We finally found Oktopus Liverpool, which is actually in Hardman Place, a yard hidden behind The Florist restaurant. How atmospheric it felt at dusk with twinkly lights glowing against the dark brickwork.
Inside was very rustic with wooden tables and a large blackboard showing the craft beers on offer.
Hannah, our waitress introduced herself as she showed us to our table and brought the menu. She asked if we wanted water whilst also explaining how to choose our dishes as it is a sharing menu.
She suggested choosing three dishes and explained that the more expensive dishes were more like a main course. She brought a menu for Dina but this was just a vegetarian menu crossing out all the dishes that weren’t plant based.
THE OWNERS OF OKTOPUS LIVERPOOL AND THEIR ETHOS
Hannah, our waitress told us that the food all comes from the British Isles and is as locally sourced as possible, serving food that is in season. She also informed us that the restaurant has been open for two years now and that she thought it was once a police station.
It is an independent restaurant owned in partnership with the Black Lodge Brewery. There are also links with the Bar next door- The Buyers Club. If one eats in Oktopus you get a 10% discount in the bar. Needless to say we ventured in there after our meal.
THE DRINKS
We ordered our drinks; not a lot of choice, as this establishment seems to specialise in craft beers. Dina and Trish ordered Negronies whilst I had an elderflower juice with soda water.
OKTOPUS LIVERPOOL FOOD MENU
We all had Wild Loaf Sour Dough with oil, then Trish and I had Pop Corn Mussels, grilled sardines with peperonata and aioli and ox cheek ragu on sour dough toast with gremolata and parmesan, all of which was utterly delicious.
Dina ordered white cabbage with capers, braised chickpeas and charred tender stems. Whilst she enjoyed it there was no substantial dish, so it was like just eating side dishes.
We all agreed the sour dough was the best we had eaten. Hannah informed us later that it is made at a little artisan bakery just down the road.
THE CHATTER
There was much discussion re the outrageous situation Tricia’s sister finds herself in. She is having to move out of her flat where she has lived for 35 years for renovations to take place and has been told she may not be able to move back in.
She has to be re-homed but it could be anywhere in Merseyside. This means she could be a distance from family and friends, not a good situation to be in, particularly when we are all getting older and may need support.
Trish is going with her to see their local MP at the beginning of November – so let’s watch this space.
Whilst enjoying our meal we chatted about our aches and pains and as usual, how to save the planet. I wore bracelets and a coat from the charity shop and said my new motto is Reduce, Reuse and then Recycle which came from a TV programme.
We all agreed we enjoyed watching Money for Nothing on BBC. I have just bought a book on how to make dog treats and brought some for Dina’s dogs to sample.
Then the dreaded Brexit came up at which point we retired to the bar next door.
THE VERDICT
The drinks- overall -7
Could do with more non alcoholic choice.
The food- overall-7
Re vegan option, not enough thought given to this.
The service-9
Staff very knowledgeable.
Ambience -9
Lovely atmospheric environment.
AND FINALLY….
This restaurant is in a great setting and definitely worth a visit. The only negatives are the limited choice of drinks and the vegan menu needs improvement.
Trish, Anne and Dina are ‘Whatever The Weather Girls’; three women in our fifties on a mission to explore the restaurants and vibe of Liverpool each month – whatever the weather, whatever our circumstances.
