Liverpool's Santa Chupitos to be replaced by Caribbean cocktail bar Manolo

The new Slater Street venue is being created by Nick Thomas, owner of hot dog and cocktail bar Salt Dog Slims, which is also part of bar and restaurant group GSG Hospitality.

It will serve traditional Caribbean cocktails as well as reimagined classics with a ‘London hotel’ bar style service.

“Manolo will bring a fresh concept to the area with expertly crafted Caribbean-inspired cocktails, modern drinks, bar snacks and an entirely new aesthetic,” says Thomas.

“I have been working diligently behind the scenes for years now on some of the ideas and concepts that I want to bring into Manolo. I have been working on lab-based projects and re-designed classic drinks, to what I believe makes a truly unique guest experience. A London hotel bar style service with Caribbean drinks. I can’t wait to get started.”

John Ennis, director of Santa Chupitos, says: “We’re really sad to see Santas go and have loved watching it evolve and welcome thousands of people since we opened in 2009. Since Covid, things have changed drastically for the hospitality industry - there’s been a huge shift in clientele and we recognised that Santas wasn’t trading the way it had done pre-Covid.

“Santas will always be really special to GSG Hospitality as it was our first ever venue and the first independent cocktail bar in the city centre. It was the catalyst for others to open their own venues and we thank everyone for their support. There’s been many good times, lots of new friendships, even marriages and we thank everyone who made that happen and continue to support us all over the city.”

GSG Hospitality’s neighbouring site El Bandito will be getting a refurbishment with a new outdoor seating area and is due to open next month.

“This will give El Bandito another dimension, welcoming al fresco drinking and be a reminder for why El Bandito exists; to spread the good name of agave and that’s what it’ll continue to do,” adds Ennis.