The taste of New York has come to Hoylake. Lizzie Johnson reports…

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Marco’s New York Italian, owned by celebrity chef, Marco Pierre White, has recently launched at The Kings Gap Holiday Inn Express.

Marco himself was there to relaunch the restaurant, which was previously Frankie’s Bar and Grill.

“Whenever you open somewhere you create local employment, and by creating employment you create opportunity.”

The rebrand has taken place over the past twelve months and the new restaurant boasts a “relaxed, affordable and family-friendly setting” which Marco is pleased with.

‘A lot of work has gone into the rebrand, and to create a neighbourhood restaurant which wouldn’t look out of place in Little Italy. From what I can see after my visit to Hoylake, and chatting to some of the customers, the concept is working, which delights me no end.”

On arrival guests were offered a glass of prosecco, before choosing from a three course menu of Italian/American classics. Dishes on the day included calamari with garlic and lemon mayonnaise, New York ribs smothered with BBQ sauce, organic salmon steak and spaghetti carbonara with poached hen’s eggs.

Invited along were some VIP guests - Children and staff from Claire House Children’s Hospice, of which Marco is a patron.

‘I take my role as patron of the hospice very seriously, and wear the title with the upmost pride. The hospice is such a remarkable place, and every time I visit I am overwhelmed by the people I meet there. They are all heroes.’

Whenever possible ingredients for the restaurant are sourced locally, this is a factor that Marco considers to be very important.

‘The majority of produce comes from local retailers. Things like the mozzarella and the Parma ham aren’t but you’ll always buy locally when possible, like you’ll always employ locally when possible, it’s a simple as that.’

It’s not just by supporting local traders that Marco believes his latest venture will benefit Hoylake.

‘Whenever you open somewhere you create local employment, and by creating employment you create opportunity.’

Although the celebrity chef plans to help the Wirral’s economy by employing and buying locally, should Hoylake’s restaurants be worried by the competition? Marco says not.

‘The residents of Hoylake will have their favourite restaurants, and for some of them Marco’s will be their favourite, but others may prefer Monte Carlo for example.

‘People go to different restaurants for different reasons, some like the proprietor – they like the way he greets them and sits them down and gets them a glass of whatever. In the end we’re just another local restaurant.

‘We’re not competition to local restaurants and to go in with the idea that we are competition is wrong, we’re just an alternative, it’s just about choice.’

To book a table at Marco’s then call 0151 632 2073 or visit www.marcoshoylake.co.uk