Firepit to open in former Warehouse site
New venture is latest in “a real growth” in restaurant and bar scene in Southport
ANEW steakhouse is set to open on the site of the former Warehouse restaurant.
The Warehouse, owned by Vincent Hotel owner Paul Adams and former Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard, closed in June last year, after 20 years as a favourite with celebrities and football players.
The Firepit will now open next month in its place, another new business in a restaurant and bar scene which is booming locally.
Southport Business District Improvement manager Andrew Sloman said: “We’re now seeing a real growth in the hospitality and evening sector in Southport.”
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ANEW steakhouse is due to open on the site of one of Southport’s most popular former restaurants. The Firepit is due to open next month in the building on West Street previously occupied by The Warehouse.
The Warehouse, which was owned by Vincent Hotel owner and former Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard, closed in April 2015, 20 years after it brought high-end dining to Southport.
A popular venue with celebrities and footballers, the venue’s chef director, Matt Worswick, won a string of accolades, including winning the North West heat of BBC TV series Great British Menu last year.
The Firepit will be hoping to win a similarly large following when it opens on June 17, and is further evidence of a growing restaurant and bar scene in our town.
Southport Business District Improvement chairman Andrew Sloman said: “We’re now seeing a real growth in the hospitality and evening sector in Southport.”
The past few months have seen some serious investment in the resort, with dramatic transformations of The Bold Hotel on Lord Street and the Bold Arms in Churchtown, and the opening of businesses including Remedy, Peaky Blinders, Wilson’s Kitchen, Asiatique, The Pines, Twelve, Rosemary cafe, Diva, Lilibets Tea Rooms, The Fig Bistro, Love To Eat, and King’s Gardens Tea Room, among others.
Patisserie Valerie is looking to occupy the site of the former Russell & Bromley shop on the corner of Lord Street and Nevill Street, while The Macaron Lounge will open on Station Road in Ainsdale this Saturday (May 28).
The Firepit will specialise in stonecooked steaks and will also serve a selection of home-made burgers, ribs, and an extensive range of vegetarian dishes. The stone-cooked steaks are designed to be healthier and also avoid oil and smoke affecting the flavour of the meat.
The Firepit’s owners already run a successful restaurant of the same name in Rossendale, Lancashire, and the new restaurant in Southport will mark the start of plans to develop into a chain across the North West.
Following renovation work including a new kitchen, new furniture and a stylish new bar, the restaurant is expected to be open on June 17.
As well as the restaurant downstairs, there will be further seating and a newlybuilt cocktail bar upstairs.
The restaurant will be managed by Formby resident Antonio Cardeira, who previously worked at the Italian Kitchen in Southport.
Antonio said: “The company is growing and we’re looking to open a few more units around the North West.
“We have chosen here as Southport is an attractive area and then we will look to open more after this.”
Mr Sloman added: “It’s great to see what was one of Southport’s favourite restaurants come back to life and with such an attractive and promising venture.
“We’re now seeing a real growth in the hospitality and evening sector. We look forward to working with Antonio and his team and wish him the very best.”
The management are looking for experienced chefs and front of house staff to work in the new restaurant.