LIVERPOOL is hungry for more medium to high quality restaurants. If you're looking to splash out on a special occasion you need to book up weeks in advance to get a table in one of the city's best eateries.

That's why I was delighted to hear Matt Locke, former head chef of Liverpool's London Carriage Works restaurant had opened up a new venture.

The London Carriage Works attracts everyone from footballers, high flying businessmen and, of course, plebs like me on a super special occasion - that is, if I was organised enough to book up to six weeks in advance.

So, when I heard about Spire, I knew I had to go.

Not "had to go" like "had to pay the bills", but its menu looked reasonable, there was nothing in the fridge and joy of joys - they had a table for that evening. Hurrah.

Spire has all the class of its Hope Street Daddy, but without its downtown price tag.

The new restaurant, which opened in March, may be a lot smaller with just one small dining room downstairs, but it's perfectly formed.

It's situated just across the road from Penny Lane Wine Bar and has a good spot for those wanting to avoid the hassle of going into the city centre.

Inside Spire, small tables make the best use of the space.