Opening date for The Grand, Southport has been confirmed

The much-anticipated opening date for The Grand on Lord Street has now been confirmed with bookings now being taken for opening weekend.

The Grand Brasserie and Chloe’s Piano Bar will be the first venues to open on Friday 15^th July with The Princess Grace Suite – one of the finest wedding and function suites in the Northwest accommodating up to 250 people – opening a couple of weeks later for viewings. Harry’s Rooftop Bar and The Sky Bar are scheduled to be open by Christmas.

With reservations for the Brasserie and Chloe’s Piano Bar are now available on the venue’s website, you can be one of the first people to sample this brand-new unique experience in Southport which is likely to become an iconic destination for Merseyside and the surrounding areas.

The announcement of the renovations of “The Grand” on Lord Street have been described locally as the rebirth of a Southport icon. The Grade II listed building, being almost 100 years old, is steeped in Southport’s history, standing proudly on Lord Street’s beautiful tree-lined boulevard.

The venue is in the final stages of the first phase of the redevelopment by Andrew Mikhail following a 3-million-pound makeover to breathe new life back into this much-loved Southport icon.

The Mikhail Group already own some of Southport’s most striking and favourite venues including The Bold Hotel, Lord Street Hotel, Punch Tarmey’s Irish Pub, Lord Street Sports Bar and are also the operators of the bar at Southport Market. This is another huge boost into the Northern Quarter of Southport which is now dominated by an eclectic mix of bars and restaurants. The group have recently launched Cains Brewery in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle bringing another iconic brand back to life.

When asked about the project, Chairman Andrew Mikhail said: “Bringing fabulous buildings back to life is such a rewarding feeling, it’s what I love to do, and a building as stunning as The Grand deserves to be enjoyed by the people of Southport and beyond.

“I myself have very fond memories of the original Grand. I took my then girlfriend and now wife, Vicky, to our first date to the Stanley Casino restaurant on the first floor 23 years ago. Sadly, I lost my money but I gained a wife! It feels so strange to be owning not only The Grand but the surrounding venues, Lord Street Hotel, Punch Tarmey’s and The Bold as they are all places I visited as a kid with my parents.

He adds, “It was a sensible decision taking on the Grand, being the most iconic building on Lord Street. It made sense having already invested millions into our current developments in Southport’s Northern Quarter, directly adjacent and opposite, all with the support of the local community. We really hope that the people of Southport are proud of what we have done and come out in force to support our new venture as my life and soul has gone into this project. The Grand is, in many people’s opinion, the jewel in the crown of not only Lord Street but of Southport.”

General manager Eimear McElroy describes what guests can expect when visiting The Grand: “A first class experience that will transport you to a world of glitz and glamour of Southport’s yesteryear. The Grand is set to offer unrivalled cuisine and impeccable service in a beautiful, opulent setting. Whether dining at The Brasserie or sipping on one of our signature cocktails in Chloe’s bar listening to our wonderful Grand piano, you’ll be sure to have a fantastic time at The Grand.’

She continues, “Expect warm smiles at every turn, a host of thoughtful touches, sumptuous decor, and delicious cuisine, all set on Southport’s historic boulevard. Dining in the magnificent Grand Brasserie will be the ultimate culinary experience. A destination restaurant in its own right.’

The Grand Brasserie is described and headed by award winning Executive Chef Alan Wycherley as the epitome of modern British, elegant cuisine. Alan has worked alongside the UKs top award-winning chefs in a number of highly acclaimed AA Rosette and Michelin starred restaurants, before achieving his own rosettes and awards.

Alan says: “I consistently strive to build upon my vision of providing exemplary dishes and continuously working to improve the customer experience. Diners can expect a melody of fresh ingredients and a hearty celebration of British food with signature dishes including crispy ham hock with rhubarb and black pudding, herb crusted lamb loin, a sumptuous chocolate and sesame delice, just to mention a few. Watch the chefs prepare your meal from the open kitchen creating a warm, approachable dining experience. I am very excited to be working with Andrew on this project.”

Find out more about The Grand and view sample menus on the website