Circo
'Circo’ bar/restaurant/club represents Liverpool’s Korova Corporation’s return in style to the location where the group made it’s reputation, the historic Albert Dock development, with the launch of it’s largest venue to date, the 17,000 sq foot operation opening it’s doors this October. Having founded the Likes of the ‘Blue Bar & Grill’, ‘Baby Blue’ and ‘Pan American club’, the group sold it’s Albert Dock estate in 2005, and went on to launch even more spectacular bars and eateries such as ‘Babycream’, ‘Alma de Cuba’ and ‘Korova bar’. Only last month Korova Group opened ‘Geisha’ bar/restaurant in Liverpool city centre, it’s first foray into Asian cuisine, to instant acclaim. Korova CEO Rob Gutmann is delighted to be working at the world heritage location of the Albert Dock again : “ The Dock feels like our spiritual home. We made our reputation here from 1998 onwards, and it seems right that as the Dock is about to enter a new golden era, with the impact of 2008, the Arena and Liverpool One, it’s only fitting that we save our biggest and brashest venture to date for this location.” ‘Circo’ is a new concept, originated by Rob, and as ever, influenced by his foreign adventures. Gutmann explains : “ We don’t ever plagiarise other operations we see, but I am influenced by the world’s legendary bars or restaurants. It’s our philosophy to keep striving to add to the collection of world greats, and we hope ‘Circo’ will have a chance. Although it won’t resemble it, ‘Circo’ is hugely influenced by a great evening I spent at the ’21 Club’ in Manhattan. It was a timeless and atmospheric place that served simple, great (largely) American comfort food in great style and of a superb quality. It also had that ‘speakeasy’ vibe that I think is effortlessly romantic.” If some of ‘Circo’s’ food and atmosphere will be reminiscent of New York, then it’s heart and soul belong to another far flung venue, one of Paris’s best kept secrets ‘The Clown Bar’. Rob adds : “ more than anything, ‘Circo’ is an homage to the ‘Clown Bar’, which is a fantastic small bar that sits right next door to the ‘Cirque D’Hiver’ (winter circus) in Paris. It’s an amazing place where the various clowns that have worked at the circus for the past 100 years or so, have come to unwind and drown their sorrows . The walls are adorned with images of past clientele and lend the bar a very surreal quality. We wanted to capture some of it’s pathos, warmth, and yet slightly dark heart, with our theme for ‘Circo’.” ‘Circo’ fills a vast series of spaces in the old Britannia Pavilion warehouse at the Albert Dock. The design promises to be another challenging and quirky effort from Korova Group, and will again witness the group’s trademark marrying of slick modernism with eclectic pieces largely collected by Gutmann on his travels. The venue will be a ‘multi-purpose’ one in that it will provide a large stylish bar area, split into 2 rooms : one a dark ‘speakeasy’ like space, the other bright, airy and overlooking the Albert Dock quayside. The large luxury ‘steakhouse’ restaurant will also directly overlook water, before literally pulling down curtains to evolve into a sophisticated nightclub room. On the venue’s mezzanine levels will be a series of stylish private spaces for hire. Perfect for the array of VIP after shows parties and launches that will abound when the adjacent Liverpool area opens early next year.
