Liverpool’s IZAKAYA to expand with new Wirral restaurant

Japanese restaurant IZAKAYA is expanding with a second site on the Wirral.

The company, which opened its first restaurant in Liverpool city centre last year, confirmed plans to bring its concept to New Brighton.

Former apprentice star Kurt Wilson, co-owner of IZAKAYA alongside chef Harry Marquart, launched the brand on Castle Street in 2017 with five-figure backing from MSIF.

Kurt commented: “We had been talking about the limited amount of Japanese food on Merseyside and decided to open IZAKAYA once the Castle Street site became available,” said Kurt.

“Since starting IZAKAYA we have also been running some other concepts at places like The Baltic Market. We currently have a stall there named “What The Duck” which has had huge success.”

He added: “Because of this we will be approaching the New Brighton site with a wider food offering and it will be a more Pan-Asian-led menu with many duck dishes as well as our substantial fresh fish offerings.”

Discussing the decision to open in New Brighton, Kurt said: “We’ve been looking for a site on the Wirral for some time as many of our customers have expressed a huge interest in us opening there.

“When we saw the ‘Marine Social’ site we jumped at it given the demand and we know Wirral is crying out for more variety especially Japanese cuisine.”

He continued: “Marine Social holds up to 250 covers at once – a large as well as beautiful space. Plus, the demographic is very similar to ours in the city centre. It’s actually just about a mile away as the crow flies too.”