A new bar and restaurant has opened on the site of the former family-run Cuthbert's bakery in the city centre.
The Reader Bar & Restaurant, launched by the leading charity of the same name, aims to be Liverpool's most ethically run restaurant. It opened on Friday, December 9 in the former bakery at 103 Mount Pleasant.
The new venue offers a bistro style menu, inspired by continental European flavours and created using locally sourced seasonal produce. The grade II listed venue, which is in the heart of the Knowledge Quarter, will open seven days a week from 12pm until late.
READ MORE: Argos £45 blanket that 'keeps you warm all night' for less than 3p
READ MORE: Join the Christmas in Liverpool Facebook group
It aims to provide an intimate dining experience courtesy of executive chef Jeffrey Gardner, while the bar area will be well stocked with an array of delicious beverages. Since 2014, The Reader has proved a successful venture, with its home at Calderstones Park now boasting a popular café, ice cream parlour, and its beautifully refurbished Mansion House playing host to a variety of events.
All of its enterprises are not for profit, with every penny donated to the charity, which uses the power of great literature through reading aloud in a bid to transform lives. Head of Commercial, Sales and Events Laura McCarten said: "Creating a bar and restaurant in such a desirable area has always been part of our long-term strategy, as we continue to drive our overall development and widen the revenue streams that are required.
"In order to provide the support that we do, we knew we needed additional locations across the Liverpool City Region for us to grow our charitable contribution to The Reader. Our brand and principles have always been heavily focused around quality, ethical practice and conscious consumerism, and this project is no different.
"We have a brilliant team of strategic leaders behind it who have more than 50 years' combined experience in the hospitality industry, including restaurants, cafes, bars, accommodation and events, so we really are excited to show everyone what we have created."
The Reader Bar & Restaurant promises to be inclusive and innovative, with a firm commitment to ethical employment. It will also offer skill building opportunities to those 'who need it most'.
Laura continued: "The Reader's social enterprises have three clear mission principles, which are to generate income to support the charitable work, provide meaningful and ethical employment for the community and to continue to build our community engagement. What we will offer through the venue is quality produce and excellent service. The success of this business is ultimately success for the charity."
Laura added: "Our aim is that whoever comes into the space feels welcome and that they become aware of the work of The Reader, as well as enjoying themselves. The fact that we are not for profit will hopefully encourage the more ethically minded consumer to support us and we hope that people will spread the word about our truly unique offering."
Each week, The Reader volunteers and staff bring people together to read great stories and poems aloud in the form of shared reading. The charity works with schools, families and looked-after-children, adults in community spaces, people in care homes, people with physical and mental health conditions, those coping with or recovering from addiction, and people in the criminal justice system. Their work aims to improve wellbeing, reduce loneliness, and help find new meaning in peoples' lives.
Get the top stories straight to your inbox by signing up to our what's on newsletter
READ NEXT:
- Marks and Spencer shoppers 'obsessed' with navy blue leopard print suit they 'need'
- George at Asda shoppers 'obsessed' with 'chic' PJs that are just 'like Victoria's Secret'
- Mum says guests 'deserved' to have their wedding ruined and she 'doesn't feel guilty'
-
Aldi shoppers praise 'beautiful' £5.99 SpecialBuy candle that 'lasts for ages'
- Turner Prize 2022 winner Veronica Ryan on the importance of visibility and keeping the conversation going