Geisha
'Geisha' bar and pan-asian restaurant is Liverpool's award winning Korova group's first foray into an eastern themed venue. Located on Myrtle street, opposite the side of the Philharmonic Hall, in Liverpool city centre, the 10,000 sq foot site is expected to become the company's new flagship, following the profitable sale of it's internationally acclaimed 'Alma de Cuba' operation, earlier this year. Designed by Korova Group CEO Rob Gutmann, 'Geisha' hopes to break new ground in Liverpool. Following travels abroad, Gutmann cites the impact of notable Parisian venues 'Buddha Bar' and 'China Club', and New York's famous 'Tao's' as influences in shaping his concept for his new venue. 'I appreciated these places on several levels. They all had a scale and drama to them that instantly impressed, and whilst serving high quality Asian food, they didn't fall prey to clichéd design or conceptual approaches,' Rob feels. Geisha takes some of the components of these style of operations but blends them with Korova's trade mark commitment to innovative and challenging visual statements. 'People can expect some of what I think have become our design hallmarks, but we've enjoyed starting the process of inventing a new concept, using eastern influences for the first time', Gutmann observes. Rob adds 'so many of us at the Korova Group realised that Chinese, Thai, and increasingly Japanese cuisine was becoming our favourite way of eating, and it seemed crazy not to ultimately do a venue that we could all enjoy, from this perspective. We also have long wanted to add a strong Dj element to a restaurant setting. It's common place in the likes of London, New York or Paris to have a laid back DJ-ed environment whilst you dine, but hasn't really taken hold yet in this part of the world. We have worked with our longtime collaborator, DJ Andy McCloughlin, to develop a sophisticated soundtrack for Geisha'. Korova are keen to stress that 'Geisha', in common with most of their venues, is as much a bar operation a it is a restaurant. A range of over 50 specialist Sakes (Japanese rice wine spirit) will complement a range of expertly produced international classic cocktails, and an extensive list of Asian beers. The bar operation will also allow guests to enjoy small dim sum platters, Sushi and noodle bowls, as an alternative to the more comprehensive menu in the large mezzanine level restaurant space.
Korova
Korova is Liverpool's most insightful and creative venue. A joint venture between Rob Gutmann and Liverpool group Ladytron, the venue is an amalgamation of eating, drinking and playing. Korova has community at its heart and has created an atmosphere otherwise unfound in the city. A music-focused venue enveloped in cutting edge design and illustration. Korova comprises three special areas; Bar, Club and Canteen. In the Bar you can relax in booths, each with their own retractable television, streaming coverage from the live music in the basement Club. Our Club offers a host of new and up and coming bands as well as those traveling from afar to play Korova's intimate stage. Korova boasts live music seven nights a week and has taken on a hub-status for a thriving Liverpool music scene. The venue has built a reputation for nurturing new and undiscovered talent, as well as attracting some of the finest established acts from around the world. Our revolving doors have seen The Little Flames, Alterkicks, Hot Club de Paris, The Sunshine Underground, The Robocop Kraus, Simian Mobile Disco, Hot Chip, Paul Epworth, Djs Are Not Rockstars, Adult, White Rose Movement, Battant, The Pistolas, Rumble Strips, Fujiya & Miyagi, Doloroso, The Shortwave Set, The Longblondes, Panico, The Spinto Band, The Kooks, Fields, Idiot Pilot, The Whip, The KBC, The Noisettes, Jeffrey & Jack Lewis, The Virgin Tears, The Juan Maclean, Ladytron and 2manydjs pass through them. The Canteen is a change of atmosphere and hosts our legendary jukebox. Take in Korova's Latin-American inspired menu offering up large or small treats including enchiladas and fajitas. If Korova's walls could talk we're sure they'd divulge some of music's best kept secrets, but also play host to some of Rock's most iconic images photographed by legends such as Godlis, Mick Rock and Roberta Bailey. Korova welcomes one and all, we're not a clique but positively encourage our punters to become members. A membership card guarantees 20% discount on food and drink.
One of the chicest hotspots in Liverpool, uber cool babycream sits on the historic Albert Dock. The progeny of mega-club, Cream, this bar/restaurant delivers on style and contemoprary design, with an emphasis on quality eating, premium drinks and cutting edge music. The international menu features flavours from around the globe including orange chilli calamari, maple syrup ribs, VIP burgers and a nice range of desserts. Don't miss out on the excellent cocktail list.
Casa Del Cocodrilo
Casa del Cocodrilo restaurant in Liverpool’s Woolton neighbourhood is another hit single from the people who brought you Alma de Cuba and Negresco Sud. Therefore, you can assume – though we’ll tell you – that it used to be a pub and has had a stylish makeover into this Spanish and Latin American style eaterie. Wooden floors and chairs, white table linens, plants and funky, authentic details are everywhere. It feels like someplace Bogey and Bacall would pitch up for cool drinks and hot banter. Then they’d probably order the Creole jambalaya because it’s Casa del Cocodrilo’s signature dish, and that’s what style icons do. Glamourous, casual bar for superb drinks.
