The Brink Liverpool

As a food writer, I am fortunate to eat out frequently but it is rare to come across a truly different concept. I was delighted then, to be invited to visit The Brink in Liverpool, which is a concept I have not come across before. The Brink is a brilliant initiative which combines a restaurant, coffee shop and bar with an event space where live music, film screenings, workshops and groups are just some of the things taking place. This already sounded good to me, but The Brink is even more special because it is completely alcohol free. This creates a relaxed environment where people can come together to enjoy great conversation, activities, drinks and food created with premium seasonal ingredients.  

That is all pretty amazing to begin with, but furthermore The Brink is a recovery social enterprise which means all of its profits are channeled into supporting those recovering from alcoholism and addiction. 

We were given an amazing welcome from Michael and Richard on front of house, who had reserved a cosy table for two for us. The lofty ceiling has pretty lanterns suspended from it and there is a welcoming feel to the restaurant space with wooden furniture, posters on the wall, a large bar area with a chalk board detailing the menu and delicious cakes on display.

At a table nearby, a couple were tucking in to large plates of delicious looking fish and chips and they rounded off their meal with a game of draughts which I found so charming.

On Michael’s recommendation, we decided to start our meal with a Bollywood Sour, a delicious alcohol free cocktail which was a refreshing burst of lemon, ginger, elderflower, apple and sparkling water topped with a strawberry and ice.

Perusing the food menu, our eyes were drawn to the tantalising selection of mini plates, we were torn between options such as Goats cheese and fig samosa with red pepper jam and pan fried baby chorizo with thyme and wild flower honey reduction. After a few minutes of hot debate we finally decided on what to order.

I adore fishcakes, so I chose the hake and spring onion fishcakes with handmade tartare sauce and herb salad whilst my dining companion was drawn to the Hickory barbecue back ribs with red apple slaw. The Lebanese style hummus,  baba ghanoush and za’atar flatbread was our other choice, which we thought would be great to share.

One word, wow. When the mini plate selection arrived I was so impressed by the stunning presentation, the flowers garnishing the plate immediately spoke of a fine dining style. The fishcakes were light and crispy with a delicate flavour and the tartare sauce was the best I have ever tasted. The flatbreads were piled atop a tower of delicious olives and salad and the hummus and baba ghanoush were very flavoursome.
My dining companion was in raptures over the hickory ribs, which were smoky and tender with a divine barbecue sauce and the red apple slaw gave the dish a refreshing and sweet kick which complemented it perfectly. 

Head Chef Paul Samuel Elackman came over to chat to us and told me all about his impressive background working in several renowned kitchens and even abroad. I commented that his dishes reminded me of a fine dining style and it turns out that this is his signature style of cuisine. He is passionate about using seasonal and local ingredients and he gave me a sneak preview of his new ‘autumn almanac’ menu which looks simply sublime with specials available which show a keen eye for menu development.

On to mains and I chose the baby aubergine, chickpea and tomato curry. This delightful curry was delicately spiced with plenty of rich flavour and a little sweetness from the tomato whilst the aubergines were tender and tasty. Heaps of fragrant jasmine rice and a slice of flatbread were the ideal partners to this delicious curry.

My dining companion had chosen the tropical spiced chicken kebab with harissa mayonnaise, fruit pearl cous cous and za’atar flatbread. Again the presentation of this was stunning, with a huge chicken kebab nestled against a pillow-like flatbread surrounded by the giant fruity couscous. I helped myself to some of his dish and it was irresistible, with melt-in-the-mouth chicken which was so tender and which played perfectly against the vegetables and cous cous.

This was without doubt one of the best meals I have ever had the privilege of enjoying, the food was beautifully plated and the dishes themselves were all delicious. The Brink is a hidden gem serving amazing food made with premium ingredients for undoubtedly some of the most reasonable prices in the city. 

We shared a dessert which was the special of the day, a custard and coconut tart, which was simple and elegant with toasted coconut giving way to a layer of rich custard.

We rounded off the evening with two coffees and a lovely chat with Michael and Richard who both told me a little more about The Brink. There is something going on all the time at The Brink and I think the alcohol free concept works so well, providing a relaxed space where there is no pressure to drink. I would not hesitate to recommend The Brink to everybody, they cover everything you could possibly want from a coffee and cake to breakfast (which is conveniently served all day) and a full food and drink menu. There are so many reasons to visit, not least the amazing food, warm welcome, varied events and the cosmopolitan atmosphere. Bravo indeed to the team and thank you so much for inviting me to experience The Brink. What do you all think, do you like the idea of an alcohol free restaurant, coffee bar and event space? Which of these dishes would you like to try first? As always I cannot wait to hear your thoughts and thank you so much for reading this post!

The Brink

15 - 21 Parr Street

Liverpool

L1 4JN 

0151 703 0582

http://www.thebrinkliverpool.com/

Until next time,

Camille 

xo

*Disclaimer 

I was kindly invited to experience The Brink, the meal was complimentary for review purposes. All opinions expressed herein are my own and honest.