Metquarter food court operator confirmed 

Sheffield-based Milestone Group has signed a 16-year lease for 12,000 sq ft at asset manager Queensberry’s Liverpool scheme, where it will operate a food hall for independent traders.

Known as the General Post Office, the food hall will be located at the Victoria Street entrance to the 130,000 sq ft Metquarter, adjoining the Everyman Cinema and is due to open in spring.

The project will feature a wide variety of cuisines under one roof, championing independent regional operators and offering support and incubation for the city’s emerging food scene, Queensberry said. 

Confirmed operators include Bullion Craft Bean Café, Restaurant Konjo, Jail Bird Nashville Fired Chicken, Patty B’s Burgers, Thai 25, Dirty Herb Vegan Chicken, and Bubble Tea. Two additional traders are yet to be announced. 

In Sheffield, Milestone Group operates a similar venture called Cutlery Works, as well a pair of pizza restaurants and a bar called Inc Bar.

Located on Whitechapel in the city centre, Metquarter opened in 2006 but struggled to compete with the larger Liverpool One, prompting Queensberry to reposition the complex to a more leisure-focused offering, moving away from retail. 

Plans to add 20,000 sq ft of restaurant space were lodged in 2017 and contractor Simons Group was picked to deliver the project, designed by K2 Architects.

Everyman Cinema was secured as the anchor tenant for the redevelopment the same year. 

Robbie Williams backed the creation of the Liverpool Media Academy at the Metquarter

Last year, the latest phase of the project completed. This saw Liverpool media, music and performing arts institution LMA, which is co-owned by singer Robbie Williams, convert 50,000 sq ft of former retail space into studios and teaching space in a £15m project. 

Alex Hyams, asset manager for Queensberry, said: “Milestone Group is an experienced food hall operator and GPO will be the largest food hall in the city centre, adding to the dynamic blend of uses which make up our offering at Metquarter.” 

Matt Bigland, founder and director at The Milestone Group, said: “GPO will be a hub for Liverpool’s emerging food hall scene. With a mix of design and culinary excellence, GPO will showcase the best in up-and-coming food and drink talent in the heart of Liverpool city centre.”