Barnacle

Barnacles are known for clinging to rocks and ships’ hulls but this Barnacle gets about. The restaurant is now open in the rather grand surroundings of Liverpool’s School for the Blind after starting out at Duke Street Market, followed by successful pop-ups on Royal Albert Dock and Exchange Flags.

The restaurant is run by Paul and Harry Askew. The name is synonymous in Liverpool with fine dining – The Art School is one of the city’s most revered restaurants.

Whilst Barnacle doesn’t reach the same pinnacles of posh or go down the fancy tasting menus route, it does showcase quality, local ingredients with deft cooking and bold flavours.

Perhaps surprisingly given the name, there’s an equal focus on seafood and meat dishes as well as a popular Sunday roast. Food is honest and hearty rather than dainty, and all the better for it. This is food that looks good and tastes even better.

An excellent drinks list completes the offering with cocktails, spritzes and an impressive wine selection.