Review: Matou - Pan Asian Prowess At The Pier Head

Exactly a year since its launch, stylish cocktail bar and restaurant Matou is thriving in its prime location atop the Pier Head Ferry Terminal. Despite its prominence alongside costly developments at the Pier Head, not least the brand new museum, there are many who are yet to discover this oriental treasure.

After climbing two flights of stairs (smarter patrons should take the lift!) we were welcomed into the bar and lounge, which leads onto an extensive terrace area, with a truly impressive view of the Three Graces, lit up in all their glory.

In my opinion, these familiar treasures trump the night-time view enjoyed by diners on the opposite side of the restaurant. Lovely though it is, as twinkling lights bounce across the River Mersey, Wirral simply lacks the grandeur of Liverpool's famous skyline. (Of course, we wait with bated breath to see if Wirral Waters will soon change that...)

A courteous barman took our coats and invited us to enjoy a pre-dinner drink in the lounge. While my boyfriend opted for an Asahi beer, as designated driver, I enjoyed a fruity choice from the non-alcoholic cocktail selection. Tropic Sunset; apple, passion fruit, orange, pineapple, which was slightly sugary, but a treat all the same.

Sinking into the plush leather sofas in the lounge, as the Liver, Cunard and Port of Liverpool Buildings towered over us through the window, we vowed to return on a warm afternoon to indulge in the al-fresco menu on the terrace, which is sure to be bustling as Summer creeps tantalisingly closer.

Cuisine described as "modern pan Asian", Matou boasts a culinary mix from Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Japan and China. The menu certainly houses a fine choice of firm favourites alongside dishes for the more ambitious tastebuds. A quick perusal and it is clear a £1 minimum has been added to each dish for the priviledged setting.

Although the view inarguably places Matou a cut above the average dining experience, as an unavoidable result of being housed inside the ferry terminal, it has the unfortunate feel of an airport departure lounge, given the large, slanted windows framed by thick metallic grey. However, lively decor successfully masks this, large pillars covered in colourful mosaics and vivid orange and purple up-lighting results in a relaxed ambience, with the large space well filled with comfortable dark wood tables and chairs. Clearly a hit with many, on what was expected to be a quiet Tuesday evening, Matou played host to several birthday parties, family diners and couples enjoying the romantic setting.

Furthermore, once the food arrives, the quality is clear and price is near forgotten. We decided to sample three Appetisers (Prices range from £4.50-£9.95) including Pacific Jumbo Prawns, Traditional Thai Fish Cakes and, who can resist, Crispy Aromatic Duck and pancakes. Jumbo prawns they certainly were, served with a tasty tamarind sauce, garnished with baby herbs, they disappeared within seconds. The small minced fish cakes with fine beans, lime leaf and spiced with Thai red curry paste, served with sweet chili dip were tasty but had a spongy texture that didn't sit well with my palate. An ample portion of shredded duck served on a two single open pancakes with Julienne cucumber, baby leek and a light, fragrant plum sauce far superior to the usual sticky condiment served up in a chinese eatery, was absolutely delicious, leaving the stomach rumbling for more.

After much deliberation over the many tempting mains on offer, my boyfriend chose a classic in the Guangdong Sweet and Sour Chicken, a generous whole fillet lightly battered and bathed in a traditional sweet and sour sauce with peppers and onions. Light and tasty and a world apart from the MSG-fueled dishes served up by your local takeaway.

Feeling adventurous, I opted for the Chicken Panang Curry (£10.90), although there is choice of Beef or King Prawn. Billed as a "unique dish" combining dry and fresh chili, Panang spices cooked in coconut milk with lime leaf, sweet basil and red chilli made for an exceedingly satisfying mix. Similar to a Thai Green Curry, its medium spices and inclusion of red chili brought out far more powerful flavours. As both mains were unaccompanied, we chose one side of Coconut Rice (£3) and Sweet Potato Wedges with Chili and Salt (£4.50), which perhaps mixed better with the sweet and sour while the coconut rice was perfect addition to the curry. Plates were soon cleared with many compliments to the Chef, and a greedy eye towards the dessert menu.

Deep Fried Ice Cream (£6.50) leapt from the page, as did the Chocolate Banana Fritters - served with vanilla ice cream in a brandy snap basket. Having never sampled either before, we were both delighted with our choices. The three small banana fritters were drizzled with honey. Sweet, juicy and incredibly moreish. My partner, at first astonished by the sheer size of the deep fried ice cream, with the look of a huge scotch egg, was more than thrilled as his spoon broke through a thick barrier of sweet, crispy batter, revealing a creamy, still frozen, ball of delicious ice cream inside. Reserving room for dessert is highly recommended!

8/10


In addition to the Terrace, which holds up to 300 people, the restaurant also has an exclusive lounge and dining area for 50 guests. It is ideal for private functions or special events.

To book a table or enquire about VIP Packages available ahead of the Grand National 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

Comments about Review: Matou - Pan Asian Prowess At The Pier Head