New concept restaurant to open in Hoylake this weekend

Tasting Bar and Kitchen is Market Street’s latest addition to the vibrant community of independent bars and restaurants in the Wirral hotspot of Hoylake.

Owners Amanda Craggs and Gill Miller have created the new 40-seater restaurant out of a labour of love since picking up the keys to the property seven weeks ago and many years in the planning.

The pair, who both have an impressive history in the hospitality industry have been friends for two decades and decided to take the plunge into their own venture following the second lockdown.

“We have always spoken about opening our own restaurant and like most things, we always probably just thought it would be a dream. But after Covid we decided that life is too short and just to go for it!” Said Amanda, who lives in nearby West Kirby.

“We have literally been in the venue every single day sanding, painting, you name it – it really has been a hands-on job but we are so unbelievably proud of what we have achieved in such a short time,” added Gill, from Neston.

With the support of a highly skilled local chef, Gill and Amanda have designed a new tasting concept offering tasting plates centred around the flavours of three places. The first three culinary destinations are Mexico, Greece and Indonesia, this will change bi-monthly, introducing new places and flavours every two months.

Gill, former Operations Manager now turned restaurant owner, said, “Each place will have a selection of tasting dishes with recommended wine flights, gins and cocktails to accompany the dishes, so guests can taste one country or a selection from each – hence the name Tasting Bar and Kitchen!

“The idea came from myself and Amanda travelling together, a love of great food and wine, we love having small plates to share over wine and cocktails.”

As well as gin boards and wine boards to enable guests to explore new tastes and flavours, the drinks menu will include classic cocktails as well as Gill and Amanda’s own “taste specials”.

Amanda added, “We selected Hoylake as it’s a hub of independent bars and restaurants and we wanted to be a part of that. We can’t wait to welcome guests this weekend (Friday June 25 from 5pm) – we’ve already had bookings which is very exciting!”

The restaurant features a conservatory with bi-fold windows, and a small number of outdoor tables. The pair chose a green and cream palate with accents of oak and industrial touches which they hope will bring a new style design look to Hoylake. 

Tasting Bar and Kitchen will be open 5 days a week Tuesday – Saturday 10am-11pm, serving coffee and light breakfast and lunch, with a full tasting plates menu from 5pm. 

Whether it is for dinner or drinks and nibbles, tables can be booked in the website www.tastingbarandkitchen.co.uk  and walk-ins are also welcome on a first-come first-served basis.

Image: Friends Amanda Craggs and Gill Miller have joined forces to create a new concept restaurant in Hoylake, Wirral.