Liverpool restaurant operator hungry for Manchester expansion

Red & Blue Restaurants, the Liverpool-based team behind Bacaro, Salt House Tapas and Hanover Street Social, has announced exciting plans for its fourth restaurant to open in the city centre this October – with plans for expansion to Manchester soon to follow.

Its latest Liverpool venture, Rocket & Ruby, a new 3,000 sq ft restaurant on Castle Street, is promising to offer a new concept for city diners, serving up a range of inspired dishes from an exciting breakfast menu to modern small plates.

This latest restaurant announcement means the team has succeeded in its mission to open four different, independently named restaurants in the city, and now has its sights set on Manchester expansion.

Co-owners Jonathan Poole and Paddy Smith plan to expand their Bacaro concept into Manchester city centre early next year.

Jonathan said: “Rocket and Ruby completes our original business plan of opening four different, independently-named restaurants in Liverpool.

“We remain extremely proud of the high-quality standards we maintain across our portfolio and are very excited to expand our popular Bacaro concept into Manchester

“Rocket & Ruby will be the perfect place for diners to relax and enjoy a delicious selection of small plates, freshly made sandwiches and home baked goodies, as well as an exciting new coffee window.

“Our executive chef, Matt Walsh, and his team have developed a fantastic menu which has a wide range of dishes, so there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

“Castle Street is now a real food destination and we feel Rocket & Ruby will be a fantastic addition.”

As part of its expansion, Red & Blue Restaurants has also appointed a new non-executive director to the team to oversee the next phase of its development. Steve Stuart has joined the company, with more than 30 years’ experience in the North West and London.

Jonathan Poole added: “Steve’s background is hugely impressive and we’re delighted to welcome him to the business as we embark on this next phase of growth.”

Red and Blue Restaurants opened its first venture, Salt House Tapas, in July 2010, specialising in Spanish small plates.

Following its success the team launched Hanover Street Social in August 2011, which was designed with a more modern brasserie style menu.

In 2014, it opened Bacaro producing Italian small plates.