The Thai restaurant chain is set to launch its inaugural location in the North West region, specifically in the city.
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A prominent Thai restaurant chain appears poised to successfully establish itself in Liverpool after two previous attempts. Uncertainty loomed over the fate of 23-25 Castle Street when Giggling Squid retracted its proposal to open its inaugural North West location in the city for a second time last summer.
Now, it would appear it is third time lucky for the brand after Liverpool Council’s planning committee today signed off on proposals for a new restaurant to take up residence at the site currently occupied by the Point Blank shooting bar.
A planning application to convert the building into a restaurant was anticipated to be presented to city council members for final approval in October, but it was removed from the agenda at that time. However, the application has resurfaced and was approved by the committee today.
Giggling Squid is the newest establishment contemplating a move to the old business district, following proposals from the Vietnamese restaurant chain Pho and the Turkish brand Elif, which would bring more activity to the bustling street. Planning documents indicate that the location features a five-story, Grade II listed structure, situated at the intersection of Sweeting Street and Castle Street, within the Castle Street Conservation Area.
The proposal concerns the lower ground floor, which was formerly utilized as a bar, as well as the unoccupied upper ground floor. According to the chain's plans, customers will enter the restaurant from Castle Street through a lobby that is accessible for wheelchairs, providing access to dining areas on both levels.
Joseph Pugsley, representing the business, remarked: “Giggling Squid excels in offering delightful small plates referred to as Thai tapas.” Deliveries will be conducted through Union Court at the back.
The candidate is requesting a proposed closing time of 10:30 PM for the restaurant, applicable every day of the week. Following a summer filled with uncertainty regarding the future of the location, new plans were presented to the city council.
A recent licensing application has shed light on the brand's intentions for the building. As detailed in their submission to the city council, Giggling Squid aims to operate from 10am to 12:30am from Monday to Saturday, while on Sundays, they plan to have shorter hours, opening from 11am to 11:30pm.
It is suggested that alcohol will be available for service from 10 AM to midnight from Monday to Saturday, and from 11 AM to 11 PM on Sundays. The new restaurant is expected to create a total of 30 job opportunities, encompassing both full-time and part-time positions.
