The Merchant of Bishopsgate, which opened earlier this month, is part of a £1.2m development by SSP, intended as a blueprint for the company’s role out of ‘Modern Pubs’. The new pub has a capacity of 200 and has been designed to pay homage to the location’s heritage, as the home of London’s original Merchant Traders and the capital’s first hub of export and commerce.
“The Merchant of Bishopsgate brings a unique and fresh identity to Liverpool Street Station, offering something completely unexpected and excitingly different to that of other outlets typically found at stations around the UK,” said Sarah Jezard, chief marketing officer at SSP UK.
“Customers to The Merchant of Bishopsgate will notice a ‘real’ personality. Its new and unique character will translate into every element of the customer experience, from the communication and service style to the environment and ranges.
On the menu
“Building on our understanding of customers’ food requirements in a travel environment, the menu features a selection of delicious hot and cold ‘grazers’, which are ideal for groups enjoying a social drink after work, or travellers wanting a quick bite before continuing on their journey.
Overseen by head chef Robert Arnott, The Merchant of Bishopsgate’s selction of Hot ‘grazers’ include homemade free range Scotch eggs with black pudding; mini Lincolnshire poacher Welsh rarebit on crumpets; and cocktail Cumberland sausages with Colman’s mustard mayonnaise dip. Vegetarians are catered for with options such as roasted carrot and red onion tartlet or mini baked cheese and onion potatoes.
Cold ‘grazers’ include homemade cheese scones and smoked Scottish salmon and lemon crème fraiche; pork pie wedges; and homemade giant pork scratchings.
Average spend per head comes in at £5.75 - £7.50 and the pubs general manager is Ross Walton. For more information, visit www.iamthemerchant.com.