Restaurant Review

The Sir Thomas Hotel

24 Sir Thomas Street, L1 6JB

By Tom Beattie | Brunch | ££ |

For all the many changes which have occurred in Liverpool over the past 20 years, The Sir Thomas has remained a popular fixture on the city’s hotel scene. With the Grand National fast approaching, one would surmise that this venue will be a particularly popular selection for those wanting some exquisite food alongside a pleasant stay.

It’s clear however that The Sir T is also looking to become a favourite with locals as prices on its brunch menu are very competitive when compared with other high-end hotels in the city. Ultimately, no establishment can trade off its name only and given the healthy competition in the city centre from a wide range of eateries when it comes to brunch, The Sir T would need to pull out all the stops.

After being seated in the opulent dining area, my guest and I were soon able to better take in the stunning decor. It is immediately evident that no expense has been spared in ensuring the former Bank of Liverpool building boasts an exclusive and classy feel, which will undoubtedly appeal to those wanting to unwind with a cocktail, or indeed, enjoy a meal for a special occasion.

Of course, decor alone can only do so much for a restaurant and so my guest and I wasted no time choosing what to eat. The brunch menu includes such favourites as the Great British Breakfast (£13.50) alongside the less orthodox Spiced Butterfly Chicken Breast (£10), which is served with Greek feta cheese, a hard-boiled egg and lemon sauce. For those who enjoy a sweet option during the earlier hours of the day, the Brioche Lotus Biscoff French toast brick (£9.90), will appeal. In the end, I plumped for the Great British Breakfast – which was, it turns out, a slight departure on the classic dish (more on that later).

For my guest, who was in need of rejuvenation after a few tipples the night before, went for the homemade Cajun chicken burger (£12) served on a brioche bun. After a short break in proceedings, our meals soon arrived and although probably the least Instagram-friendly items on the menu, plenty of effort had clearly still gone into ensuring both plates were well-presented.

The food itself could not be faulted, with my Great British Breakfast proving to be an alternative take on the textbook dish. Consisting of traditional items such as thick Cumberland sausage, smoked bacon and black pudding, the plate was accompanied by spicy black beans – a welcome addition to the party. It is difficult and, in some ways, daring to put a new spin on a classic dish so embedded in our culture, but The Sir T should be very proud of the results.

My guest’s Cajun chicken burger will appeal to anyone nursing a serious appetite. The portion size was equal to what one would expect to be served during an evening sitting, so there was no risk of my dining partner leaving the venue hungry. Thankfully, the dish was also up to scratch in terms of flavour with the choice to bring smoked sauce and kimchi together proving a revelation. The fact that he demolished the whole thing probably tells its own story!

With its enviable location, excellent service and impressive decor, you will be made to feel special at The Sir T. Competition is undoubtedly fierce when it comes to brunch in Liverpool city centre, but this venue does genuinely stand out from the crowd.

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