I went to the new bar in Liverpool that isn't like anywhere else in the city
Gloria's bar, on Back Berry Street, is the latest outpost of DGB Hospitality's rapidly growing portfolio of bars and restaurants across Merseyside - best known for Motel, Petit Café and Pogue Mahone's. The bar is a modern tribute to the 'bygone era of disco' - and I can't think of a place like it.
Gloria's opened on Friday, September 27, and has already been a huge success. Formerly MOJO's bar, which was known for its lively, rock and roll themed environment, the building has been transformed into a 70s themed disco wonderland, adorned with striking colours, neon lights and disco balls hanging above the dancefloor. It truly fulfils its aim to be the "hotspot of all things disco and pop".
Though some bars might do a disco night every now and then, Gloria’s is a brilliant option for whenever you feel like a groovy disco night out. Everything from the bright pink floor to the disco music made me feel like I had stumbled into another decade.
READ MORE: Jamie Webster thanks fans as he teases 'special announcement'
READ MORE: Warning against trend causing ‘irreversible’ damage to your teeth
At the bar – which is lit up – is a big range of cocktails costing £10.50 to £12. Each cocktail is a classic with a twist, including Blueberry Cosmo, Clover Fizz (a sour raspberry take on the classic alcoholic drink) and Appletini - a martini with a sweet apple twist and a hint of vanilla. All of the drinks I tried were nicely balanced - strong with a sweet aftertaste.
My favourite was the Coconut and Caramel Espresso Martini - perfectly smooth and creamy with all the flavours you'd expect of an espresso martini, sweetened by the taste of coconut and caramel. Even non-coffee drinkers would like this cocktail.
It's definitely worth arriving early enough to secure a booth. The place really started to fill up after 10.30pm, and a live band - The Talented Gloria's House Band - started shortly after.
The band sang fabulous renditions of 70s and 80s music, including Gloria Gaynor's 'I Will Survive' and 'Teardrops' by Womack & Womack. There was a real positive vibe about the place - everyone was up dancing and having a good time. The expansive cocktail and shot menu may have been to thank for that.
DGB Hospitality told the ECHO that the nightlife scene in Liverpool has been missing a dedicated Disco hotspot. A spokesperson for DGB said: “There was a lot of buzz on local social media about a clear gap in the city’s nightlife for a Disco venue.
"When the site became available after MOJO’s closure, we knew it was the perfect chance to fill that need and bring something fresh to this side of the city centre. The demand for table bookings has been fantastic, and we’re excited to officially launch them soon.
"Our opening weekend exceeded all expectations, with queues forming right from the start. It was a proud moment for the whole team. We’ve got some exciting plans ahead, especially for Halloween and our December events, and we can’t wait to reveal more details soon!”
Gloria's, The Stables, Back Berry St, Liverpool, L1 4LG. Every Wednesday and Thursday from 7pm until late. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5pm until 5am.