What's Cooking? takes on restaurant at Liverpool hotel

Liverpool restaurant What's Cooking? has invested a six-figure sum to take over the food and beverage operation within boutique hotel 62 Castle Street.

The new venue will be called What's At Sixty Two? and the deal will see the conversion of a 5,000 sq ft space into a new bar and restaurant.

The move, which is expected to create 50 new jobs, follows a deal with the operator of the Grade II-listed hotel, Centre Island.

Richard Eastwood of R2 Architecture, based on Rodney Street, has been appointed to design the bar and restaurant spaces.

Guy Lawrenson, owner of What's Cooking?, said: "This is an exciting new chapter for the What's Cooking? brand, and in the evolution of this fantastic building in the heart of Castle Street. In recent years Castle Street has grown to become a vibrant hub for restaurants and bars, and is perfectly situated between the Commercial District and the popular Liverpool ONE. What's At Sixty Two? will blend perfectly into this vibrant mix, offering a flavour of the Deep South in a space that is dynamic to match any mood."

Elaine Nelson, general manager at 62 Castle St, said: "We are delighted to welcome What's at Sixty Two? to the hotel. This is a fantastic addition to the hotel's facilities and will offer a great restaurant and bar experience to our guests.

"What's Cooking? is a well-recognised brand with a loyal, local following and this addition to the hotel will further enhance the profile of 62 Castle St within the Liverpool market place."

Lawrenson has opened and operated a number of restaurants across the North West, including Moules a go-go in Chester. What's Cooking? traded at Albert Dock from 1985-1994. It re-opened at Albert Dock in Capital of Culture year, 2008.