Laura Davis spies a new place being fitted out and gives it a try

EVER since I read Anne of Green Gables as a little girl, I have wanted a window seat - like the one in the book - to sit on and watch the world go by.
 
My dad once tried to recreate the experience for me, by shifting the trunk he used to transport his books and clean socks to and from university in the '60s under my bedroom window.
 
Years later, he built me a seaman's-style chest out of wood, but sadly it is too long to fit into my current flat.
 
What my home does have, however, is a living room window that overlooks Lark Lane, so I can peer out at the people walking past on their way to Sefton Park, or to one of the many bars and restaurants on the street.
 
Recently, the most interesting thing for curtain twitchers to spy on is the fitting out of Pistachio, in the building that used to be Viva, close to the old police station.
 
It opened just before Valentine's Day and, having given it a chance to settle in, I was looking forward to finally getting to check it out.
 
Even a friend's dinner cancellation, having fallen down the stairs and hurting her leg, did not deter the two of us from making our visit as planned.
 
When we arrived, early on a Wednesday evening, the restaurant was empty but by the time we left, a leisurely two and three-quarter hours later, it was filled with diners taking advantage of the bargain Monday to Thursday offer - two courses plus a drink for just £13.95.
 
This applied to choices from the a la carte menu, with supplements for some dishes, including some of the grills and the chateau briande.
 
Pistachio's menu is far less eclectic than that of its predecessor, but this was definitely a good thing.