Gaucho coming to Liverpool as Ivy plans fall away
The Argentinian steak restaurant is planning to open within the grade two-listed former Bank of Liverpool at 7 Water Street, a site previously earmarked for a branch of The Ivy.
Gaucho Restaurants has lodged a planning application with Liverpool City Council to convert the ground floor of the 15,300 sq ft building, which has been vacant since 2017.
Aqua Commercial owns 7 Water Street and is in the process of converting former office space on the upper floors into a 10-suite aparthotel to be operated by iStay.
Gaucho’s Liverpool restaurant would be its 14th in the UK and second in the North West. The company launched its Manchester outlet in 2001.
Greyside Planning and DesignLSM are advising Gaucho on the project.
In 2020, 7 Water Street was the subject of a successful planning application by Troia Restaurants, a company headed up by The Ivy owner Richard Caring.
Following the approval of plans to convert the building into an Ivy, further applications for external signage and outdoor seating were lodged but subsequently withdrawn.
Good to see this classic building earmarked for use again by Gaucho, but still feel there is a place for The Ivy in Liverpool, eg on Derby Square ,near the Victoria Monument outside the law courts ,there is a great corner unit which also fronts onto Lord St, this would offer outside space , under cover as well looking onto the square.
By Anonymous
Good to see a classic building being utilised. Pity about the Ivy though. Perhaps when the economy picks up. That’s likely to be some time I would guess.
By Anonymous
Were I the Ivy folk, I’d be doing a deal with the new owners of Martins Bank Building to open in their atrium. Never was an interior more suited.
By Sceptical
Steak restaurants in the age of increasing vegan related ventures…with prices to match for prime south American produce…???…doesn’t sound like a good long term investment to me in this time of increased retail costs…I would give it 2 years..at best
By Tercol
@Tercol, imagine being concerned because a company wants to open a steak restaurant, if it fails it fails, but if it`s a hit well done to those who take the risk, commerce and choice will keep this city alive.
By Anonymous
Great to see a building being put to use – I love this area of Liverpool and hope to bring my concept there one day
By Jane Evuna
Did they have a problem with the location or something?
By Erica