Liam and Ellis Barrie's Lerpwl restaurant has announced it will close with immediate effect

Alex South

Editor

Liam and Ellis Barrie’s Liverpool restaurant Lerpwl has announced it will be closing its doors with immediate effect.

A statement on the restaurant’s website explained Lerpwl would be closing following the unprecedented challenges of Covid, spiralling costs, and the ongoing cost of living crisis.

The statement read: “Opening Lerpwl in 2020 and facing Covid and the subsequent Post Covid trading environment has been an unprecedented challenge. The resulting administrative burden has overshadowed our attempts to re-emerge and establish the foundations for the business as hoped.”

It added: “Unfortunately the slow recovery has been shattered by the cost of living crisis, rising business costs and the lower than expected footfall at the Royal Albert Dock.”

Opening in 2020 by brother Liam and Ellis Barrie, Lerpwl quickly became a popular Merseyside establishment for guests and diners.

Ellis opened the restaurant just two years after competing in Great British Menu 2018, where he impressed the judges which celebrated 70 years of the National Health Service. He won the fish course with his dish Bun in the Oven.

Reflecting on the restaurant’s success, Lerpwl’s statement explained: “Despite the challenges, we are proud of the commitment and hard work from the team in making Lerpwl one of the top restaurants in Liverpool. We've had great fun and are encouraged by the passion and talent of those who have contributed in the many roles which combine to create the Lerpwl experience. We appreciate all those who have invested time and energy into the Lerpwl journey.”

It added: “We wish all the best to our fantastic customers and well-wishers who have supported us on our journey over the last three years. There will be more information made available in the coming weeks and months, once there has been time to sufficiently review the experience. Thank you for your continued support.”

Grilled by The Staff Canteen · S2 Ep40: Ellis and Liam Barrie on Lerpwl and The Marram Grass

Before opening Lerpwl in 2020, the Barrie Brothers rose to fame for their Marram Grass tin-roofed cafe and bistro in Newborough, Anglesey.

Seven years after opening, The Marram Grass quickly became considered one of Wales’ best café-bistros and is listed in the prestigious Good Food Guide.

Since then, the brothers have also had hits on national television, cooking with the late Terry Wogan and preparing mussels on the beach for presenter, Julia Bradbury.

An announcement published on the restaurant’s social media read: “We are saddened to confirm the closure of Lerpwl with immediate effect. Please visit our website for up to date information. We will share more in the coming weeks once there's been time to properly process and review.”

Thanking guests and supporters, the restaurant said: “Thank you to all who have supported us on our journey over the last three years.”

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