Elixir Confirms Liverpool Expansion with Queen Square Restaurant

Elixir has confirmed plans to open a new tapas restaurant and cocktail bar in Liverpool city centre, bringing its established Oxton Village concept to Queen Square. The new venue, currently undergoing refurbishment, will accommodate more than 80 guests and introduce what the company says will be the North West's first Laurent-Perrier Champagne garden alongside live entertainment.

Elixir Revealed as Queen Square's New Restaurant

The identity of the long-anticipated restaurant has now been confirmed after earlier recruitment advertisements hinted at a new independent hospitality business moving into Queen Square. Job listings sought a hands-on general manager for a tapas restaurant and cocktail bar, with the venue now officially announced as Elixir.

The restaurant team shared the news through a video announcement, stating that the new venue is intended to help revitalise Queen Square. According to the business, the restaurant will offer seating for more than 80 guests while combining food, drinks and entertainment in a single destination.

The development marks Elixir's expansion beyond its existing location in Oxton Village, Wirral, as the independent operator establishes a presence in Liverpool city centre.

Champagne Garden and Live Entertainment Planned

Elixir said the restaurant will feature the North West's first Laurent-Perrier Champagne garden, creating an outdoor hospitality space alongside its tapas and cocktail offering. Inside the venue, guests can expect a baby grand piano, open windows, live singers and regular entertainment as part of the dining experience.

The concept combines Spanish-inspired small plates with cocktails while placing a strong emphasis on music and social dining. The operator said these features are designed to help bring renewed activity to Queen Square.

Queen Square Continues Hospitality Evolution

The site has previously been occupied by several well-known tapas restaurants. Tapas Revolution opened a 132-seat venue there in 2021, including a Spanish-style terrace with space for more than 100 outdoor diners before later closing. Prior to that, the premises operated as La Tasca before being rebranded by the Spanish Restaurant Group.

The property is now undergoing refurbishment ahead of Elixir's arrival and is among the available hospitality units preparing to welcome a new business into the city centre.

Queen Square has remained active in recent months following the relocation of Nando's to a larger site across the street and a surprise appearance by rock band Enter Shikari at Paper Cup coffee house.

Tapas Dining Remains Strong Across Liverpool

The opening comes as Liverpool continues to see growth in tapas dining concepts. Family-owned So Salsa expanded its footprint in March last year by opening its fourth venue on Bold Street after taking over the former Smiffy's costume store.

Founded in Crosby in 2010, So Salsa also operates locations at Blackstock Market and Castle Street and forms part of the 23 Group, which owns Tree House and Rock Salt restaurants. The business expanded into Liverpool city centre in 2022 with its Spanish-inspired menu.

Meanwhile, Tree House in Crosby recently reversed plans to close after receiving a significant increase in customer bookings. The owners decided to continue trading while searching for a suitable successor to take over the restaurant, giving customers additional time to visit the venue.

Independent Hospitality Investment Continues

Elixir's expansion reflects continued investment by independent restaurant operators despite changes within Liverpool's hospitality landscape. By introducing a new tapas venue with entertainment-led dining, the business is preparing to add another food and beverage destination to Queen Square as refurbishment works continue ahead of its opening. 

Sources: Hospitality Career Profile