Sky-high restaurant opens for business

Feb 1 2008 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

view from the top

LIVERPOOL has no shortage of unique venues for diners to enjoy a meal in unusual surroundings. A converted church and prison are among the wide-ranging selection, but none provide the uplifting experience of the city’s latest restaurant and bar.

Situated 300ft above ground, Panoramic is on the 34th floor of Beetham’s West Tower, Brook Street, and is the highest restaurant in the country.

It opens to the public today – although it is fully booked for at least the next month.

Last night, Panoramic held a Champagne and canapés reception to celebrate its opening, attended by a number of celebrity guests including members of the cast of Hollyoaks, radio personality Dean Sullivan and The Bill star Andrew Lancel.

The venue offers unrivalled views of the city stretching as far as the eye can see, with the sprawling Welsh hills on one side and, on a clear day, even the chance to spy Manchester’s own Beetham Tower more than 30 miles away.

Chef director Chris Marshall said: “The interest has been phenomenal. Everybody is very excited.

“When people go to work they usually get bored looking out the same windows. I don’t think we ever will here.

“We have probably got the best equipped kitchen in the city and are hopefully going to produce the best food in the city.”

The lunch and dinner menus offer a range of modern European dishes, with starters including scallops, skate and foie gras, and mains including lamb rump and sweetbreads and Dublin Bay prawns with slow cooked pork belly, ears and trotters.

The finger food bar menu includes fish and chips, pork platter with crackling, and a £65 caviar plate.

Staff have been taking dozens of inquiries a day, some from as far a field as Italy. Continental press has also shown an interest.

Mr Marshall – who says his job at the restaurant is helping him overcome his fear of heights – added: “It is a massive opportunity for everyone involved, and we are going to provide something to this city that has never been seen before – it’s just going to be great food served in unbelievable surroundings.”

vickyanderson