Bistro hidden down 'picture-perfect' street in 'Liverpool's Diagon Alley'

A charming bistro, loved by Jay Rayner, is hidden away in 'Liverpool's Diagon Alley'.

Queen Avenue, off Castle Street in the city centre, has been nicknamed after the magical street - possibly because stepping into it takes you to another world. The intimate and narrow avenue, which is lined with Georgian lamp posts, is home to several businesses, including Queens Wine Bar and Bistro.

Looking somewhat like a Parisian backstreet bistro, you could be forgiven for losing yourself and completely forgetting you’re in Liverpool city centre. While life is more frantic on Castle Street and Dale Street, things are far more relaxed on Queen Avenue — with artisan businesses including a wine shop and an art gallery.

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Queens co-owner Lucas Castro Pires, 44, told the ECHO about how the journey to Queen Avenue began. He said: ''It all started from a single conversation with R & H Fine Wines who are located on the tucked away road. We discussed the empty unit available on Queen Avenue and it all started from there.''

Lucas, from Portugal, recalls when he moved into the unit in 2018 they were only offering private functions so he and his colleague, Simon Davies, who oversees kitchen operations, would have to think on their feet as there wasn't a kitchen fitted yet. He added: ''When Queens started Simon would bring in a portable kitchen to serve a small group of people.'''

It wasn't until after December 2018, that Queens had a full kitchen fitted and the pair could stop 'living out of a box'. Opening a restaurant on a hidden alley is a challenging enough job as it is and Lucas says ''I wanted to keep things as simple as possible so I tried to find a gap between high standard and chain restaurants.'' They pride themselves on top-quality produce at a smaller price than other top-end venues in the city.

''We're just the quiet ones'' Lucas says when asked about the location of the bistro. He adds: ''It pays off to break the gamble of strolling down a back alley'' as ''many people don't even realise the lane exists''

One of the best things about the bistro according to Lucas is that they get to work with great chefs. He believes it is a ''rite of passage for young chefs before they move on.''

At Queens, you’ll find a menu featuring breakfasts and specials such as steak and eggs, lunches such as pork belly and steak frites and a la carte dishes such as cod loin and ricotta. Meanwhile, neighbouring specialist wine shop R & H Fine Wines supply a selection of wines.

Speaking of their five year anniversary, co-owner Lucas Castro Pires said: “Five years ago we opened on a hidden city centre backstreet and when you’re not on the high street with natural footfall, you have to work extra hard to get a name for yourself. People weren’t going to just come to us.

"To open seven days a week when you’re hidden away from the rest of the city centre is going against the odds, but fortunately our quality has shone through. Once people come here for the first time they most usually return and tell others about us — it feels great to still be here after five years.”

One diner recently said: “This little restaurant offers beautifully cooked dishes accompanied with fine wine. We tried cauliflower steak, pan-fried cod, pork belly and chicken. All elements on the plate tasted amazing. It was a culinary experience. The staff were attentive and friendly. I would highly recommend and visit again.”

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