Compare old pictures of the dilapidated Isla Gladstone Conservatory in Stanley Park with its current state, newly restored and gloriously elegant, and it is hard to believe it is the same structure.
The Grade II listed venue recently underwent a £12m regeneration, each piece was painstakingly disassembled and laid onto brand new ground over a metre higher than its original Victorian foundations. Surrounded by rose gardens, lakes and historic sandstone pavilions the glasshouse was re-opened in August 2009, and the stunning venue is available to hire for weddings, corporate and any special events.
The Isla Gladstone is truly living up to the original intentions of its designer Edward Kemp, whose vision in 1870 was to create a “useable park space in North Liverpool, providing fresh-air and a place for exercise for the inner-city populace.”
And now, situated beneath the dazzling conservatory, is a brand new addition to the property - Kemps Bistro - named in honour of the man responsible for the beautiful site.
Kemps Bistro is both comfortable and welcoming for young and old, providing activity books and games for children and an impressive menu to suit a variety of tastes. As with the conservatory above, natural light pours in through this glass fronted upmarket café, with art work lining the walls inspired by floral prints artist Isla Gladstone herself was famed for.
You can enjoy a stroll through the park - or tire out the kids at the large nearby playground - before unwinding with a cup of tea and one of the delicious cakes on offer.
And if your stomach craves something more substantial, Kemps provides a truly mouthwatering menu at the extremely reasonable price of just £12.95 for three courses (Sunday Lunch.)
Boasting a fine array of fresh and locally-sourced produce, the friendly staff at Kemps offered up a platter of Feta Cheese with Tomato Bruchetta, warmed Rustic Bread, Olives and Cured Meats, followed by deliciously tempting Bacon Rarebit with mustard relish and a hearty Sweet Potato Soup spiced with pepper.
After demolishing the mighty starters I tried Roast Lamb and all the trimmings, succulently tender meat covered in rich, tasty gravy, while my dining partner was presented with a huge portion of traditional Fish ‘n’ Chips with Mushy Peas and Tartar sauce, served up on a trendy wooden slab.
Taking five minutes to peruse the dessert menu, we decided to indulge further with a slice of homemade Victoria Sponge, and Chocolate Brownie in Chocolate Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream, a deliciously naughty way to round off our wonderfully relaxed experience at Kemps.
Perfectly situated before heading to the footy, whichever your chosen team, Kemps Bistro is open for light bites prior to every Liverpool and Everton home game.
For further information please visit http://www.theislagladstone.co.uk/bistro.asp
Opening Times - Mon - Sun 9:30am - 4:00pm
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