Cash to rebuild after riots, ￡100m to build a new train station and Merseyside's Michelin Guide restaurants

By Katie Westwood

Hello,?

Liverpool Daily Post Editor Dan Haygarth is still away, so you’ve got me, Katie Westwood, in the hot seat today.?

In today’s edition of the Liverpool Daily Post, Local Democracy Reporter David Humphreys reports that Liverpool Council will receive over half a million pounds from the government following last month’s riots in the city. Liverpool will be one of the first beneficiaries of the government’s newly established community recovery fund, and will receive ￡600,000. The support package can be used to partner with communities to best support the recovery, including helping high streets, and initiatives to strengthen community cohesion.

David also looks at plans for a major new Merseyrail station in Liverpool. A ￡96m package is set to be signed off to fund a new Liverpool Baltic Merseyrail station. Redevelopment of the long unused stop on the edge of the city centre was announced in 2022. According to David, it looks likely the station will be open by the end of 2027, should plans be approved. Plans for Liverpool Baltic include step-free access from the street to the train, passenger waiting facilities, accessible toilets, secure cycle parking, and improved links to the area’s walking and cycling networks.

Finally, if you’re looking for somewhere to head out for a bite to eat this weekend, look no further. ECHO reporter and trained chef Conaill Corner has written a handy overview of all seven Merseyside restaurants to have made this year’s Michelin Guide. While Conaill laments the fact that no Merseyside restaurants have been awarded a coveted Michelin star, his list includes a number of very highly rated venues, and I for one will be looking to sample their delights over the next few months.?

Thanks for reading, and have a great weekend.?

Liverpool receives ￡600k government cash to rebuild after summer riots

Liverpool Council is to receive more than half a million pounds in recovery funds after the riots seen in Walton last month. The government has confirmed as part of its newly established community recovery fund, the city will be one of the first beneficiaries following the disorder in August.

Following the tragic killing of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Da Silva Aguiar, nine, at a Taylor Swift themed dance club in July, tempers flared across Merseyside and throughout the country, with hundreds of people taking to the streets outside a mosque, then onto County Road where the Liverpool Council-run Spellow Hub was damaged significantly. ?

The library, which had only reopened in March last year, was targeted as bins were set alight and shops were looted. It left a vital community asset in one of the country’s most deprived communities out of action with no date for reopening in sight yet. ?

In a letter to Andrew Lewis, chief executive of Liverpool Council, deputy prime minister Angela Rayner confirmed the city would receive ￡600,000. The support package can be used to partner with communities to best support the recovery, including helping high streets, and initiatives to strengthen community cohesion. ?

Ms Rayner wrote: “I would like to thank you for your work and tireless dedication during this difficult period - local authorities have been at the forefront of the response and there have been many examples of communities coming together, proving that we are much stronger than the minority whose senseless violence and intimidation has caused such damage. I have established a new Communities and Recovery Steering Group, which met for the first time on September 11.?

“Recognising the significant costs already incurred by places, the Group has agreed to launch the Community Recovery Fund to support those communities most significantly impacted. This is an exceptional fund being provided because of the widespread nature and extent of disorder, as well as the significant repercussions the unrest has had on communities and religious groups.”

Cllr Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool Council, said: “I very much welcome this announcement of funding from the Government. We are absolutely determined to do all we can to improve life for deprived communities in our city.

“We are committed to ensuring that we build back better from the events of August, including making sure that Spellow Library and Hub is absolutely at the heart of providing opportunities and support for local residents in the area. We are looking forward to constructive discussions with the government about further support to tackle some of the deep-seated social problems that years of austerity have helped ferment.” Read more

Liverpool Baltic station update as ￡96m to be signed off to fund plans

A package of almost ￡100m is to be signed off to fund the construction of the new Liverpool Baltic Merseyrail station. Members of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority will be asked to approve the cash injection when they meet next week.?

Redevelopment of the long unused stop on the edge of the city centre was announced in 2022 with Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram aiming to get passengers on track by 2027. It is now thought the station, which will be located on the northern line, will be opened closer to the end of that year. ?

Should the ￡96m funding package be agreed by leaders next Friday, a formal planning application could be submitted to Liverpool Council next month. Pending approvals from the Department for Transport, construction will begin next year.

Mr Rotheram said: “I’ve always said that a world-class transport network is key to unlocking the full potential of our region – and that’s exactly what we’re building. This new station at Liverpool Baltic is just another step on the journey towards making our Merseyrail system bigger, better, and more accessible for everyone.

“People here are passionate about their communities, and I’m really proud to see the overwhelming support this project has seen, which reflects just how much of a difference it’s going to make. It’s about more than just getting from A to B – it’s about connecting people with jobs, education, and each other while cutting down on car journeys to help us hit our net-zero targets. </br></br>?

“We’re investing nearly ￡100 million into a station that’s going to change the face of one of the coolest, most vibrant areas in the country – and we’re not stopping there. We’ve got plans for three more stations in Daresbury, Woodchurch, and Carr Mill.”

