The Merchant and Nightcrawler Pizza launch...

Pizza, prosecco on tap and plenty of gin...sounds like a good combination to me, so I popped up to Slater Street in Liverpool last week for the launch party of The Merchant and Nightcrawler Pizza. I was excited to attend this launch party after walking past earlier in the week and seeing the venue taking shape. The Merchant is a cool new bar, canteen and garden serving an array of craft beers and an impressive choice of gin goblets including watermelon and juniper berry infused versions. Low bench style tables were decorated with vases of wildflowers and candlelight flickered softly in the windows as guests chatted. The exposed brickwork, neon signs and shelves of pot plants dotted here and there contribute to a vibe which is cool without being self-conscious and the wooden clipboard menus add a touch of fun. Nightcrawler Pizza is located through an adjoining door, meaning that tasty pizza is available to enjoy alongside your drinks at The Merchant. 

I got myself one of those tantalising gin goblets from the bar area, which features a cool aesthetic of stripped back walls and eye catching light fixtures. There is a light and bright feel to the venue during the day whilst at night the lights are turned down low creating a more intimate and hidden atmosphere. 

I sipped another gin goblet with juniper berries before sweeping up the steps to try Nightcrawler Pizza. This fun pizzeria serves freshly baked rustic pizza by the slice and the options were mouth-watering including Louie Louie, with buffalo mozzarella, tomato and basil. I love the idea that you can have a drink in The Merchant and grab fresh pizza by the slice from Nightcrawler Pizza when hunger strikes! It is a fresh and interesting concept which feels really appealing. 

The décor of Nightcrawler Pizza is stylish, with a lightning bolt of tiles, stools where you can enjoy your pizza by the window and a large glass topped counter where you can see the delicious pizzas on display. The chefs cook the pizzas before your eyes in the large oven, before serving them up on brown paper. We headed on to the outdoor terrace, which is sure to be a popular choice of hangout this summer. I tucked in to my slice of Louie Louie which was topped with flakes of sea salt and fresh basil. There were lots of choices, such as Meat Wave topped with Nduja and mascarpone and Hot Damn topped with salciccia picante. Yum! 

The pizza was irresistible with a thin yet doughy base, tangy tomato sauce and heaps of melted mozzarella. Trays of Dirty Burgers from Patty Smiths were also on offer during the evening, steak mince burgers topped with cheddar, chipotle mayo, American mustard, vine tomato, baby gem lettuce and pickles. The whole feel of The Merchant and Nightcrawler Pizza is fun and informal and I will definitely be popping in regularly for a slice of sumptuous pizza and a goblet of gin (or two!)

There was a DJ playing and there was a really great atmosphere as the venue filled up. I like being able to grab a slice of hot pizza on a whim and take it through to settle at one of the benches or in a cosy window seat where you can watch the world go by. This feels like a concept which would be suited to New York and I am delighted it has come along to join the thriving Liverpool restaurant and bar scene. 

The Merchant /

Nightcrawler Pizza

Slater Street 

Liverpool 

www.themerchantliverpool.co.uk 

What do you all think, do you like the idea of a bar, canteen and garden in one cool venue? As always I cannot wait to hear your thoughts and thank you so much for reading this post!

Until next time,

Camille 

xo