Dad fulfils dream by turning former Pizza Express into restaurant town 'needs'
A dad-of-three has realised his long-held ambition to launch a restaurant at a beloved building in his home town.
The iconic Old Bank, on Lord Street in the heart of the Southport, has previously been home to Pizza Express and Ask Italian eateries. After being vacant for several months, the property was put up for sale, catching the attention of Adam Halstead who felt compelled to venture into the business.
The 35-year-old took the plunge after seeing the listing, embarking on his journey to create 'something slightly upmarket'. He secured the premises in February last year and by August, he was starting to make his vision a reality by turning it into a plush bar, launching it as Gemini Lounge on December 1.
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Following a bustling Christmas period, Adam temporarily shut the doors in March to focus on kitchen renovations. Now, he's gearing up for the grand unveiling of an elegant restaurant.
He told the ECHO: "The plan was to always open as a restaurant. I've lived in Southport my whole life, I've seen this building and always wanted it to be something nice.
"It was Ask Italian and then Pizza Express and I just wanted it to be something that would do the building justice. I just feel like it needs to be something proper, something nice.
"It needs to be something slightly upmarket and I think there is a gap in the market for a restaurant like this."
Opening next Friday, October 18, the town centre restaurant will serve delicacies from around the world, from fish and chips, to wagyu burgers, to sushi, the restaurant aims to please the taste buds of anyone who works through the doors. After a successful launch as a bar, Adam aims to now reinvent it as a restaurant.
Asked about the challenges facing businesses in Southport following the tragedy in the town this summer, and the industry's slow recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic, Adam was far from discouraged. He continued: "This is an idea I have had for a couple of years. I first viewed this place in February 2023.
"After Covid, I think that affected a lot of people and businesses but it's just a vision I've had for a long time in this building. I've lived in the town my whole life, I've seen this building and always loved.
"I've always thought this building needs to be something nice inside, basically whatever inside needs to match the grand exterior."
Mark's investment into the town, coming from a manufacturing background and never owning a hospitality venue before, matches the aspirations of other business owners in the town. The ECHO previously reported how hospitality boss Andrew Mikhail, owner of several bars, restaurants and hotels, and Norman Wallis, owner of Southport Pleasureland, are continuing their drive for more in Southport.