Museum visitors get their just desserts as the Maritime Dining Rooms opens

Located on the fourth floor of their Grade 1 listed home, the Maritime Dining Rooms has been a year in the planning.

Boasting stunning views over the Docks the new addition is a force to be reckoned with and has our pernickety reviewers leaving very satisfied and rating the high tea experience up there with longtime reigning champions Southport's Westminster Tea Rooms.

The outdated, overpriced Dockside restaurants could learn a few lessons from their new neighbours.

Contemporary and well thought out, the Dining Rooms has a very yin and yang vibe, grey and pink furniture and napkins and a 'chequered' woven flooring space.

Framed by views either side of the Docks - to the left the unfinished symphony of glass, angular buildings and cranes. To the right the Cathedral, the Docks, swans and people watching.

There is no background music or sea shanties and the bare brick ceilings create an echo and we have full surround sound as the phone rings long and shrill, and ice cubes clunk heavily into glasses.

It's all hands on deck as the waitresses polish the 40s style mirrored counter.

The menu, devised by executive chef Nigel Paul Smith, who has cooked for celebrity chefs Gordon Ramsay and Paul Gayler, celebrates British and local produce, combining classic flavours with modern presentation.

We order the tea for two and it is delivered in red and black Alessi-esque teapots which top up our cups many times over.

A selection of fine ham and mustard, cucumber (of course) and smoked salmon finger sandwiches is served on a double-tiered cake stand, along with clotted cream and jam. Mini fruit scones and lemon cakes sit atop the stand.

We sampled the pea, pesto mint dressing and radish salad which did not disappoint, herby and fresh with undertones of mint, this was a great spin on a traditional dish.

My partner opted for the traditional fish and chunky chips with tartare sauce and gourmet mushy peas, tantalising and moreish.

We felt as if we were at sea. As we sat and picked which boat we'd comandeer a throng of families descend upon the Rooms and we gaze in wonderment at the milkshake served in a frosted glass bottle. Next time.

I've always liked darkened museums and the Maritime does this very well. Now I have another reason to top-up the extortionate parking meters.

It was surprisingly good value at under £7 per entree. Stylish, elegant presentation, locally sourced ingredients, superb service with a smile and beautiful views over the Docks.

Go forth and experience Liverpool's best afternoon tea.

Maritime Dining Rooms
Merseyside Maritime Museum, Albert Dock, Liverpool
7 days 12noon-5pm
0151 478 4056

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