Review: Intoxicating hospitality at Matou Bar and Restaurant, Pier Head, Liverpool

Having dined at pan-asian restaurant and cocktail bar Matou on a bitterly cold March night, my vow to return and utilise the outside terrace was finally fulfilled on a warm July evening last weekend.

The restaurant, in a prime location atop the Pier Head Ferry Terminal, provided a bustling Friday night atmosphere for diners and those looking to kick-start their weekend by sampling the fine assortment of cocktails the bar boasts.

My friend and I were welcomed into the bar by affable bartender Roshan who directed us to the plush leather sofas in the lounge. Admiring the glorious view of the Liver, Cunard and Port of Liverpool Buildings, we sank into the cushions and perused the drinks menu.

Before we knew it, we were presented with two enticing 'Blue Angel's - a heady mix of Champagne, gin, sherry and blue curacao - served in a hurricane glass with a slice of orange. Roshan explained that a fresh cocktail selection is soon to be offered at Matou with both the food and drink menus due a revamp. While classics such as the Cosmopolitan or Pina Colada will remain, there will be more unusual concoctions available and Roshan welcomed our comments about his version of the Blue Angel. Alluring as the ocean-blue liquid was, it was incredibly strong with too sharp a bite from the gin to feel truly refreshing.

Undeterred, Roshan was more than happy to talk us through alternatives and attempt to glean where the key to tantalising our tastebuds lay, proclaiming that he had developed a knack for reading his customers' minds. Vowing to wow us with his next infusion, he disappeared back behind the bar. He did not disappoint as two 'June Bug's were placed before us. Malibu coconut rum, Midori melon liqueur, banana liqueur and sweet and sour mix served with a delicate straw in a martini glass. Sweet and relentlessly fruity, this lime coloured tropical treat slid easily down the gullet leaving us eager for what Roshan had next in store. Originally from Nepal, and having worked in Portugal as a mixologist for several years before his arrival in Liverpool, Roshan was clearly a cocktail guru with many tasty recipes tripping off the tongue.

Feeling more adventurous and keen to sample the menu already in place at Matou, I went for the L.A Highball - Maker's Mark bourbon, amaretto and lime topped with ginger ale served in a thick highball glass - a sweet, sweet nectar enhanced by the hint of almond from the amaretto. As a fan of bourbon it instantly became my favourite drink of the night. My friend dared to try the Chilli and Passion Fruit Martini, an exotic blend of vodka, chilli and passion fruit presented neatly in a martini glass with a decorative red chili pepper affixed to the rim. Roshan upheld his promise to keep the heat as low as possible and the vodka and passion fruit actually made for a cooling combination.

Ready for some fresh air, and by now more than a little merry, we ventured onto the extensive terrace area to be greeted by the Three Graces with the Liver Birds gloriously illuminated by their centenary spotlight.

Choosing a comfy spot on the light wicker patio furniture, we soon polished off our third cocktail in decisive agreement they were the pick of the bunch...so far. Inevitably, we could not resist an insatiable thirst to try a fourth. Roshan had earlier tempted us with mention of 'Champagne Mojitos', a sweet and tangy mixture of mint, rum and lime juice topped up with champagne as opposed to soda water. Beautifully presented in a highball glass these were a must for any fan of the mojito happy to experience a slight twist on tradition.

Devouring the slick mojitos, the evening ran away from us. As midnight approached, and Matou's friendly staff no doubt longed for their beds, we decided to have one last potion for the road. Another fine recommendation from the menu and, aptly titled given our Mersey-side location, the 'Seabreeze'. Vodka, orange juice, passion fruit liqueur and grenadine served in a hurricane glass, it was the very epitome of a flamboyant cocktail you might imagine being handed on a sunny beach by a clear-blue sea. Vibrant red in colour, the smooth and refreshingly cold liquid was a satisfying end to a superb evening indulging in Matou's hospitality.

9/10 (Pier) Head and shoulders above the rest.

Matou's Terrace holds up to 300 people and, along with the restaurant's exclusive lounge and dining area for 50 guests, it is ideal for private functions or special events.

For further information or to book a table call 0151 236 2928 or email info@matou.co.uk.

Matou Pan Asian Resturant, 2nd Floor, Mersey Ferry Terminal Building, Georges Parade, Pier Head, Liverpool L3 1BY

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