Niche corporate dining venue opens in Liverpool

A new, niche, corporate dining and hospitality service has been launched in Liverpool.

The Chancery Restaurant, in Paradise Street, next to Liverpool One, has created a private dining area which can offer an exclusive, yet informal, solution for a wide range of guests.

Despite only opening this July, clients already include big hitters of the business world such as e-tail pioneer Shop Direct and shipping giant ACL, as well as the University of Liverpool and Guild Energy.

Co-owner Gary Adlen, who runs the business with his sister Bretta, said the corporate hospitality facilities lend themselves to a niche experience.

Chancery can seat up to 20 people, offering multi-media services for presentations, while still reflecting the quirky aspect of the Grade-II listed building, including its original Georgian-style windows.

Open from early morning until late at night, the Chancery provides anything from a buffet, to soup and sandwiches, to five-star a la carte dining.

Its wide-ranging menu boasts dishes like monk fish, red snapper, vegan dishes, or steaks, including a New York Strip, to surf and turf, a lobster tail and steak.

An extensive wine list offers Drappier champagne, the world’s only carbon-neutral wine, small estate Riojas from Spain, and, as the only stockist in the UK, a line of wines from Liechtenstein favoured by their royal family.

Gary said the facilities are ideal for early morning meetings, which suits the likes of the BNI business networking group, or wine tasting sessions run by private sector lobbyist Downtown Liverpool in Business, as well as lunchtime events, and evening dining.

“The facilities have an informal, lounge feel to them, with their own private bar. They lend themselves to the corporate market,” he said.

“Everyone who comes here is guaranteed a personal service, depending what they want.

“One client used the room for a formal business lunch meeting, and then enjoyed an informal evening meal afterwards.”
He added: “We only opened a few months ago, but we are enjoying repeat business, and are even getting inquiries from around the country now, from both the private, and public sector.

“We’re ideal for people from outside the city coming to Liverpool for conferences or exhibitions.”

He said The Chancery is also proud to be the only restaurant in the city with a female head chef, Natalie Green.
The business represents a new direction for Gary and his sister.

Bretta previously worked in business administration, while Gary held a number of senior positions, including head of investment for regeneration agency The Mersey Partnership, and foundation director with Liverpool Football Club.

He had previously been based in Paris, working for a French company, where he got the idea for something like The Chancery, which comprises four different elements: private dining; a coffee shop, a bar/bistro; and the restaurant.
They combine to offer the perfect facilities for events like landmark birthday parties, christenings, or baby showers – even hosting private events for some of the city’s Premiership footballers.

Gary said: “It is really informal, with great food and wine, but we also want to go for the corporate market, as well as bespoke parties.”