A new concept restaurant has opened in Wirral serving up gin boards and 'destination' tasting plates.
Tasting Bar and Kitchen is Market Street's latest addition to the vibrant community of independent bars and restaurants in Hoylake.
Owners Amanda Craggs and Gill Miller have created the new 40-seater restaurant out of a labour of love since picking up the keys to the property just seven weeks ago and after many years of planning.
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The pair, who both have an impressive history in the hospitality industry have been friends for two decades and decided to take the plunge into their own venture following the second lockdown.
Amanda, from West Kirby, said: "We have always spoken about opening our own restaurant and like most things, we always probably just thought it would be a dream. But after Covid we decided that life is too short and just to go for it."
Gill, from Neston, added: "We have literally been in the venue every single day sanding, painting, you name it - it really has been a hands-on job but we are so unbelievably proud of what we have achieved in such a short time."
With the support of a highly-skilled local chef, Gill and Amanda have designed a new tasting concept offering tasting plates centred around the flavours of three places. The first three culinary destinations are Mexico, Greece and Indonesia, and new places and flavours will be introduced every two months.
Gill, former operations manager now turned restaurant owner, said: "Each place will have a selection of tasting dishes with recommended wine flights, gins and cocktails to accompany the dishes, so guests can taste one country or a selection from each - hence the name Tasting Bar and Kitchen.
"The idea came from myself and Amanda travelling together, a love of great food and wine, we love having small plates to share over wine and cocktails.
As well as gin and wine boards to enable guests to explore new tastes and flavours, the drinks menu will include classic cocktails as well as Gill and Amanda's own 'taste specials'.
Amanda added: "We selected Hoylake as it's a hub of independent bars and restaurants and we wanted to be a part of that. We can't wait to welcome guests - we've already had bookings which is very exciting."
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The restaurant features a conservatory with bi-fold windows, and a small number of outdoor tables. The pair chose a green and cream palette with accents of oak and industrial touches which they hope will bring a new style design look to Hoylake.
Tasting Bar and Kitchen will be open five days a week Tuesday - Saturday 10am-11pm, serving coffee and light breakfast and lunch, with a full tasting plates menu from 5pm.
You can book a table at tastingbarandkitchen.co.uk and walk-ins are also welcome on a first-come first-served basis.
