Southport has seen some exciting new businesses open in 2020!
Even though we have endured the coronavirus pandemic and months of lockdown, our budding business owners have still pressed ahead with their visions to create attractive new propositions for shoppers and diners.
We have seen some superb new shops, new restaurants, new bars and other ventures opening.
The exciting thing about independent businesses arriving is that they offer something very new and unique, and add to the offer already here in our town.
Some of the larger, chain firms have struggled this year. While it is sad to see businesses go in Southport, these must be seen in a national context rather than a local one.
In March, both the Debenhams and Beales department stores in Lord Street closed, while Pizza Express on Lord Street vacated its premises last month.
They will be missed. But the circle of life in business presents new opportunities. The Southport Town Deal ‘Big Ideas’ suggested a new cinema, events and dining space to replace Beales, while Debenhams could become a mixture of new home working space and apartments.
While some media prefer to dwell on what we lose, Stand Up For Southport believes we should celebrate what we’ve gained!
Here are some of the superb new businesses which have arrived in Southport in 2020.
Please give them a big warm Southport welcome and show them your support!
1 – Paulo No Mercado
This street food heaven has earned rave reviews since opening in Southport Market on King Street / Market Street a few weeks ago. Wagyu burger? Deep fried ice cream? Salt and pepper squid? The food is impressive.
Last month Sefton Council’s Cabinet agreed to invest £1.4million in transforming Southport Market into a new food, drink and events hub, through £900,000 Southport Town Deal cash and £500,000 Liverpool City Region funding.
Work starts later this year with the grand opening due in April next year.
Paulo No Mercado is the first of many to arrive in this exciting new scheme which aims to transform the ‘Market Quarter and attract new, creative businesses to Market Street and King Street. Watch this space!
2 – The Carlton
Do you remember The Carlton bar on Lord Street from the 1980s and ‘90s?
One of Southport’s most iconic bars is back with a bang! The venue has been transformed by Carl White, who also owns The Avenue bar, and The Chop House rock bar, on Scarisbrick Avenue.
The new Carlton venue has a soul music theme with eye-catching murals on the walls and a commitment to great live entertainment.
Another new addition to the Market Quarter.
3 – From The Block Fitness
For anyone looking to start their own business, this is an inspirational success story.
From The Block Fitness was launched by determined personal trainer Lisa Little in March – just before the coronavirus pandemic struck the UK!
For Lisa, her growing business is a much deserved reward for overcoming a number of obstacles. At the age of 36, she was busy working as a hotel manager. But her unsociable hours and poor diet led to her suffering health problems including heartburn and severe pains in her legs.
But the bubbly mum-of-three met a personal trainer in a bid to improve her health and suddenly her life changed.
Lisa lost an impressive four stone in weight, saying she was determined to change her life as she approached ‘the big 4-0’ while wanting to live a healthier life for her children.
A successful personal trainer herself with a growing list of clients, Lisa is now looking forward to moving into picturesque new premises at the Waterfront, on the Promenade, close to the Marine Lake. The unit is situated underneath the Bliss Hotel sun terrace, overlooking the plaza there which looks out onto the lake.
Lisa said: “To say we are excited is an understatement! This location is just beautiful and motivating in itself. We feel incredibly lucky.”
4 – Xander’s Fish Bar
A brand new chippy has opened in Southport town centre!
Xander’s Fish Bar has opened on Eastbank Street, where Harper’s used to be, following an extensive refurbishment.
The business is open throughout lockdown with customers able to place orders for collection, or book a home delivery.
There is 20% discount for orders placed through the Xander’s Fish Bar website www.xandersfishbar.co.uk
They said: “At Xander’s, we are committed to providing our customers with the very best traditional fish and chips.
“We only serve the traditional British chip specifically selected for its taste and texture that we peel and cut ourselves.
“We endeavour to purchase the freshest fish from ethical and sustainable sources without compromising the high standards our loyal regulars come to expect.
“We believe in keeping it simple and staying true to the roots of the Chippy; just great fresh food, and friendly service.”
5 – RS Fine Chocolate
A brand new artisan chocolate shop is opened in Churhctown Village in November.
RS Fine Chocolate, run by Rob and Jo Swinden, has opened in the site of a former chocolate shop on Botanic Road.
The couple have forged a superb reputation as top class chocolatiers from their existing shop in Ainsdale, and were looking forward to expanding.
Customers are spoiled for choice thanks to the couple’s amazing creations, many with a stylish Christmas theme.
Would you choose Christmas Pudding Truffles? Or their Classic Liverpool Gin Chocolate? Perhaps their White Chocolate Christmas Shards?
Everton FC fans will love the new ‘Dixie’ Whisky and Ginger Chocolate, made in honour of legendary goalscorer Dixie Dean – an idea they had with the help of Mr Dean’s granddaughter, this was his favourite drink.
6 – Great Himalayas
You can eat around the world in Southport!
Southport has some superb Italian, French, Chinese, Thai, Mexican, and US themed restaurants.
But this authentic Nepalese restaurant and bar on Lord Street is our first from Nepal!
The restaurant has already climbed to the top of the TripAdvisor reviews for Southport, with five star ratings from diners. It’s worth moving mountains to get here.
7 – Grill Hunters
Talking of firsts – Southport also has our first Romanian restaurant too!
Grill Hunters on Lord Street offers fabulous charcoal meats and more, with diners able to either eat in or enjoy a welcoming drink.
Customers can also enjoy a takeaway option from the counter offering hot and cold European foods.
They have completely reformed the old Pound Bakery premises at 199-201 Lord Street with their own substantial investment.
Owner Emily Zanfir said: “We are a bar and grill restaurant with traditional Romanian dishes as well. What we have different from other grill houses is the flavour on our menu, and as traditional Romanian dishes we have the soup, we do chicken liver, special sausages.
