A “secret agent bar” is to open in Liverpool’s business district amid concerns over noise and nuisance.
Tailors Liverpool, based on Old Hall Street, has secured premises licence to operate on Old Hall Street. The new venue - which will operate primarily as a restaurant - was the subject of a Liverpool Council licensing and gambling sub-committee after issues regarding potential disturbance were raised by people living above the location.
The premises was described by applicant Stephen McCarthy as a venue with a secret door which would only be accessed with knowledge of a specific password. However, some residents had expressed fears from those living in the Harley Buildings above that late night drinking could impact them.
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One objector wrote: "The licence could result in drunk and disorderly people congregating outside the front door of our residence which is attached to the location of the licence application, making it unsafe for residents like myself who live in the building.
They added that they were concerned about: "The congregation of drunk people causing noise nuisance, smoking, disorderly behaviour etc outside of the entrance to the apartment building and in front of people's apartment windows."
Mr McCarthy - a close protection officer for Premier League footballers - told the committee issues had been resolved following a meeting with residents and ward councillor Nick Small. This resulted in Cllr Small and others removing their own objections.
The applicant said the idea for the 50-capacity venue had come from seeing similar locations across the UK, adding: “It’s really, really cool, that’s the idea. Liverpool’s already got a couple of these secret locations, it would be good to have another one.”
Mr McCarthy said the venue had a “secret agent bar” theme and was a “safe haven” once inside.
The restaurant has between four and eight staff and has already secured a temporary event notice to stage soft opening events, Mr McCarthy said. He added how the venue would serve charcuterie-style food and residents had been “pleasantly surprised” by the impact of the restaurant to date.
It is understood the applicants have spent in the region of tens of thousands of pounds to renovate the business. Mr McCarthy told the committee the business had been advised to cover its windows to prevent shoppers mistakenly requesting suits, given the name of the business.
Granting the licence, committee chair, Cllr Christine Banks, said: “Good luck, I hope you’re successful, it’s the right street for you to be in for what you’re doing.”
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