Restaurant and bar firm to launch consultancy arm

Matt Farrell and John Ennis

Graffiti Spirits Group directors Matt Farrell and John Ennis have launched a consultancy arm of their Liverpool-based business with the arrival of Pilgrim restaurant that will open this Summer.

The duo, who individually boast years of experience in hospitality, will mentor budding restaurant and bar owners, helping them to become successful in Liverpool’s thriving and very competitive food and drink industry.

Matt, who first met the directors of Pilgrim while filming for BBC2’s ‘My Million Pound Menu’ and later secured investment in the restaurant that is inspired by the ancient pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, manages the culinary aspects of Graffiti Spirits Group’s ever-growing portfolio.

Meanwhile, John takes the lead on the beverage and design elements across the group which now operates seven different sites in Liverpool city centre, including Santa Chupitos, Santa Maluco, Salt Dog Slims, 81 Ltd, El Bandito, Bold Street Coffee and the new Castle Street Coffee which has taken a permanent residency at Santa Maluco.

The group’s latest venture, Duke Street Market’s opening is imminent, with the market set to become a spot for groups of friends, couples and families to congregate to dine and drink. The venture is expected to create almost 70 jobs over the next six months.

The food and drink hall, in the city centre’s Duke Street, will offer a 500-capacity venue in a restored 100-year-old warehouse.

It will showcase Pilgrim as the 60-cover showpiece restaurant, six street food vendors and a sushi bar, with a live-fire grill taking centre stage.

Also part of the market’s offering is a variety of artisanal produce and speciality drinks that are largely made up of leading independent local brands.

Pilgrim’s opening will signify the beginning of the group’s new consultancy service, with both Matt and John keen to help businesses like Pilgrim to develop, giving them life-changing opportunities and providing them with the invaluable knowledge the pair have accumulated following decades of experience.

Duke Street Market warehouse

Both Matt and John are passionate about mentorship and following their joint success with Graffiti Spirits Group they’re keen to nurture up-and-coming brands, or help restaurant enthusiasts to develop a unique and creative concept that will contribute to Liverpool as a leading food and drink destination.

Matt said: “Myself and John have been advising businesses and brands for many years and with the opening of Pilgrim it seems only fitting that we now officially offer this service.

“It’s very exciting to work on new concepts and be able to guide and advise businesses, helping them to navigate around the ever-changing food and drink industry, which is something that will be really beneficial.

“We want to drive tourism in the city and really encourage restaurateurs to open in Liverpool, which is bursting with a burgeoning food and drink offering and concepts that are full of character and creativity.”

John added: “Whether it’s a concept that is just coming into fruition or an established brand that would like some fresh ideas, myself and Matt will be able to help them flourish.

“We have a proven track record for delivering exciting and quirky concepts, but every idea is different and we’ll really relish helping people get off the ground or give them an extra boost.”

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