Barnacle Restaurant & Bar Opens This Autumn in Liverpool
Liverpool’s culinary scene is set to welcome an exciting new addition this autumn with the launch of Barnacle Restaurant & Bar, the gastronomic brasserie from Harry and Paul Askew. Following its debut in Duke Street Market in 2021 and a street food pop-up at Albert Dock, this marks the first time Barnacle will operate as a standalone restaurant, located in the city’s historic Georgian Quarter on Hardman Street.
The bar and lobby will softly open on the weekend of 27 September, ahead of the grand opening of the full restaurant and ground-floor space in October. Housed in the Grade II listed former School for the Blind, Barnacle occupies a building steeped in history, previously home to The Florist and more recently Hardman Studios.
Barnacle will continue its ethos of celebrating local produce, working closely with Merseyside artisans, farmers, and producers such as Wards Fish, Almonds Fruit and Vegetables, and sourcing rare breed meats from The Wirral and North Wales. Under the guidance of head chef Kieran Gill and Paul Askew, the restaurant will present menus inspired by seasonal changes and Liverpool’s rich culinary heritage, telling the story of “field to fork” while highlighting the city’s maritime history.
Restaurant Director Harry Askew shared his excitement about the new venue: “We really feel Barnacle has now found its true home in a unique building which offers several spaces to dine, drink and socialise in.”
The design of Barnacle reflects Liverpool’s history as a port city, with a lobby in soothing gold, azure, and tan tones, open brickwork, and hexagonal tiling. The bar offers a social hub with a zinc-topped counter, craft wines, cocktails, spirits, and draft beers, alongside a cosy “secret snug” for more intimate gatherings. The main dining area features two-toned walls, maritime artwork, rope ceiling detailing, and storytelling touches throughout, with artwork, floral installations, and plants enhancing the overall atmosphere.
Chef Patron Paul Askew, owner of The Art School, draws inspiration from his family heritage, particularly his father Captain Barnacle Bill Askew, whose travels around the world inspired Paul’s culinary journey. “Barnacles on the hulls of great ships symbolise how knowledge and flavours from around the world arrived in Liverpool,” he explains. “At Barnacle, we will proudly tell the story of the city’s food and cultural odyssey through its maritime history.”
Harry adds: “We can finally realise our true vision for Barnacle, opening in a beautiful city-centre setting that’s completely our own, curating our version of modern gastronomy. It’s the right time to bring Barnacle back to Liverpool in true form and be part of its thriving culinary scene.”
Barnacle Restaurant & Bar will be located at 24 Hardman Street, Liverpool, L1 9AX. For more information and bookings, visit barnacleliverpool.co.uk or follow @barnacleliverpool on Instagram.
