THIS is the first glimpse of the new £1m venue based in the historic Heywood Building, in Liverpool city centre.

The Noble House, in Brunswick Street, is the latest offering from Pax Leisure, the team behind the city’s Alma de Cuba bar and restaurant.

The restaurant and bar, which is housed in Liverpool’s oldest bank building, officially opened its doors to the public last night.

Design features include a Barlas Baylar-designed chandelier, incorporating 2.5 miles of nickel chain suspended above a custom-made 16ft long, solid oak dining table.

Rob Preston, operations director for Pax Leisure, said: “Over recent months, the business district has seen the introduction of a number of new venues, and is fast becoming an enclave for high-quality restaurants and bars.

“The Noble House will bring all the trappings of its sister venue Alma de Cuba, in terms of great service, great food, great drink and great fun, but in the heart of the business community.”

As well as the restaurant and bar, there will be a private bar downstairs called La Guarida, which replicates the current trend for speakeasy-style bars in New York.

Rob added: “Some members of our team had been to New York and had told us about these new-era speakeasies, such as PDT in the East Village, where customers enter via a secret door in a phone booth.

“We wanted La Guarida to be the first of these new-era speakeasies in Liverpool. As the concept is all about secrecy and mystery, I can’t reveal much more about what is on offer.“