Happy first birthday to The Grand in Southport!
This time last year, this stunning art deco venue reopened its doors to the public following a huge transformation.
Today The Grand is inviting people to join them for its official first birthday celebrations, with a special offer for guests.
It has been quite a year, with even more renovation work to come by owners Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group.
MHALG has transformed the ‘Northern Quarter’ end of Lord Street, also investing heavily in venues including the Bold Hotel, the Lord Street Hotel, the Lord Street Sports Bar, Punch Tarmey’s Irish themed bar and the Maverick’s Top Gun themed bar which opened earlier this year.
The magnificent Grade II Listed art deco The Grand building was originally opened in 1923 and has since entertained generations of Sandgrounders and visitors from around the UK as a cinema, as a bingo hall, as an early car showroom, and as the former Grand Casino.
It is celebrating its 100th birthday this year with the future looking bright.
Guests enjoyed the official opening of The Grand in Southport. Photo by Mark Shirley owner of Shift F8 Photography
A spokesperson for The Grand said: “It’s our first birthday!
“Saturday, 15th July marks a special milestone for The Grand, and we want you to be a part of the festivities!
“Book a table to dine in The Grand Brasserie this Saturday, and we’ll treat you to a complimentary glass of fizz to raise a toast to this special occasion.
“Don’t miss out on this exclusive offer! Reserve your table today and let’s make this birthday celebration an unforgettable experience together.
“Call us on 01704 334533 quoting #FirstBirthdayFizz.”
Visitors can then Immerse themselves in an unforgettable evening of sophistication and soul-stirring music with ‘Almaz” with Late Night Jazz at Chloé’s Piano Bar at The Grand, from 9pm tonight.
Guests enjoyed the official opening of The Grand in Southport. Photo by Mark Shirley owner of Shift F8 Photography
The Grand has built up an impressive reputation in the year since it opened.
On the TripAdvisor website, The Grand has an impressive 5 stars out of 5 from 324 reviews by customers who have eaten there.
It is rated as the seventh best place to eat in Southport out of 221 venues.
One review, by Sheenagh H, said: “Oh my word… this place is awesome… the ambiance, the food, the staff …. we were blown away.
“What an absolute treat the standards are so high.
“The art deco vibe is beautiful and I’ve no idea how the staff can be so professional yet so friendly… Thoroughly recommended.”
Michael S said: “Wow, what can I say… simply sublime.
“The food was nothing short of spectacular, a really lovely open kitchen showed the hard work that went into our meal.
“The Head Chef clearly knows what he’s doing! If you are a foodie, and love good quality food, the Grand should be at the top of your list.”
Work is taking place to improve what’s on offer even further.
Award-winning chef, Colin Gannon has recently taken up position as Director of Food at The Grand, Southport, and Mikhail Hotels and Leisure Group.
In May, Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group announced award-winning chef Colin Gannon as the new Director of Food at The Grand, and Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group.
Colin studied at Southport College before going on to enjoy a stellar career at top class hotels and restaurants in The Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and across the UK.
He enjoyed a position at the three AA Rosette-awarded Red Star Hotel, The Rampsbeck Country House in Cumbria before working at the One Devonshire Gardens in Glasgow, which has been awarded three AA Rosettes.
He said: “I will put all of my skills, learned over many years of working in high-class establishments, into developing my young, dedicated team of chefs at The Grand.
“I have put together some amazing new dishes for The Grand Brasserie and will also relaunch the afternoon tea, making it the best around.”
An artist’s impression of the new Princess Grace Suite at The Grand on Lord Street in Southport
There is lots more to come. A substantial £4 million has already been invested to transform one of Southport’s stand-out buildings into a regional destination.
The former Grand Casino building has really hit the jackpot with the opening last year of the first phase of its new look, with a brasserie restaurant and Chloe’s piano bar on the ground floor.
The Princess Grace Suite on the first floor has become busy with a whole host of events and functions.
The suite features the legendary Disney windows, which were created in the 1930s following agreement from Walt Disney himself when the historic building was used as a cinema.
The scenes feature a series of Disney characters including Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, and have been lovingly restored.
Southport’s famous stained glass Disney windows have been lovingly restored at The Grand on Lord Street in Southport
Next up – Harry’s Bar and the Sky Bar on the top floor are due to open later this year.
It is the ultimate family business with owners Andrew and Vicky Mikhail having enjoyed their first date together in the building 23 years ago when it was Stanley’s Casino.
Chloe’s Piano Bar, the Princess Grace Suite and Harry’s Bar are named after three of the couple’s children.
The project was designed by Joe Clayton, owner of Clayton Architecture, based in Southport.
Local people say The Grand “looks amazing” after opening its doors in Southport – praising owners Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group for “keeping a little bit of history in our town”, with one visitor saying his visit felt “like being on a cruise ship”.
Guests enjoyed the official opening of The Grand in Southport. Claire Brown and Serena Silcock-Prince. Photo by Andrew Brown Media
This time last year people enjoyed a spectacular opening weekend, which was complete with 1920s vintage cars, showgirls, pianists, singers and more.
Speaking on the Stand Up For Southport Facebook group after the opening, Tony Wynne said: “There was a real Art Deco feel to the evening… It was like being on a cruise ship.
“I’m sure the venue is going to be a great success and it’s fantastic to see The Grand being totally revived by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group.”
Guests enjoyed the official opening of The Grand in Southport. Photo by Mark Shirley owner of Shift F8 Photography
Susan Baxter said: “This looks amazing .Well done everyone for keeping a little bit of history in our town.”
Col Clarkson said: “Takes a lot to bowl me over, but my flabber is well and truly gasted here.
Wow! Just. Wow!”
Mark Arnold said: “Great news for Southport, and thank you to the Mikhail family for their continued investment in the town.”
Jayne Sims said: “Looks absolutely spiffing! (1920s words). Wonderful restoration and I wish The Grand every success.”
- For more details about The Grand please visit: www.thegrand.co.uk.
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