Whisky lovers are expected to flock to Liverpool’s Blackstock Market when it opens a stunning new specialist bar this week.
The new £7million entertainment destination has attracted thousands of visitors since it opened its doors in April.
Now the second phase of the massive development is due to be launched, including its bespoke Whisky & Water bar which will serve its first drinks on Friday 28 June.
The stylish and intimate bar will boast the widest selection of whiskies outside London, with 320 different Scotch and world whiskies and bourbons including rare finds and all available by the dram.
Whisky tasting sessions will be held on site, and the venue is also offering special ‘whisky lockers’ for those who want to buy whole bottles.
Whisky & Water’s striking long wooden bar has been created using the original reception desk from the historic White Star Line ‘streaky bacon’ building on the Liverpool waterfront.
The atmospheric venue, which is open to everyone, will also host live blues and jazz music.
And adding to the allure, Whisky & Water will also feature two secret rooms which are set to open soon. The first, accessed through a hidden entrance, will transport guests back to the Prohibition era with classic cocktails and a 1920s Speakeasy ambiance. The second is a basement jazz bar perfect for ticketed jazz events and offering a cosy space to enjoy live music up close.
The brand-new bar will open Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm until midnight.
Blackstock Market is the brainchild of Hot Water’s founders Paul and Binty Blair. It houses four theatre spaces of varying sizes from a purpose built, and first to open, state of the art 590-seat auditorium – the largest regular comedy club space in Europe – to a 50-seat studio space, along with podcast studios, with the venue the new home for Hot Water and the city’s legion of comedy fans.
It is open six days a week (apart from Tuesday), with no need to book to access the main market areas and most attractions, and free live music on site daily.
Children’s comedy shows are another new addition to Blackstock’s busy programme, with the family friendly Sunday afternoon stand up – starting on 30 June – starring top-notch funny men and women from home and abroad and suitable for young people aged six and up.
A mezzanine space seating more than 200 people and overlooking the venue’s busy food market is also being launched, while a giant rooftop terrace, the largest in Liverpool, will be accessible later this summer as part of phase 3 of the spectacular new development which will also include the opening of the remainer of the performance spaces which will host fan favourites and must-see live touring comedy shows.
Then in August Blackstock Market will open a new function room space which promises to be the perfect venue for a range of events from an intimate gathering to a grand celebration.
The versatile space can accommodate up to 150 people across three distinct areas and includes a main bar area, separate room with a stage, and a seating area on a bridge overlooking the main venue, and Blackstock Market offers full in-house catering and a fully stocked bar.
Meanwhile a self-service beer wall opposite Blackstock Market’s main bar and operated by contactless payment offers a selection of the very best craft beers from Liverpool breweries.
In a commitment to supporting the local community, Blackstock Market also sources its hot drinks from local suppliers Monkey Board Coffee and the Liverpool Tea Warehouse.
Adding to its unique charm, Blackstock Market also has whimsical features like a breathtaking waterfall, striking solid steel tree, and real Mini Coopers suspended upside down from its roof.
With various spaces available for hire, and with high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the site, the venue offers a backdrop for an array of events, from weddings and corporate events to art exhibitions and music festivals, ensuring an unforgettable experience for any gathering.
It is also dog-friendly and provides free on-street parking, making it a seamless addition to Liverpool’s cultural and community life.
Paul Blair says: “We’ve been astounded by the amazing response since Blackstock Market opened in April – thousands of people have visited the venue to enjoy fantastic comedy and our brilliant food and drink offer.
“Now we’re very excited to reveal phase two of our plans with the launch of Whisky & Water which we know will be an amazing addition not just to Blackstock Market but to Liverpool’s hospitality sector too.
“The bar will offer an unparalleled selection of whiskies from Scotland and the rest of the world with something to suit everyone, from firm favourites to some fantastic rare finds for whisky connoisseurs to enjoy. And with a programme of live jazz and blues adding to the atmosphere we expect it to be a hugely popular part of Blackstock Market.
“We also can’t wait to share our other new attractions with people, including our Sunday afternoon family-friendly children’s comedy shows and the opening of the mezzanine and rooftop terrace which will take our offer to a whole new level – literally!”
Visit blackstockmarket.co.uk
