New Elif restaurant on Castle Street suspends online bookings due to high demand

Elif, the upmarket Turkish Bar & Grill on Castle Street, has created such a buzz in Liverpool that owners have suspended online bookings.

Elif, which has transformed the historic former NatWest bank building in Castle Street, opened its doors to the public this week.

But already owner Alan May said they have had to change to phone bookings only after availability for tables for the entire month of August had been virtually taken.

“The response has been massive,” he said, “which is amazing. We expected there to be a lot of interest but we have been overwhelmed that it has been such huge news.

“To be honest, it’s been crazy.

“For the last two weeks bookings have been constant and the phone lines haven’t stopped, so much so that we have had to make the decision to close online bookings until the end of August.”

Alan added: “We do still have some availability but, to ensure that people have the best experience at Elif in Castle Street, for the moment we are asking guests to phone in so that we can personally make sure there is sufficient time, and they are delighted with their visit. We don’t want anyone to leave feeling anything other than happy.”

Photos released following an invitation-only soft launch last week have revealed the stunning new look of the building, which had been empty since the bank’s closure in 2017.

And as well as complimenting the food, Alan said those who had already stepped inside had all remarked on how ‘incredible’ it is.

The images show a beautiful restoration of the Grade II listed building which has taken around five months to complete.

Many of the original features including the spectacular central stained-glass dome have been retained. Intricate plasterwork on the ceiling has been carefully renovated and painted, and dark wooden panelling that lines the walls has been meticulously cleaned and polished.

The sophisticated interior design which includes two flowing fountain features, chandelier lighting and ornate golden metalworks has further complemented Alan’s vision of Elif as a high-end restaurant that will attract diners from within the city region and outside, competing with the very best of what Liverpool has to offer.

He went on: “The new Castle Street Elif Turkish Bar & Grill is show-stopping. We have spent months painstakingly creating a luxurious dining destination.

“Throughout the renovations we were aware of the interest and anticipation of people who have been waiting to see what or who would develop this building, and we are thrilled with how pleased and impressed they are with what we have done.

“This was a much-loved building and, in taking it on, we had a responsibility to be respectful of its past and to retain as many of the original features as possible. We weren’t just creating a restaurant, we were saving and preserving a part of Liverpool’s heritage – and the result is breath-taking.”

Elif will serve exceptional-quality Turkish cuisine, featuring grilled meat, fish and seafood dishes, and other traditional dishes.

As well as the central dining area, there’s a private dining room for around 14-16 guests to offer an exclusive area for families and people wanting to celebrate a special occasion.

After such a well-received start, Alan remains confident Elif in Castle Street will be a tour-de-force in the city’s hospitality offering, and he added: “What we have seen so far leaves us very optimistic for its future.”