Gerrard’s prize restaurant venture set to close doors
AWELL�KNOWN Southport restaurant owned by local businessman Paul Adams and Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard is set to close.
The Warehouse restaurant, on West Street, is expected to shut on April 6.
The restaurant was launched 20 years ago by Paul Adams, who also owns the nearby Vincent Hotel on Lord Street.
The Visiter understands that the staff at the Warehouse will be moved to a new Vincent Cafe & Cocktail Bar venture in Liverpool city centre.
Mr Adams, originally from Liverpool, is now intent on developing the “Vincent” brand across Merseyside.
He launched the Warehouse around two decades ago, to much acclaim. The Warehouse, with stripped back interiors and exposed wooden floors, was a quantum leap ahead of many of the town’s other restaurants, and the owner seemed in touch with the zeitgeist of the time.
For many, the restaurant’s glory years were synonymous with Marc Verite’s time in their kitchen. The Warehouse was regularly awarded Bib Gourmand status and included in the coveted Michelin guide.
In 2009, Mr Verite left the restaurant to launch his own restaurant, Bistrot Verite, in Birkdale Village.
Steven Gerrard, who is a good friend of Mr Adams, bought into the Warehouse in 2010. Gerrard’s involvement was followed by a £250,000 refurbishment of the restaurant’s interior, to create a New York-style loft-style environment.
At the time, Mr Adams told the that the days of “white glove” dining in Southport were dead, and he wanted to attract a cool young crowd with cocktails, sofas and a laid-back atmosphere. The changes extended to the menu, and a “W’house Classics” range was introduced.
In 2012, the owners celebrated when the Warehouse was awarded two AA Rosettes.
At the time, Steven Gerrard said: “This is a fantastic award for the Warehouse to receive, the food is phenomenal, as is the service, so it is very much deserved.”
On the closure, Mr Adams said: “The Warehouse Restaurant has gained many loyal followers over nearly the last 20 years and we have been grateful for the continued support of the people of Southport. However, we have made the decision to focus on developing other business areas.
“Fortunately, we are in a position to be able to offer all of our valued staff roles at other ven- ues within our businesses.” The venue will be open until April 6 and is currently taking bookings for Valentine’s Day.
For bookings, please 01704 544662.
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