Fargo restaurant in that leafy Liverpool culinary hotspot, Woolton, is yet one more winning entry from the people who brought you Alma de Cuba and Negresco Sud. The trademark design-conscious hotch-potch of smart, comfortable dining room plus funky details equals one fun venue for your casual meal out. Here the theme is Alaskan frontier hunting lodge with whisky bar and a touch of Twin Peaks and a massive polar bear in the middle of the restaurant. The menu is burgers, steaks, grills and solid favourites of that ilk. The bar features the largest selection of whiskies and bourbons in Liverpool. Fargo is always lively and the service is swift and friendly.
Negresco Sud
Situated in the heart of Liverpool’s bohemian district, Negresco brings the soul of the stylish Cote d’azur to South Liverpool. Residing in the former public house, the Masonic, the Franco-Italian restaurant pays homage to Nice’s widely celebrated Negresco hotel. Offering French classic cuisine and a range of tapas, along with Moules Negresco and a sumptuous brunch menu, Negresco proffers gastronomic delights which work in harmony with its theatrical interior, featuring gilt chandeliers to black crows.
Negresco Deco
Negresco Deco restaurant in Liverpool’s transports the pizzazz of the Jazz Age to leafy Woolton. Sister of Negresco Sud and brought to you by the brilliant team behind Alma de Cuba, Negresco Deco is, like them, something cool and quirky. In this case, it’s so true to 1920’s Art Deco style, you’ll feel as smooth as Fred Astaire. A grand piano awaits if you’re fancy a tickle. In the dining room, the green leather banquettes are sleekly stylish next to the harlequin-checquered floor, white table linens and the dark wood detailing. Sunday lunch. Classic French-influenced cuisine is the order of the day, and some people order their week around the traditional Sunday lunch, an absurdly good value.
Negresco Nord
North West’s award winning leisure group, Korova Corporation is proud to announce its arrival in Manchester this Christmas, with the opening of Negresco. Famous for cutting edge venues such as Alma de Cuba, Babycream, Blue Bar, Geisha and the current hub of Merseyside’s music scene revival, Korova, the newest addition to the group will take pride of place on Deansgate at the former site of the Pig and Porcupine pub. With two sister venues already well established in Liverpool, Negresco Manchester will mirror the hallmarks already synonymous with Korova Corporation; innovative design and groundbreaking concepts from the group’s founder and principle designer, Rob Gutmann. Negresco is a tribute to Gutmann’s favourite destination, The Negresco, is Nice’s most famous hotel and has been a landmark on the French Mediterranean tourist scene since the early part of last century. He notes: “It’s [The Negresco Hotel] a real time capsule of a building with rooms, corridors, bars and restaurants that all hark back to different phases of a golden age of Europe’s early sun-seeking tourist scene. The hotel has slightly decayed in recent times, but retains a dignity and style, and just the hint of a mad old lady about it.” These eclectic references to the gothic, baroque and later styles hugely influenced Gutmann’s design for the first Negresco in Liverpool. He continues: “The Negresco Hotel in Nice is one of Europe’s most romantic destinations, but always feels intriguingly weird and in ‘inventing’ our Negresco we wanted to capture this spirit, in the context, bizarrely, or an urban, northern English setting.” Style aside, Negresco is all about eating and drinking. Negresco’s menus are subtle hybrids of the best of Italian and French cuisine, typical of the Mediterranean port of Nice. Executive chef John McLoughlin observes: “In some ways Nice is one of France’s least French cities and the flavours of its nearby Italian neighbours are everywhere”. Beverage wise, Negresco stays close to its spiritual routes, specialising in Absinthe and fine Italian and French wines, and by day serves premium Italian coffee. The Negresco concept is an all day and all night affair, opening for breakfasts, lunches, dinner and a DJ ensures the action stretches long into the night.
Reservations for what looks to be a busy Christmas opening are already being taken. Doors open for the first time on November 28th.
Korova Corporation central reservations 0151 709 7097.