THREE leading Merseyside restaurants have become the latest victims of the economic downturn, with one expert predicting a “pretty torrid” time before the region starts to recover next year.

Cantina Tequila, in Liverpool, has closed its doors and attempts are being made to save its sister restaurant, the Blundell Street Supper Club.

West Kirby’s Winespeak bar has also closed down.

Others are thought to be teetering on the brink after a prolonged period of growth in the local eating out trade. But the credit crunch and a host of new recent openings have started to have an impact.

Insolvency practitioner David Moore is attempting to rescue Blundell Street, but says the situation is difficult.

“The businesses had a good reputation in the Liverpool area, but over the last year the Mexican restaurant has not achieved anticipated sales due to the credit crunch and the country entering a recession.

“The Supper Club reported better sales and that has gone some way to stemming losses. However, with a declining economy, there was a fall-off in sales for both restaurants and this increased cash flow difficulties.”

The Begbies Traynor recovery specialist said the final straw was a winding-up order from HM Customs and Excise, but that he was attempting to save the Blundell Street restaurant.

Blundell Street opened in 2001 and was a popular music and eating venue. The Cantina opened later and has suffered more from the crunch despite offering up to 50% off food.

More restaurants have been having to extend January sales offers, and with profit margins traditionally low at 5%, a downturn soon begins to bite.