From kitchen porter to restaurant boss, meet the owner of Crosby’s latest must-visit Vine & Fire

Over the last decade or so, Josh Stanton has worked his way up from kitchen porter to executive chef, learning and refining his craft in kitchens across the region.

Now the 28-year-old from Crosby has finally achieved his goal, owning his very own restaurant with wife, Hannah.

Vine & Fire is the latest eaterie in St John’s Road, Waterloo, and after opening just three weeks ago, it’s been busy ever since, its select wines and Mediterranean small plates wowing customers in this bustling social spot.

The young restaurateur said:

“And it’s just boss,”

“Thinking what I can do next, with no-one to justify myself to – other than the customers of course! It’s amazing.

“It’s going so well and owning my own restaurant has always been my dream. I’ve done it – and I love it.”

Vine stands for the wines that Josh and Hannah are offering, seeking to select more unusual bottles that maybe can’t be found in other places locally: “Like the Gascogne Blanc from Domaine de Pellehaut that pairs so well with fish dishes and is proving to be really popular,” says Josh.

Fire describes the flavour and power of each of the refreshingly different small plates including wild boar croquettes, crispy chicken lollipops and beef carpaccio.

But it might almost describe too the passion that Josh brings to the table, his enthusiasm for creating the perfect menu and dining experience, and his determination to see that fulfilled.

Josh is self-taught, having left high school as a teenager and starting as a kitchen porter before ‘doing every role possible’ to get where he is today.

“I have been in the hospitality industry for 11-12 years and worked in some of the best restaurants in the area, like the Fat Italian and So Salsa, as well as smaller independents.

“I have always enjoyed cooking, all my life, and it’s a real passion of mine.

“I’ve been a starter chef, a sous chef, head chef and executive chef, and I’ve trained in all sorts of different cuisines and I know the job inside out.

“My dream was always to have my own place.”

Vine & Fire opened the week before Mother’s Day:

“I opened the booking page and it was soon full,” he says.

With a mix of small plates there’s plenty to choose from and tempting offers like two small plates for £15 or a ‘while you wait’ choice – for example black pudding and chorizo bon bons or jerk cauliflower – plus three small plates for £25. 

It goes without saying that there’s a fully ramped-up Sunday roast with meats like sirloin served pink, with roasted potatoes, creamy mash, whole roasted honey glazed carrots, tenderstem broccoli, Yorkshire pud and a rich gravy, along with sumptuous side extras like pigs in blankets and 3-cheese cauliflower bake.

And Josh has plans for a wine flight, with three carefully chosen wines to go with three small plates.

“And that’s just a taste of what I want to come,” adds Josh, who’s quick to point out that everything is made fresh daily: “I have a small chest freezer that’s really just for ice cream and fries, everything else is ordered and made on the day.

“That’s important for the taste, and because customers are becoming more discerning.  You can’t pull the wool over their eyes – and I don’t want to!

“If I start on the right path, I can continue on it.

“St John’s Road has become such a good food area, and I want people to come and feel not just that they can get great food, but they can come and relax, enjoy a good atmosphere, and have a chat with their friends or meet up with family.

“There’s no rush, I want people to take their time and enjoy the experience.”

Josh has achieved one ambition – but he’s still got others to tick off the list, like maybe another two restaurants in the next five years.

But for now, he’s soaking up his success and revelling in the delights of owning his own restaurant.

“There’s a lot of competition, it’s in an amazing dining area, and it’s doing okay,” he smiles.

Find out more Vine & Fire here.

Find more great places to eat across Liverpool on our website.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.