Part of Liverpool city centre’s Lyceum building could be transformed into a New York-inspired cocktail bar and kitchen under new plans.

Leeds-based bar group ARC Inspirations wants to open ‘Manahatta’ across the Bold Street landmark’s lower ground, ground and mezzanine levels.

ARC operates three brands (Box, Manahatta and Banyan), with a total of 18 venues located throughout central and northern England. 

According to a planning application recently submitted to Liverpool City Council, the group has been on the lookout for a suitable site in Liverpool for some time. It has identified The Lyceum as an “ideal location” for its ‘Manahatta’ concept, which it describes as a “glamorous cocktail bar that brings the exciting unmistakable beat of New York to the UK”.

Manahatta offers an extensive selection of cocktails, bottomless brunch, and a menu that includes small plates such as gyoza, tacos, and bao buns alongside burgers, hot dogs, and steak frites

Image © ARC Inspirations

A document included with the change of use application submitted on behalf of ARC by planning consultancy First plan reads: “This new proposed bar will ensure that this prominent, Grade II*-listed building can be brought back into a productive economic use that will contribute to the vitality and viability of this part of the city centre.

“The proposed change of use will enable the applicant to begin trading from premises, whilst also providing a productive, economic use that will create employment, contribute to the vitality and viability of the city centre, and complement and enhance the surrounding area’s existing food and drink offer. 

“The internal alterations will offer subtle enhancements to the unit, providing a high quality, traditional appearance, which reflects our client’s well-known branding and operational requirements. 

“Importantly, the alterations are entirely respectful of the building’s listed status and will ensure the historic significance of the Grade II*-listed building is not compromised – and indeed that its historic grandeur and charm is sensitively restored and exhibited.”

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