One of Southport’s most stylish restaurants is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year with a night of celebration.
Auberge Brasserie, on Seabank Road in Southport town centre, has been entertaining generations of diners since it first opened its doors in 1993.
Visitors have been attracted by its fantastic classic French cooking, freshly prepared by top chefs and served in a stylish and relaxed venue.
They have enjoyed family get-togethers, romantic nights out, great value lunches, entertaining party nights, Sunday lunches and celebratory events such as birthdays and anniversaries.
Auberge is open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner, and has something for everyone including gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options.
People can now celebrate their favourite Southport restaurant with the Auberge 30th Anniversary Party which takes place 7pm-11pm on Friday, May 5, 2023.
The unique event features soul singer Dave Broe with a ‘Swing Party’, and includes a glass of fizz and canapes on arrival for £38 per head and a three course menu.
The Auberge is owned by Julie McMahon, and Steve McMahon, the former Liverpool, Everton and England midfielder.
The couple have lived in Southport for many years and always loved eating at the Auberge.
When they heard that long-term owner Russell Jones was looking to retire, they were excited to buy the business.
Julie said: “We were delighted to buy Auberge because we have been coming here to eat for nearly 30 years! We have always loved it here.
“We loved the authenticity of the restaurant, the excellent food, and the great location. It’s just off Lord Street and right in the middle of Southport town centre, it couldn’t be in a better spot.
“We have kept all the best features of the Auberge.
“We were determined to keep the same staff, and were really pleased when Linda Burnside was happy to stay on as our Manager, completing 30 years at the Auberge.
“We wanted to keep the name, and the reputation for great quality French bistro style cooking using the very freshest ingredients.
“Steve and I will often go to the local butchers to source the meat, the desserts are all made in the restaurant, our ice cream here is home-made, even the hand-made chocolates which we serve with coffees and teas are made here on the premises.
“Most of the dishes are traditional French cooking, such as moules mariniere, rack of lamb or roast chicken supreme, although sometimes they are dishes cooked with a twist.
“It is very fitting to have a French restaurant in Southport, as Emperor Napoleon III was inspired to create the famous boulevards of Paris after staying in Southport and seeing Lord Street.
“We are delighted to keep the French flag flying!
“The menus are always changing with the seasons – we have our Spring Menu available at the moment while our Prix Fixe menu is brilliant value with three courses for just £17.50.”
It has been a baptism of fire for Julie and Steve, coming through one of the toughest ever periods for the hospitality industry – the Covid pandemic and lockdowns closely followed by the cost of living crisis and the energy crisis.
The incredibly loyal following of the Auberge customers and the high quality of standards they maintain in the restaurant have seen them continue to thrive as they look forward to the 30th anniversary night.
Julie said: “It has been a hard couple of years! Not just with the pandemic and the cost of living crisis, but particularly with the tragic loss of our Head Chef, Dave Hunter, who sadly died last year.
“Dave was extremely popular with his colleagues and with our customers, and his loss was very keenly felt. He will be very fondly remembered.
“Russell Jones helped us to find a new Head Chef, Russell Caines, who has worked as Head Chef at Auberge for many years previously, and has now returned.
“He has been working all around the country, in London, in the Yorkshire Dales, we are really pleased to have him here with us.
“He is working alongside a very talented young chef in Mike Spooner. Also in the kitchen is Phillipa Taylor, our Pastry Chef.
“Together they put together our various menus, which get changed on a regular basis.
“We can’t wait to celebrate our 30th anniversary at Auberge. It is a big milestone for anyone! Ourselves and Pizzeria Mamma Mia have both been going for a while now but so many great Southport restaurants have closed over the years. Auberge must be doing something right.
“We are pleased to have Russell and Frank here with us for our anniversary night.
“It will be the King Charles III Coronation that weekend as well so it will be busy.
“It’s a big year for Steve and myself too, as we’re celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary this year too.
“It’s going to be a year of great celebrations.”
- Auberge Brasserie is at 1 – 3 Seabank Road, Southport, PR9 0EW. Email restaurant@aubergebrasserie.co.uk or call: 01704530671
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