FINISHING touches were yesterday being completed at the new 240,000 square-foot John Lewis anchor store, at Liverpool One.

Three days after the curtain fell on the famous George Henry Lee store, staff are preparing to start work in the 40% bigger store on Paradise Street.

Billed as “as close to perfection as we’ll get” by designers, the store’s managing director, Margaret Jacques said the “proof will be in the pudding”.

As the largest John Lewis outside London, the store marries all the traditional department store products with a 300-seat Place to Eat with sweeping views of Chavasse Park and the city waterfront.

Bets are still ongoing as to which of the entrances on South John Street and Hanover Street will have the greatest footfall as the store officially cuts the ribbon at 10.15am.

Margaret Jacques said: “Our old store was three buildings in one which was frustrating for customers to navigate. This is a high- quality development in a stunning location which gives us the opportunity to be part of the city nestled between the two cathedrals.

“Our old store was iconic, and it was important that we built a new store that would match that yet be a building that future generations will appreciate.

“It’s been a long journey and we’ve worked tirelessly to create the best store possible.”

She added: “The fact John Lewis is in Liverpool One speaks volumes about the opportunities here in Liverpool. We have all the latest concepts and brands and we’ve taken on 280 new staff from Merseyside.

“All the partners (staff) are excited, but the proof will be in the pudding when we open tomorrow.”

Mrs Jacques is also confi-dent of a “significant uplift” in revenue despite a downturn in high-street profits in the wake of the credit crunch.

She added: “John Lewis has always out-performed the market and I’m confident we can in Liverpool.

“We’re predicting a slow- down in the sale of furniture and large electrical goods, as people aren’t moving house but they are still buying home furnishings and lighting and fashion always sells.

“We offer price-match and excellent guarantees which will help us through the challenging months.”

Boosting a futuristic car park, Elmis Spa pod and Clarins beauty studio, the store is also hoping to wow food lovers with specially tailored menus in Place to Eat and the smaller 120-seat Espresso Bar.

Tony Sim, head chef, hopes many customers will come to the store simply for the food alone, and said: “We can’t wait to get started; the new restaurant is unrecognisable from the tiny cramped facility at the old store.

“I’d like to think 75% of people coming into the store will come for the food alone, because we’re offering a contemporary and varied, value-for-money menu.”

Dishes include classics like Tuna Nicoise and Sirloin Steak, seasonal pasta and Spinach, spicy Pecan, Apricot, Stilton Cheese and Red Apple salad.

Mr Sim added: “We started with 100 dishes and did taste tests across Liverpool to nar-row down the dishes, we just can’t wait to get cooking.”