Yesterday we attended the grand opening for the new Grand Central Food Bazaar, located in the former Quiggans on Renshaw Street. This independent outfit is taking Liverpool’s newfound love for food markets and providing us with a fine dining twist.
We came for the free prosecco, we stayed for the scran.
Immediately when we walked in we noticed a startling difference. No longer filled with goths, overly ironic t-shirt slogans or a choking smell of incense (as Quiggans was famous for), we entered a vibrant food market where so much was going on we got a repetitive strain injury from moving our heads around so much.
As someone who used to frequent the spot more than they’d like to admit in their blunder years, the building holds a special place in my heart.
The architecture of the place is something a bit different, full of bizarre yet beautiful twisting metalwork railings, where design can’t quite seem to be figure out whether it wants to be dark and gloomy or upbeat and bursting with colour – but it works.
No two glances in a direction appear the same – a location overflowing with character that would rival Camden Market in terms of kookiness.
The Grand Central Food Bazaar plays host to twelve independent food traders who will all be based at the location on a permanent basis, unlike vendors at the Baltic Market who are frequently rotated. These stalls include: Pintxo, Funky Lemon, IZAKAYA, Picnic, Fire’n’za, BARNA, You’ve Pulled, The Workshop, Little Macaron Shop, Caffe Cream and a dainty little oyster bar.
We visited three of these stalls and, boy oh boy, did we enjoy them.
First up was…
Caffe Cream
Yesterday was hot. Hot as balls. So, imagine the look on our faces when we walk into the market and see, like a mirage in the hot Liverpool desert, a gourmet ice cream stall. This was Caffe Cream.
Specialists in dessert, Caffe Cream produce all kinds of wonderful ice creams and cakes that are freshly made and locally sourced. Traditional gelato that boasts taste as great as it looks.
Like two kids looking up at the menu of the ice cream van spoiled for choice, we opted for a three-scoop solution: cherry amaretto, honeycomb and cookies and cream. This served in a massive wafer, finished with a raspberry sauce and sprinkled with bits of oreo, fudge and marshmallows.
After devouring, we spent a solid five minutes of total silence. Sitting. Wondering. Is a diet of Caffe Cream ice cream feasible? Probably not. Could it be the solution to bring world peace? Quite possibly.
Put simply, this is very good ice cream. You need to try some. Especially on a hot day.
You can find Caffe Cream on their website or social channels: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Next on the list was…
Picnic
I make absolutely no bones about being a meat eater, but when I spotted Picnic in the corner of my eye, I was intrigued.
A healthy vegetarian and vegan food stall, every person I saw walking away from the counter with food had a massive smile on their face and a gorgeous plate of food in their hands. So obviously, as a committed follower of crowds, I followed suit.
We ordered the Chickpea and Red Pepper Salad, not before I managed to call it a chicken and red pepper salad and make a complete tit of myself. Thankfully, the staff saw the funny side of it and didn’t think I was being one of those ‘I’LL HAVE A STEAK PLEASE’ people.
I’m not usually a massive eater of salad (insert fat joke here), but as I’ve said it was hot and I was there to try new things.
I was completely taken aback by just how fresh and delicious this plate actually was. The balsamic and tahini dressing was delightful and the chickpeas had been seasoned with honey and paprika to give the whole dish a bit of zing. I’ve never said zing in my life, but this plate of food certainly had it.
Usually when I try vegetarian food, I’m left wanting for that something missing. I usually assume that thing is meat, but now I’ve changed my mind. The food at Picnic was the full package and I’d recommend it to anyone – plant based or otherwise! You can find Picnic on their social channels here: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
And last but by no means least we tried…
Fire’n’za
After an experience of trying something new, we absolutely reverted to type and got ourselves down to Fire’n’za for some pizzary goodness.
With some authentic Italian stone baked pizza, Fire’n’za are a welcome addition to Grand Central Bazaar for anyone who wants to keep it plain and simple with the holy trinity of ingredients: bread, homemade tomato sauce and cheese.
We tried the Pepperoni on for size and it most certainly did not disappoint. I’ve tried pizza from across the continents, some at fancy restaurants others at 4am holiday hole-in-the-walls, and I can indeed confirm that Fir’n’za’s pizza matches up to the best.
As it came out the oven they drizzled it with oil and threw some fresh basil on top for good measure. ‘Nice touch,’ I thought, as I slobbered all over myself.
The base was perfect in that tried and tested New York style of not too soft so it will flop everywhere, but not too hard as to be chewing on a piece of cardboard. Our favourite part, though, was the cheese. Authentic mozzarella that tingles your taste buds and provides that perfect cheese stretch that we all know and love.
Fire’n’za delivered a fantastic end to my evening that was already brimming with quality. You simply cannot go wrong a gourmet pizza and you’d have difficulty telling theirs apart from any genuine Italian pizzeria. You can follow them on Instagram.
Overall, I had a fantastic time. From the moment we stepped foot inside, the venue was buzzing was live music, vibrant conversation and the occasional “oh my god, you SERIOUSLY have to try this!”
I have absolutely no doubt that this will soon turn into the ‘place to be’ in the coming months, and it rightfully deserves to be. My only regret is not having the stomach capacity to try a little of everything from the twelve independent food traders, but don’t worry, I’ll be back.
Grand Central Food Bazaar Opens 30th June, you can find them on Facebook to discover more.
Check out our other Restaurants Reviews and Guides to Liverpool.
Tom is the Mens lifestyle editor here at The Daily Struggle. Interested in Mens health and fashion, theater and eats copious amounts of cheese toasties when he thinks no one is looking.
