic releases. With a wide array of mainstream, independent and classic blockbusters, there is something for every family to enjoy.
This is a slice of luxurious living: you can sink into comfy, elegant sofas and access food and drink that is delivered to your comfortable seating in this innovative cinema. You can check out what is showing.
https://www.everymancinema.com/Liverpool
Urban Calm Liverpool’s go-to beauty salon and spa, offers massage, facials, waxing, hair, lash extensions and beauty treatments. There is a beauty salon within the Metquarter, which H & H can recommend for friendly, professional, relaxing pampering.
For more information (GPO Food Hall) regarding iBe Loyalty or if you’re a venue looking to sign up, please contact beth@ibeloyalty.co.uk.
Main image is by Ant Clausen.
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