Silk Rd Heswall

If it’s one of those days when you can’t put your finger on what you fancy – Thai curry or Spanish tapas, Greek meze or Italian meatballs – the original of two independent restaurants lets you try it all, offering up the flavours found if you were to follow the east-west Silk Road.

Stretching from the Korean peninsula to modern-day Europe, this ancient network of trade routes for centuries brought exotic foods and luxury silks from the Pacific through to the Med, and the concept of Silk Rd is for you to experience a culinary journey as you eat. The idea is to order a variety of small dishes and take your tastebuds on a trip – the easiest way to do this is to order one of the banquets (minimum two people). Follow in Marco Polo’s footsteps with a menu named after the famous explorer – vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available – or go the full Emperor Wu: prawn crackers and spring rolls meet croquettas and piri piri chicken in round one, followed by the likes of Greek lamb and rhubarb stew and moo ping oyster and soy sauce marinated pork skewers. If you prefer to go off piste, the main menu has western favourites including small steaks and salads, fresh fish and seafood, and eastern-inspired dishes, including lots from the wok and even stuffed in a bao bun.

What’s more, the Heswall branch does different types of pizzette and there’s an outside space upstairs perfect for catching some rays, with brunch served Saturday and Sunday until a civilised 2pm, and monthly changing gin goblets.

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