Liverpool’s brand-new Middle Eastern Restaurant, Gulf House, has been celebrating a super successful launch month.

A staggering 1,500 people visited the Madison Square venue in its opening weekend, with many returning several times since.

One of its first delighted visitors was none other than the UK’s Saudi Ambassador, HRH Prince Khalid bin Bandor Al Saud, who the Gulf House team said, couldn’t believe ‘the Middle East is in Liverpool’.

“It was fabulous,” said a spokesperson, “and a great accolade to be given.”

“We expected a successful start, but it has surpassed anything we could have hoped for. To have had so many customers, especially English customers, wanting to experience our food and our culture has been truly amazing.”

The Gulf House Restaurant, situated just off Duke Street, launched at the beginning of September and has been designed to bring the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional 1970s souk in Dubai to the city.

The restaurant’s décor, featuring terracotta mud-effect walls, Arabic script, and woven rugs, immerses diners in an authentic experience that feels a world away from Merseyside.

Although there are tables and chairs for those who prefer them, in some areas guests can take off their shoes before sitting on the floor surrounded by Arab Gulf Khaleeji-style cushions. Soft carpets create a comfortable and cosy space where they can enjoy a traditional spiced-filled sharing feast, while listening to the soulful sounds of Arabian music.

Diners from across the region, and across the UK as far as London, couldn’t wait to try it.

“The response has been amazing. We expected it to be busy – but not this busy!

We believe the success is due to a sense of nostalgia as many guests have either visited places like Dubai or worked in the Middle East, and are eager to relive the warm memories of those experiences.

At the same time, people who have wanted to embrace the experience of something completely different. They say that from the moment you enter you feel like you’ve stepped out of Liverpool, and out of the UK.

It’s a wonderful setting for families to come together, to eat and relax away from the usual distractions.”

The restaurant says positive feedback has included a combination of good portion sizes, reasonable prices, and the wonderful taste of the food.

“In times of a cost of living crisis people want to know they’re going to get value for money,” said one of the team, “with no compromise on the flavours or quality of the dishes being served.”

“But it’s not just about the food, it’s about the experience, and sharing our culture and a little escapism, and guests love that too. Many who came that first weekend have come back with friends and family, and we are delighted about that.”

Gulf House has revisited its menu to focus on a selection of the most popular dishes to ensure that every meal is served perfectly, offering signature dishes like Lamb Shoulder, a melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked favourite which is accompanied with rice, lamb soup, salad, a special red salsa and khaleeji yoghurt, and Chicken Kabsa, tender chicken on the bone that’s been infused with Gulf House’s unique blend of spices.

It has also introduced a new booking system on its website to ensure a five-star visit from start to finish.

The Liverpool restaurant is the first of many for the Gulf House, with plans to launch venues in London and Manchester next.

“It’s about bringing our food and our culture together under one roof – and we are thrilled that people appreciate it.”

 

Gulf House, 74 Tradewind Square, Liverpool, L1 5BG.

 

For menu & booking reservations please see: Reservation – Gulf House Restaurant (ghrestaurant.com)

                                   

Gulf House, 74 Tradewind Square, Liverpool, L1 5BG.

 

To reference socials for The Gulf House head to:

 

GULF HOUSE RESTAURANT (@gulfhouseuk) • Instagram photos and videos