“We are very happy with the feedback that we have received.”
8 – Curlett Jones Estates
Yet another new business for Southport’s famous Lord Street this year.
Curlett Jones Estates opened its doors on Southport’s famous Lord Street for the first time in August with help from Queenie Bee, Queenscourt Hospice’s much-loved mascot.
The business has entered into a corporate partnership with Queenscourt Hospice which will see Curtlett Jones Estates donating a percentage of its sales to Queenscourt for the next two years.
Director Alan Jones said: “We wanted to support our community and high street by launching our new business on Southport’s most iconic street.”
9 – Mixers
Southport’s newest business, Mixers open on Cambridge Road in Churchtown last weekend.
A short walk away from the beautiful Botanic Gardens in Churchtown, visitors can enjoy a range of indulgences in this unique milkshake and dessert bar.
Ask them about their new bubble teas and lolly waffles. There are lots of sweet treats to enjoy.
10 – House of Mojos
Mojos is a familiar name in Southport, having recently moved into the former Churchtown Interiors premises on Cambridge Road in Churchtown, near Churchtown Lights from its previous home on Lord Street.
House of Mojos Owner Lesley Morgan-MacBain opened this art deco, high end barbers and hair salon last month, offering appointment only haircuts and grooming for ladies and gents.
11 – SouthportFootGolf
Southport’s Southport’s only FootGolf course opened this year, located just off Southport Pier.
What could be better than combining the two sporting passions of golf and football into one?
Great to see another first for Southport!
After a busy Summer, they are now changing their opening days and hours – they will now be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 6.30pm.
Southport FootGolf still hosts large group bookings for birthdays, stag dos and team bookings.
12 – Korean Kitchen
Yet another new cuisine for Southport!
Korean Kitchen, on Sandon Road in Hillside, brings a whole new world of delicious Seoul food to Southport.
Diners can enjoy bento boxes and mains; Korean BBQ pork or chicken; bibimbap; and their famous Korean fried chicken.
13 – Lansdowne Bistro
The Lansdowne Bistro in Southport is under new ownership, with a combination of ‘old meets new’ creating the best of both worlds.
The stylish venue, on Anchor Street in Southport town centre, was run by legendary Southport restaurateur Mark Tyndall for many years, after his previous ventures included Francisca’s on King Street.
The family tradition for great food lives on with Mark’s son, Patrick Tyndall, now taking ownership alongside friend and business partner Jamie Rae.
Jamie Rae said: “The restaurant is a great example of old meets new.
“Head chef and joint owner Patrick is keeping all of the much-loved Tyndall family dishes and executing them in the style that has been key to the success over the past 40 years at various restaurants around Southport by his father Mark.
“I have come on board as business partner and long term friend of Patrick after a six year stint learning the hospitality trade in London’s financial district and then also with the Living Ventures group in the North West.”
14 – The Little Wardrobe
The Little Wardrobe baby and children’s clothing shop recently opened on Station Road, in Ainsdale Village in Southport.
Shoppers can discover baby clothing and accessories, with personalised prints available.
People can order via direct message on Facebook or can collect in store.
It is a sister business of The Wardrobe Boutique, next door, described as “creative, imaginative and distinctive, selling fashion, jewellery and accessories for women seeking all things different.”
15 – Inflatable Zone
A new indoor Inflatable attraction opened in Southport town centre in August.
Inflatable Zone opened at Unite Martial Arts on Tulketh Street.
From getting fit to having fun, there’s something for everybody.
Had enough of bouncing? Their state of the art games room is equipped with the latest games along with the latest consoles and even virtual reality.
Inflatable Zone also specialises in bouncy castle parties for children.
16 – Skylight
Skylight is a new venue on Southport’s Lord Street, between Costa Coffee and Diamonds Direct.
The first phase is a coffee bar which opened on Friday 14 August.
Phase 2 will see the addition of a cocktail and wine bar to the rear of the venue.
17 – Clean Queens
Southport’s answers to Mrs Hinch have teamed up this year to offer a range of cleaning services in the area.
Lisa Ohare and Katie Quinn have joined together with more than 10 years experience between them.
They said: “We offer a professional cleaning service for domestic and commercial premises.
“We carry out regular cleans, one-off cleans, end of tenancy cleans, both interior and exterior.
“We also offer a handyman service, soffits fascia and gutter cleans, wheelie bin cleans, and inside windows – no job is too big or too small.”
Clean Queens covers Southport and the surrounding area, including Banks, Formby, Ormskirk and Preston.
18 – Southport Lash Tech & MUA
New beauty salon in Churchtown in Southport which opened earlier this year.
Beauty, cosmetics and personal care, owned by Lynsey Waterhouse.
19 – Barbecue Nation
It’s not quite open soon but it will be soon.
Work is currently taking place on the former Harper’s fish and chip shop on Eastbank Street in Southport town centre and the vacant card shop next door.
In their place will be two new food venues; the Barbeque Nation takeaway and a restaurant which is currently being worked on. Watch this space.
20 – Fox & Goose
One of Southport’s most popular bars is set to reopen with a games room and shisha café two years after its shock closure.
Local businessman Hasan Akdeniz is behind plans to transform and reopen the Fox and Goose on Cable Street into a bigger and better venue and hopes it could open later this year.
Known for showcasing local musical talent, the Cable Street bar was one of few in the town which championed rock music and featured live acts on a regular basis as well as hosting Battle of the Bands competitions.
But it closed down in 2018 and plans were soon lodged to convert the building into a block of flats, marking the end of one of the town’s most iconic venues.
After one application was rejected, a second was approved but the property has since been bought by Hasan.
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
