What’s Cooking? takes on restaurant at boutique Liverpool hotel

14-Apr-2014 - Last updated on 27-Apr-2021 at 11:43 GMT

Owner of What's Cooking? Guy Lawrenson in front of Sixty Two Castle Street

Liverpool restaurant What’s Cooking? has taken on the running of the food and drink operation at the nearby 62 Castle Street hotel.

What’s Cooking? has invested a six figure sum in the deal with Centre Islands, who operate the hotel. The new venue will be called What’s At Sixty Two? and is 5,000 sq.ft in size, consisting of a bar and restaurant as well as private dining areas, a boardroom, and meeting and social spaces.

The hotel’s bar and restaurant space is being redesigned by Richard Eastwood of R2 Architecture and the new décor will take inspiration from America’s deep south and old Louisiana mansions as they aim to create a warm and inviting space. The menu at What’s At Sixty Two? will also take flavours from southern US and Memphis in particular.

Thriving food scene

What's Cooking? was one of the first restaurants to open at Liverpool's regenerated Albert Dock and is popular in the area. What’s At Sixty Two? will join a number of other restaurant and bar operators on the city's busy Castle Street, with the venture creating 50 new jobs for the area.

Owner of What’s Cooking? Guy Lawrenson said: “This is an exciting new chapter for the What’s Cooking? brand and in the evolution of this fantastic building in the heart of Castle Street. In recent years Castle Street has grown to become a vibrant hub for restaurants and bars, and is perfectly situated between the Commercial District and the popular Liverpool ONE.

“What’s At Sixty Two? will blend perfectly into this vibrant mix, offering a flavour of the deep south in a space that is dynamic to match any mood.”

Sixty Two Castle Street

Sixty Two Castle Street is a 20-bedroom Grade II listed hotel designed to mix contemporary interiors with Victorian architecture. It is situated in the centre of Liverpool’s shopping and commercial district, which will allow the new restaurant the potential for large numbers of visitors.

General manager at 62 Castle Street Elaine Nelson said: “We are delighted to welcome What’s At Sixty Two? to the hotel. It is a fantastic addition to the hotel’s facilities and will offer a great restaurant and bar experience to our guests.

“What’s Cooking? is a well-recognised brand with a loyal local following and this addition to the hotel will further enhance the profile of 62 Castle St within the Liverpool market place. We wish Guy and his team every success with this new venture and we look forward to working closely to develop the brand.”

The new restaurant will be opening in mid-May.