Liverpool has an exciting new addition to its food and drink scene following the successful launch of Slater Street venue, The Merchant, last night.
A joint venture on the site of former Liverpool institution Mello Mello from local entrepreneurs Richard McGinnis and Lewis Boardman- the men behind The Shipping Forecast- The Merchant combines an effortlessly cool interior reminiscent of hip Scandanavian capital city bars with an integrated and extensive range of food and drink that caters to a plethora of tastes.
It’s clear from the outset that design is central to The Merchant’s appeal. Neon lights and minimalist decor hark back to bygone times while the convenience and scope of its offer is bound to appeal to a broad church.
On the ground-floor, a specialist gin bar stocks more than 50 brands – including a Gin Goblet offer where customers who purchase one get a second for only £1. Those interested in craft beer will feel equally at home too, with Liverpool Craft Beer Co. and Mad Hatter beers featured among the excellent range of options.
There is also a soon-to-be-packed outdoor summer garden space and the venue’s on-site pizza brand, Nightcrawler, which last night gave away a tasty selection of free pizza slices. We tried the particularly spicy ‘Hot Damn!’ and the amusingly-titled ‘The Idiots are winning’- ground lamb with feta cheese- and would certainly recommend both, with prices (£2.50-£3.00) reasonable given the obvious quality of the locally-sourced ingredients and the generous helpings.
Guest residents, Patty Smith’s meanwhile, served up their delicious speciality burgers and session fries- twice cooked chips coated in smoked panchetta, pickled chillies and sriracha mayo that will no doubt become a firm favourite with regular goers- at the packed out Ropewalks location.
The friendly vibe exuded by the staff, together with an appearance from Chibuku and Circus resident DJs No Fakin, who provided the musical entertainment for the evening, added to the sense of occasion during last night’s launch with a set that provided modern twists on popular 90’s classics.
The Merchant officially opens its doors to the public later today, with an exclusive DJ set from Mercury Prize-winning, Jungle and 2500 free slices of Nightcrawler pizza part of a tempting opening weekend offer that could well cement the stylish venue’s place at the centre of Liverpool burgeoning restaurant and bar scene. Check it out!