Dining at Morning Noon Night...

I have a confession – I used to dread dining at restaurants which serve small plates - after all, I have never been noted for my propensity to share food and it took me a while to become a convert to this style of dining. Nowadays however, I am a firm fan of small plates and sharing dishes, especially when I come across a place like Morning Noon Night where bold flavours abound and the only difficulty is choosing from the extensive menu. Morning Noon Night is the sister business to the popular Cow & Co Café in Liverpool and new Head Chef James Dodd has an impressive pedigree, having previously worked at the award winning Riverford Field Kitchen in Devon. James is behind the introduction of the new evening menu which showcases intriguing ingredients and global influences underpinned by a ‘farm to fork’ philosophy of locally sourced, often organic produce. 

Last weekend we went to sample the dinner menu at Morning Noon Night and I was eager to try the restaurant, which is only a short distance from my home. Liverpool has a thriving restaurant scene and it is good to see that this is now increasingly extending to the Wirral area too. I am all for this expansion as I love finding new places to dine in my locality. 

The interior design of Morning Noon Night has a rustic charm, with a light and airy dining room where farmhouse style tables are adorned with jugs of pretty flowers and chalkboard menus are propped up on the bar. It is laid back yet refined, basically everything I look for in a place to unwind over a few drinks or some food. 

We settled in at a cosy corner table where we sipped Prosecco and grazed on Sriracha devilled eggs, spicy Nduja toast and smoked almonds which set the scene with irresistible flavours.

Grilled aubergine, oregano, pangritata and feta was a favourite of mine with a Mediterranean vibrancy to the dish, while blackened spring onions with labneh, maftoul and nigella seeds was a Middle Eastern inspired delight and I loved the chunky maftoul and the freshness of the labneh.

Twice cooked chicken with Korean ketchup and black sesame was a sophisticated take on a chicken dish and from now on I only want Korean ketchup after tasting this!

Succulent coffee braised brisket with creamed white beans and sumac onion was a rich and hearty creation and the sweet zing of the sumac onions contrasted well with the almost smoky beef, which was incredible thanks to the coffee braising.

A hint of summer was provided by Jersey royals, purple sprouting broccoli, caper and raisin dressing, a dish which would be perfect for a barbecue. I loved the vibrant colours and bright flavours of this dish. 

It took me a while to appreciate the beauty of small plates and I like having the chance to order several different things rather than the restrictions of simply a starter, main and dessert. There is something so convivial about this way of eating too - perhaps I am finally learning to share food! 

After a refreshing cocktail of Prosecco with rhubarb liqueur, we moved on to dessert and what a treat was in store.

The homemade marmalade on toast ice cream was one of the best things I have ever eaten, with chunks of toast introducing a bitterness which created a riot of flavour with the tangy marmalade. We also shared the chocolate mousse with miso sesame and caramel which was intense and decadent, perfect for a chocolate lover.

The ambience at Morning Noon Night is so alluring, with a restful atmosphere and a stylish aesthetic which makes you want to linger. Open for brunch and lunch daily, the evening menu is well worth booking in for too, which is currently available Friday and Saturday evenings between 6pm and 11pm. I am delighted to have this place on my doorstep and I’m sure I will be stopping by again soon. 

Morning Noon Night
10 The Cross
Neston
CH64 9UB

 0151 208 8939



What do you all think, do you like sharing plates and which of these dishes would you like to try? As always I cannot wait to hear your thoughts and thank you so much for reading this post.

Until next time,

Camille

xo