Hotelier Paul Adams has teamed up once again with footballer Steven Gerrard to open an all-day dining concept on Exchange Flags, Liverpool. 

Located a stone’s throw from Liverpool’s waterfront, in the commercial district, Vincent's is open all hours, seven days a week; “the place for the first bite, the last cocktail and everything in between”.

Set in a grand hall that was once office space, the dining area seats over 190 on a mixture of tables and booths. The decor is sleek and glamorous; chrome, copper and leather features heavily. There is also a beautiful private dining area closed off from the main restaurant which seats up to 16 people for private parties. 

The menu has something for everyone. Serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner while offering everything from British classics to sushi (a nod perhaps to the Japanese restaurant that previously occupied the premises). 

The first time I visited was for cocktails on a Saturday evening a few weeks ago. The restaurant was bustling full of people, all dressed in their finest. If you intend to visit on a Saturday evening “dress to impress”. The atmosphere in the bar was fantastic and the cocktails were a real treat. Particular favourites were a Bellini made with strawberry caviar pearls and the signature Vincent Fizz. I believe a new cocktail menu is due to be launched soon. 

I returned again this weekend for a more informal family lunch. The food was simple but done well. We ordered Sicilian Olives, Lemon & Thyme to start as well as the Chargrilled Focaccia Bread with Dipping Oil.

Source: The Vincent

To follow, although I was slightly limited with vegetarian options, I chose a lovely courgette, shallot, pea, asparagus and goat’s cheese omelette, served straight from the pan. Other options within our group included the Vincent 8oz burger served with pancetta, beef tomato, aged cheddar cheese & fries as well as the wild sea-bass fillet, pork char siu, garlic, shallot & pak choi.

The thing that really makes Vincent's stand out is the attention to detail. The presentation of the food is excellent and cocktails are skilfully made using quality ingredients. A lot of thought has gone in to making this a special dining experience; guests are even provided with serviettes to fill out in advance with their home address to pass to their taxi driver in case the cocktails prove to be a little too intoxicating! A lovely little touch!

Unfortunately we didn’t have time to stay for dessert on this occasion. A shame as the menu looks delicious (chocolate pave with salted caramel popcorn and even toasted marshmallows with caramel and chocolate dips), but I am hoping to return soon…. watch this space!

Vincent Café & Cocktail Bar, Exchange Flags, Liverpool L2 3YL 

www.vincentcafeandcocktailbar.com