Historic South Liverpool bank reopens as new food, wine and retail venue

The historic former bank on Smithdown Place has opened as a new independent lifestyle destination.

Twenty combines food, drink, floristry and independent retail, all under one roof.

Opening its doors on Saturday May 16th, from 8:30am until late, customers can expect an immersive, sensory experience. Offering carefully curated natural wines, seasonal small plates, year-round floristry, and a rotating collection of quality brands, twenty is designed for discovery, connection and time well spent.

Co-founder Laura McCumiskey said:

“For us, it’s about moving from transaction to connection. If you want people to come back to the high street, you have to give them a reason to stay.”

Laura, founder of Laura’s Deli & Wine in Mossley Hill, co-developed the twenty concept after seeing both the limitations of traditional retail and the increasing pressure on independent businesses.

She said:

“We wanted to create something that supports other independents as well as our own businesses,”

“A space where quality, experience and community come first.”

Co-founder Anna Forster, founder of Mary Mary Florals, brings floristry to the space as part of the overall experience.

She said:

“When something is made with care, people feel it straight away. That’s what we’re building here, something that feels real and connected.”

Twenty is housed within the former Liverpool Savings Bank, built in the 1930s and later operated by TSB. The building also forms part of the area referenced in The Beatles song ‘Penny Lane’, written by Sir Paul McCartney in 1966, adding to its cultural significance within the city.

“The building hadn’t been touched in years, aside from sticking plaster jobs. The renovation was huge. We hit a million and one different issues because it’s a former bank and a round room, which is beautiful until you try and put a shelf up!”

Throughout the 12 month renovations, the site has gathered a lot of interest and ahead of the launch, twenty took to social media to invite people to share their memories of the building, which has stood as a familiar presence on the South Liverpool high street for more than 90 years.

The response unearthed a collection of personal stories spanning generations, from first bank accounts to everyday moments.

Local resident, Jess McQueen said:

“I started my career at 20 Smithdown Place when I was 17, I’m 31 now, working as a cashier on Saturdays. My mum worked for Lloyds TSB for over 25 years, and spent a lot of that time at what we knew as ‘Heathfield Branch’.

There was a quick deposit box by the secure door. I used to write silly messages and draw pictures on the envelopes, posting them for the cashier to find the next day.

Smithdown Place holds such a special place in my heart. I can’t wait to see what it becomes next.”

Another local resident added:

“We just want to say thank you for bringing something lovely to the area, maintaining the heritage of the building and taking pride in our area. We can’t wait for the opening!”

Both Anna and Laura are advocates for local business and community, and believe collaboration is key to building a more resilient high street.

Anna said:

“Running a business can be challenging, and isolating,”

“What we’re creating with twenty is something more collaborative, where independent businesses can support each other and grow together.”

Laura added:

“We feel honoured that we’ve got this iconic building, in a beautiful location and we can create something that is valuable to the community.”

Twenty is set to host a series of workshops, panel talks, flower markets, tastings and live music experiences in the coming months.