The investment will fund the new station, alongside improvements to active travel and surrounding public spaces, following significant support from a public consultation. Plans for Liverpool Baltic include step-free access from the street to the train, passenger waiting facilities, accessible toilets, secure cycle parking, and improved links to the area’s walking and cycling networks.

These enhancements aim to encourage more people to choose public transport, supporting the region’s climate goals. The ￡96 million required for the station will come from the ￡710 million City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), dedicated to major transport projects across the city region. Read more

All seven Michelin Guide restaurants in Merseyside

The prestigious Michelin star has eluded Liverpool's restaurant scene ever since the Michelin Guide was established. In fact, Merseyside has only ever had one star, awarded to Huyton-born chef Marc Wilkinson's Fraiche in Oxton, which sadly closed its doors last year.

The nearby Lancashire village of Aughton has become known as the Michelin capital of Britain, with four stars shared between three restaurants: Moor Hall, The Barn at Moor Hall and Solo. But alas, while the town has a Liverpool postcode, it isn't part of the same county.

The Michelin Guide is the most trusted restaurant guide in the world, operating in over 30 territories across three continents. Restaurants featured are usually a level above others in terms of the dining experience they offer.

There are seven Merseyside restaurants in the Michelin Guide currently, despite none being awarded a star. Here's a list of all the venues.

NORD

NORD made it into the prestigious Michelin Guide after only opening in March 2023. Since opening in The Plaza on Old Hall Street, the restaurant has gone on to win multiple awards, including being named one of the best in the country by Condé Nast Traveller. ?

It is led by executive chef Daniel Heffy, from Liverpool, who is known for having worked in Michelin star restaurants across the world, including in Stockholm. The restaurant's culinary style is described as "Travelled British" as it pays homage to local traditions while incorporating global influences inspired by Chef Daniel's travels.

The guide praised the "variety" on offer at NORD, which includes a mix of "international influences." The interior was also described as "modern décor with an almost futuristic edge", by Michelin guide reviewers.

Many of the ingredients on Nord's menu are locally sourced, including fish from Ward's in Birkenhead, meat from Edge and Sons Butchers in the Wirral and ingredients from the Growing @ Field 28 in Warrington.

The seasonal à la carte menu includes dishes such as beef tartare with tallow emulsion, macadamia and pickled cucumber, as well as fazzoletti pasta, green asparagus, walnut cream and confit egg yolk. Desserts include table chocolate and malt mille-feuille, and gooseberry and almond tart with chantilly cream.

The Michelin Guide entry for the restaurant itself reads: "Located in the heart of the city, this spacious restaurant sports modern décor with an almost futuristic edge thanks to the pod-like booth seating. The menu offers plenty of variety, with a mix of international influences resulting in dishes ranging from tandoori beetroot to cod Kiev and asparagus tagliatelle to a traditional Sunday roast.

"It’s all carefully executed by the kitchen and doesn’t lack for flavour thanks to judicious seasoning. The cheery and chatty service team add to the appeal."

Bistrot Verite

Bistrot Vérité was opened in Birkdale Village in 2009 by Marc & Michaela Vérité, serving French and international-inspired dishes. It is now run by Marc and Michaela's sons head chef Jacques Vérité and Maitre’d Charlie Vérité.

The place has been modelled on a traditional French bistro and serves dishes such as seared scallops with leeks, seafood bisque and rouille, as well as roasted Creedy Carver duck breast and confit leg with black cherry and port sauce. Desserts include creme brulee and Eton mess.

The Michelin Guide describes the restaurant as: "A friendly, bustling neighbourhood bistro, serving gutsy French dishes with a classic base, punchy flavours and the occasional international touch. It’s a family affair with mum Michaela, dad Marc and their sons all involved, either in the kitchen or front of house. Pop into their next-door bar, Petite Vérité, for pre or post-dinner drinks."

Revered Michelin starred chef, Marcus Wareing named Bistrot Vérité as one of his five favourite restaurants in the country when speaking to to Conde Nast Traveller. Marcus, who is originally from Southport, said: "Bistro Vérité is a bistro in Southport, started by Marc and Michaela Vérité, who I went to catering college with. When we left school I moved to London. He went to a country house hotel and then stayed back in Southport. It’s the most fabulous French bistro in Birkdale village; it’s warm and friendly and serves beautifully cooked food in a town not recognised for food.

"It’s very much a local favourite for those who want a family-run offering of unpretentious but utterly delicious food. I go just because of him whenever I’m home. I actually don’t order anything when I go. I just sit and get what I’m given.

"The food is as local as they can get it but with a Gallic theme. So, you’ll find things like Southport shrimps and Cumbrae oysters on the menu alongside classics like crispy frogs’ legs and escargot."

Follow the link below to read about the other five restaurants on Conaill’s list.Follow the link below to read about the other five restaurants on Conaill’s list.? Read more

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