Walton On The Hill, French Restaurant Guide

“Breathtaking 360° views of the Mersey, the city and the region beyond” are the USP of the 34th-floor restaurant atop Liverpool’s West Tower, where “floor-to-ceiling windows” make it “one of the best places to watch the sunset”. Cathy Frost, head honcho for 14 years, passed the baton in early 2025 to Paolo & Donato Cillo (the brothers behind Gran Caffe), who promised to maintain the venue’s legacy of modern European dining (reports praise the “very good starters and mains”) while adding their own Italian/Mediterranean vibe; they also expanded afternoon tea opening in response to demand.

This “very popular French bistro and bar”, from the Vérité family, is “a fantastic little gem”, serving “faultless food in a buzzy atmosphere” – “a warm welcome is guaranteed, service is professional”, and the menu features “Gallic classics including great fish and seafood”. Founded 16 years ago by Mark & Michaela, it’s now run by their sons Jacques (chef) and Charlie (maître d’) – and is apparently a favourite of chef Marc Birchall on his days off from Lancashire’s stellar Moor Hall.