Wirral's first Sri Lankan restaurant has opened in Hoylake

Wirral’s first Sri Lankan restaurant has opened in Hoylake — serving mouth watering authentic dishes that locals are raving about.

The Hut has received a multitude of 5 star reviews since opening on Market Street in August and diners have loved sampling flavoursome and unique Sri Lankan dishes for the first time.

The Hut is the loving creation of husband and wife team Gayan and Shanika, who moved to Wirral with their three children in 2021, and their aim is to introduce the people of Wirral to the best cuisine Sri Lanka has to offer. The intimate little gem has gone down a storm since opening and the family have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback and warm welcome from locals.

Food is prepared using fresh ingredients and spices are shipped from the fields of Sri Lanka by Shanika’s father, whilst she uses recipes passed down from her late mother. From Devilled Corner (a devilishly delicious dish that packs a punch of flavour) to Beach Combo (Casava wrapped and baked in banana leaf with coconut) to Mutton Curry, the dishes are intriguing and creative.

The restaurant is also the first to introduce ‘Hoppers’ to Wirral, a type of rice flour pancake filled with curry and topped with sambol and chutney. Glowing reviews of The Hut have been coming in thick and fast, with customers quoting things such as “amazing food, lovely people”, “gorgeous meal with lovely friendly service” and “fantastic, authentic, awesome, tasty food.”

Gayan explained:

“Ever since moving to Wirral from London, we’ve been so happy. The people here are very friendly and to have all these 5 star reviews already fills us with joy. When people come into our restaurant, for us it is like them coming into our home so we put all our love into every dish and treat our customers like family.”

Whilst in London, Shanika’s Sri Lankan cuisine became a big hit — firstly making food from home for event catering and eventually catering for high end millionaire clients in Bishops Avenue, Finchley. After discovering the Wirral through some friends, Gayan and Shanika fell in love with the area and decided to fulfil their dream of opening their own restaurant.

Shanika said:

“It is a dream for us to open our first restaurant and Wirral’s first Sri Lankan restaurant here in Hoylake. It is particularly special for me as I feel like my mother is still at work — to see people enjoying the recipes she taught me is so lovely and to have Sri Lankan spices sent from my father in our dishes is also magical. It feels great to provide the people of Wirral with the best flavours from our country.”

Having recruited their best friend ‘Eddie’, the family’s new gem has fast become the talk of the seaside town and they are often fully booked at weekends. Inviting diners to immerse themselves in a fusion of flavours, aromas, spices and colours, The Hut brings something truly unique to the Hoylake high street.

Gayan summarised:

“It’s great to offer something different to the people of Wirral and show them the delights from our country. We’re big on spices, many of which have healing properties, and all our dishes pack lots of flavour. So far the feedback has been amazing and we want to introduce as many people as possible to Sri Lankan food.”