People 'can't wait to prop up bar' as The Ivy set to open in Liverpool

People are thrilled after plans for celebrity hotspot The Ivy to open in Liverpool were announced.

A planning application has been put forward by Troia (UK) Restaurants Ltd to bring The Ivy brand to the city at the former Bank of England site on Castle Street. The Ivy already boasts two North West locations in Manchester including a themed level - The Ivy Asia.

The restaurant is famed for its decadent luxury interiors, contemporary graphics and vibrant maximalist styling. Diners can choose from an A La Carte menu featuring classics like steak and lobster linguine, or something more exotic with a monkfish curry, or enjoy an extensive list of cocktails.

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Plans to convert the former bank were signed off by Liverpool Council’s planning committee last August with speculation rife over who would take over the location. The proposals are bringing the site back to life after it has been vacant for the best part of two decades.

News of The Ivy's arrival has gone down a storm with people who can't wait to call in. Sharing their excitement online, ECHO reader Smooth_Surround1450 said: "Great news and it’s good to see we’re continuing to attract premium hospitality brands to Liverpool."

Yvonne Caffrey said: "Love the ivy and food isn’t teeny portions at least not the York one or Covent garden. It was really good in both. I’ll be there." Bill Elms said: "Great news and long overdue, a perfect location too." Tagging a pal, Denise Bowden added: "We will have to go."

Julia Ross said: "Fab location and beautiful building." Chris Wagg said: "Excellent news. Perfect building and location. Can't wait to be proving up the bar." And Maria Mcshane said: "Can’t wait to go about time Liverpool had one I will be there."

Others are happy the city's historic buildings are receiving a new lease on life. Kensington62 said: "Great news the building is another jewel on Castle Street."

Louise Rooney added: "Good to see this building is now being used. I remember going inside this in the 80s. Castle Street is a great bustling area now for restaurants and bars." David Cardwell agreed: "Lovely to hear it is going to become relevant once again as a going concern……it’s been out of use for far too long."

The basement level is to provide further kitchens and storage, while the first floor is to be used for storage, customer toilets and staff break and changing spaces. Second and third floors are to remain unused, and the rear enclosed bullion yard is also to be converted to a restaurant/bar.

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