Delifonseca has opened the doors of its Dockside extension to ensure it remains one of Merseyside’s most innovative dining ventures.
As a long-standing venue and pioneer of Liverpool’s food and drink scene, Delifonseca’s new 100-seated capacity space has more than doubled the covers of its existing restaurant with the addition of a bar and al fresco dining area following a six-figure sum investment.
The innovative structure was designed by local firm DK-Architects, who were appointed to create an extension that delivered drama with natural lighting for daytime dining and a covered, south facing outdoor area. The architecturally impressive building now incorporates a striking roof shape, deep overhang and large roof lights.
Inside, a bespoke bar facilitates an all-new seasonal cocktail menu accompanied by design features such as booth seating and a tailor-made vestibule inspired by a traditional potting shed in homage to the restaurant’s commitment to home-grown produce.
Proprietor of Delifonseca Candice Fonseca said: “We are excited to finally share our extension with the public and showcase what we have been working on tirelessly since the springtime. The introduction of the bar allows us to hugely expand our drinks offering with cocktails and draft beer now on the menu, both of which can be enjoyed in our lounge area, allowing guests to relax with a tipple or two before or after dining. The new kitchens have also given our chefs the space and equipment to really flex their creative muscles so customers will see new dishes alongside our ‘deli classics’.
“We have worked with a fantastic team of local suppliers and traders to fit out the new restaurant and have achieved a great look, working with R2 Architecture to create an interior that remains in keeping with our existing restaurant but with a modern twist. By combining copper furnishings with velvet seating, innovative planting both inside and out and an earthy colour palette of purples and greens we’ve been able to provide a sophisticated setting that stays true to our original brand.”
The site now has a spacious, well-equipped kitchen to provide Delifonseca’s chefs a much-improved workspace with additional capacity to train apprentices looking to embark on a career in hospitality. The new state-of-the-art facilities will also support the restaurant’s growing outside catering business which has enjoyed its busiest summer to date.
Candice added: “Despite these times of economic uncertainty, we felt confident that we should stick with our vision and we’ve continued to invest in the business to ensure that we are fighting fit for the future. We now have a restaurant setting that does our fabulous food justice and gives our customers a more comfortable place to while away an afternoon or evening. The expanded kitchen, offices and overall working environment mean that we can be efficient in a myriad of unseen ways from increasing the sizes of chef’s batches to receiving deliveries. This is particularly important for our events catering arm that sees us provide food and drink for the likes of weddings, conferences and meetings across Liverpool.
“As part of plans to develop the North West’s hospitality workforce, we’re also looking to recruit a further 10 members to the team before the end of the year across a number of roles including front of house, kitchen, bar and outside catering staff. We can’t wait to extend our Delifonseca family and support the next generation in their careers. Following the grand opening, we hope to impart some of our own foodie knowledge to ignite a real passion for all things food and drink among our team, our customers and our city.”
Delifonseca’s new dining space will initially operate from midday onwards serving dishes from its blackboard menu with plans to extend its service to include weekend breakfast in the coming months.
The existing restaurant will become known as the ‘Brunch Room’ and will have an expanded breakfast menu that is served until mid-afternoon throughout the week.
Delifonseca Dockside
Brunswick Dock
Liverpool
L3 4BN
(Sat Nav use L8 5SN)
Opening Hours:
Mon-Thurs: 8am – 9pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 9:30pm
Sun: 9:30am – 5pm
Paul Knowles 35 CEO and Founder of Liverpool Fitness Magazine, Liverpool Fitness Week & Liverpool Fitness Awards.
