We had a real sense of excitement heading to The Grand in Southport for our Christmas meal.
Every year, our family gets together at Christmas to celebrate somewhere special.
The Grand opened in the ‘Northern Quarter’ end of Lord Street earlier this year and what an impressive addition it has been for Southport.
It’s part of the Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group, which has already invested heavily in nearby venues including The Bold Hotel, Lord Street Hotel, Lord Street Sports Bar and Punch Tarmey’s bar.
The Grand is one of the most beautiful buildings in Southport. Built in an eye-catching art deco style in 1923, it has enjoyed various guises including as a car showroom, a cinema and a casino.
It had been empty, falling apart, frequently vandalised and at real risk before being rescued by Andrew Mikhail.
He has invested an estimated £4 million already in restoring this landmark building, introducing The Grand Brasserie and Chloe’s Bar on the ground floor with the 250-seater Princess Grace function room and wedding suite on the first floor. Harry’s Bar will open on the rooftop in 2023. Over 60 new jobs have been created as a result, with more to come.
Christmas at The Grand in Southport. Wild mushroom and chestnut risotto
Photo by Andrew Brown Media
It’s an impressive venue, with an incredible wow factor as you walk in. No expense has been spared to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
This is ‘roaring 1920s’ style opulence at its very best.
One person I spoke with when it first opened said it had the feel of a luxury cruise liner.
It’s been made to feel even more opulent thanks to the beautiful Christmas decorations installed by Southport company Ivandale with 15,000 sparkling lights, 6,000 baubles, a huge Christmas tree and garlands galore.
The Grand in Southport at Christmas. Photo by Abdrew Brown Media
Being able to enjoy free parking was a welcome boost. You never know how long you’re going to spend at a Christmas meal, which makes it difficult when you’re relying on putting coins into a parking meter outside a venue. Having a free car park to the rear of The Grand was very handy.
I’ve got to give a big mention to the superb staff at The Grand. It’s not easy to work in hospitality at any time, and especially over Christmas and new year!
The Grand has a top class General Manager and other senior staff with a superb pedigree, to ensure some very welcome training opportunities for both experienced team members and those just entering the hospitality industry.
Christmas at The Grand in Southport. Chilli, honey and sesame pork belly
Photo by Andrew Brown Media
Throughout the afternoon we were there, they were excellent. Nothing was too much trouble.
They accommodated any food allergies with care and ensured that food was brought out quickly and efficiently. It made for a relaxed meal out.
We were given a warm welcome as we arrived, invited to enter our vehicle registration details for the free parking.
We were shown directly to our table, which was beautifully decorated.
None of us had ever eaten at The Grand before so we were intrigued. Expectations were very high! We definitely weren’t disappointed.
Christmas at The Grand in Southport. Chicken and ham terrine with house piccalilli
Photo by Andrew Brown Media
There were nine of us who ate and we chose a variety of options between us so it was a great chance to see what was on offer.
We ate from the Festive Menu, with three courses for £45, and a ‘Mini Guests Menu’ for £8.
There was a choice of four freshly cooked mains for the children, including chicken goujons, fries and beans; mini fish and chips with crushed peas; cheeseburger and fries; and spaghetti with tomato sauce, with a choice of ice creams or chocolate brownie for dessert.
It was great to see some real thought go into a children’s menu. With too many venues, child diners are an after-thought, with little choice and nothing but poor quality frozen food.
There was a great choice on the adults menu too with four starters, five mains, four desserts and five sides.
Christmas at The Grand in Southport. Gin cured salmon with horseradish cream and brown bread
Photo by Andrew Brown Media
I started with gin cured salmon with horseradish cream and brown bread. Beautiful, long strips of carefully cured salmon, which was delicious perfectly complemented by the thick toasted brown bread.
Others were delighted with their starters, which included pressed chicken and ham terrine with house piccalilli, which was top class.
Among the mains was a choice of roast Cheshire free range turkey with braised red cabbage. chipolatas, pork and sage stuffing, roasted roots, duck fat potatoes, and cranberry sauce.
I often avoid the Christmas dinner options; so many in the past have been blighted by dry turkey, tired vegetables, burned potatoes or weak gravy.
Christmas at The Grand in Southport.
Photo by Andrew Brown Media
Here I felt I couldn’t go wrong and it was an incredible meal. The gravy – the first sign of a great roast dinner – was a real star. Every element worked perfectly, it was a delicious meal. I definitely didn’t need any tea after we’d got home – for about a week.
Others’ meals, including chilli, honey and sesame pork belly; baked Shetland hake; and wild mushroom and chestnut risotto were also very enthusiastically enjoyed.
My middle brother enjoyed the risotto, and it was great to see a vegetarian option with some real thought and style.
Desserts were a perfect way to end a fine meal. My chocolate orange tart with chocolate sauce, candied orange and ice cream was a real delight. Others grazed on the cheese board with Birkdale Cheddar, festive chutney and an assortment of colourful crackers.
Christmas at The Grand in Southport. Shetland hake
Photo by Andrew Brown Media
The quality of ingredients and provenance of the food is all-important here. It was great to see the use of top regional ingredients such as Birkdale Cheddar, Cheshire turkey and Bowland beef.
This was a fantastic meal, with superb food, brilliant service, in a stunning venue, with the very best of company.
- For more details visit: www.thegrand.co.uk or phone: 01704334533.
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
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