The Marram Grass team bring their award-winning food back to the city

TAKING inspiration from their Scouse heritage and restaurateur roots in North Wales, the Barrie brothers have announced the name of their much anticipated Albert Dock venture, which has been in the pipeline for well over a year. With a nod to the influence both settings have had on their careers, Lerpwl is Welsh for Liverpool.

Its interior will reflect the area’s industrial heritage, while its newly revealed logo is inspired by the waterfront location

Pronounced ‘ler-pool’, the 65-cover restaurant is due to open in spring 2020, and Liam Barrie has said on Twitter that he and younger brother Ellis are “excited that the word is out”. It’s going to be a busy year for the pair – Ellis, who’s appeared on The Great British Menu twice, is also lined up to appear on the new series of Ready Steady Cook when it returns to the BBC.

Marram Grass Brothers
Liam and Ellis Barrie near the site of Lerpwl

Both holding Acorn Awards, the brothers opened their first restaurant, the Marram Grass, on Anglesey in 2009, and are now fulfilling their ambition to return to their home city, where Ellis has previously worked at the likes of Panorama 34. Lerpwl is currently being fitted out in the Britannia Pavilion at the Royal Albert Dock, part of Liverpool’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its interior will reflect the area’s industrial heritage, while its newly revealed logo is inspired by the waterfront location.  

Ellis said: “Lerpwl is all about the trade links Liverpool has had with the rest of the world… yes we’ll be using Welsh produce but we’ll be looking around the world to complement our Welsh ingredients. For example we can’t wait to smother our home-grown aged swine with Italian white truffle… I already know it will taste amazing!”  

The restaurant will accommodate 45 guests seated downstairs, while upstairs an exclusive private dining experience complete with its own kitchen is available for up to 20. Lerpwl will also feature a bar – described as ‘impressive’ – for pre-dinner cocktails while a mezzanine level will incorporate a DJ booth, providing an eclectic soundtrack on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

Keep an eye on progress here.