Lunch at Host Liverpool...

Anyone who knows me is well aware how much I love going out for lunch. It is one of my favourite things to do as there is something slightly decadent about heading to a nice restaurant in the middle of the day. I adore Chinese and Japanese food, so I was pleased yesterday to get the opportunity to try a restaurant praised for its Pan-Asian fusion style of food with a menu which includes tantalising small plates and a ‘chop chop’ lunchtime express menu featuring large plates for just £7, a selection of healthy juices and cocktails.

Located in an area brimming with great restaurants, Host is nestled on the corner of Hope Street in the Georgian Quarter of Liverpool.

I have heard a lot about Host so when a lunch meeting was scheduled to take place there I was eager to try it out for the first time. The first thing which struck me about Host was how cool and contemporary it feels, with a large open space flooded with natural light, colourful tables and a stylish curved bar area.
I was so busy talking that it took ages before I even so much as glanced at the menu, but when I finally gave my voice a rest (!) and got around to reading the menu I was spoiled for choice. Small plates of crispy chilli chicken, tempura vegetables and butternut squash and pine nut gyoza all caught my eye, as did the delicious sounding main of stuffed mango chicken with Kung Po sauce and peanuts.

Despite this tempting choice, when I see chicken katsu curry on the menu anywhere I simply have to order it, so that was my selection. Meanwhile my dining companion chose a slightly modified version of the tomato and lentil curry with spinach and butternut squash. Amazing aromas filled the air and we sipped sparkling water and enjoyed the views of the stunning Georgian buildings on Hope Street, which is one of my favourite streets in Liverpool.

In no time the food arrived and my katsu was excellent with a large portion of panko breaded tender chicken in a delicate curry sauce which had a nice kick of spice at the end. The pickled vegetables added a great sharpness and the boiled rice was cooked to sticky perfection. I did not sample the tomato and lentil curry but it looked divine and it was colourful and aromatic.

I really enjoyed lunch at Host and I will definitely be back again soon to sample more of the impressive menu. My dining companion had to head off for another meeting, so I lingered on and I was made so welcome by the team who brought me coffee as I did some work for a couple of hours. 

All afternoon I watched as the busy kitchen sizzled up plenty of goodies and I had major food envy every time ‘service’ was called out! The vibe at Host is fun and fresh, the team is so friendly and the food is a perfect balance of subtle and bolder flavours. 

Thank goodness I had work to occupy me or I would definitely have ended up ordering more food!

What do you all think, do you like the idea of a Pan-Asian menu served in a bright and breezy restaurant and which of these dishes appeal to you? As always I cannot wait to hear your thoughts and thank you so much for reading this post!

Host 

31 Hope Street. 

Liverpool. 

L1 9HX

http://www.ho-st.co.uk/

Until next time,

Camille 

xo