Search starts in earnest for Martins Bank restaurant operator

With the restoration of the 143,000 sq ft Liverpool building due to kick off this side of Christmas, Karrev is on the hunt for a party to run the ground floor all-day dining destination in the former banking hall. 

The search for a restaurant operator is being led by LBL Real Estate, whose appointment follows that of Worthington Owen and CBRE to market the 108,000 sq ft of office space on the upper floors. 

Karrev, the property arm of a French private equity fund, wants to transform Martins Bank’s former banking hall on the ground floor into a restaurant and wants it available to future tenants from day one. 

The venue, which will take inspiration from The Ned in London, would also be open to the public. 

Plans also include the potential for an intimate, speakeasy-style private dining space for exclusive events and gatherings within the former bank vaults in the basement. 

A self-contained coffee shop also forms part of the vision. 

Julien Buronfosse, managing director at Karrev, said: “The banking hall is one of the building’s most special spaces, and we want to find an ambitious restaurant operator who can make it a destination. We see the opportunity to create a place people will enjoy throughout the day, from morning coffee and business lunches to evening dining. 

“The appointment of CBRE, Worthington Owen and LBL Real Estate is an important step towards realising our vision. We look forward to working with them to attract the right mix of hospitality and commercial occupiers.” 

The development is scheduled to begin construction in December 2026 and welcome its first occupiers in Q4 2028. The scheme, which will cost more than £80m to complete, has secured a £22m grant from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. Martins Bank would be retained by Karrev for the long term.