UPDATE: Puschka is now, regrettably, permanently closed.
“I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best” - Oscar Wilde
The restaurant scene in Liverpool is booming. There are now more fantastic places to eat in the city than ever before.
One of my favourite areas to visit for a meal is Liverpool’s historic Georgian quarter. I recently dined in one of the area’s most popular restaurants, Puschka. It opened its doors in 2001, why it’s taken me this long to visit is beyond me. Everyone I know who has been has raved about the place.
It’s is a little independent restaurant on Rodney Street and has been quietly and consistently building an impressive collection of awards in recent years.
It isn’t clear where the name Puschka came from, apparently it may be a pet name for a friend of the owners, but whatever the origin, it’s certainly quirky and makes it all the more memorable.
Inside the restaurant reflects its location, neatly sat between Liverpool’s classic Hope Street and bohemian Bold Street. The decor is intimate and cosy with candle-lit tables and fresh flowers. Pops of purple feature against a backdrop of wooden walls and floral cushions.
The delicious menus change seasonally with all dishes made fresh using, where possible, local produce. Provenance of ingredients is taken very seriously, so much so it has it’s own dedicated space on the menu.
Vegetables are brought in from farms over on the Wirral, meat is sourced from Lancashire and Cumbria, fish from Fleetwood. You get the picture!
We visited one lazy Sunday afternoon. Our waiter was charming and the service was great, the food took some time to arrive but that’s to be expected due to everything being freshly made. There is a little note on the menu to advise you to expect a slight delay.
The atmosphere in the restaurant was lovely. Elegant enough to enjoy a celebration but relaxed enough for a laid-back group meal, not in the least bit pretentious.
Once inside you feel like you’re in a little haven off the beaten track, you don’t want to leave.
“Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing” - Oscar Wilde
One of my biggest gripes in life is when people quibble over the cost of freshly made, good quality food. Sadly many of the reviews I read of Puschka mention how expensive the menu is. I’m not sure how people can go to a restaurant like this, producing the wonderful food that it does, served by such lovely - well trained - staff, and not expect to pay decent money for the experience.
Puschka is a little hidden gem. If you’re a foodie it’s definitely one to try and well worth the cost. Just make sure you book in advance!
The only downside to our visit was that we were too full from our starters and mains, we were unable to even consider dessert.
I’m hoping to return this week to sample some pudding as a birthday treat… so family, if you’re reading this, hint hint!
