Cromwells Reopens in Wallasey Village

Ever since Kay Featherstone and Kate Allinson, owners of one of the Wirral’s most popular dining spots, announced earlier this year that they would be closing their establishment in Irby to reopen in a mystery location, I have avidly followed their every tantalizing Twitter announcement and blog report about progress on the new premises.

Not only is Cromwells one of our TIP hosts, but Diana and I have fond memories of sharing a delicious Mothering Sunday meal with our two mums in the intimate surroundings of the Irby restaurant last year. We were therefore delighted and not a little flattered to receive an invitation to the official Launch Party on 25th September.

The new Cromwells turns out to be in a prime position in Wallasey Village on the B5447. It is well signposted, about three minutes drive time from the M53 with plenty of on-road parking and excellent train connections from the nearby station.

A huge amount of work has gone into getting the place ready on time, especially as the ladies had such a clear vision of what they wanted to achieve. But achieve it they did and the results are impressive.

The restaurant itself is spacious and simply decorated - the walls adorned with tasteful pictures supplied by local photographers. An enormous front window allows in plenty of natural light during the day and enables diners to ‘people-watch’ to their hearts content. The leather armchairs surrounding the heavy wooden tables are marvellously comfortable and the staff look dapper in their matching black uniforms.

Guests were offered a glass of white wine as they arrived and canapés were served throughout the evening. Kay was madly busy serving drinks behind her smart new bar and Kate removed her chef’s hat for the evening to assist the staff serving an array of delicious nibbles. We were especially taken with the Sticky Sausage, which Kate revealed was cooked in honey and mustard.

The cupcake tower (pictured), created by Helen Kingsley - the lady behind Cupcake Revolution in Wallasey - made a magnificent centrepiece. Comprising 216 mini cupcakes in seven delicious flavours (including Pimms, Turkish Delight and Carrot with Orange Buttercream), the display was a great success with the guests. Needless to say, the arrangement quickly disappeared after the first cake was eaten.

There were no new menus available on the night but I am pleased to confirm that Cromwells will continue to serve freshly prepared, ‘local food for local people’ in a warm and welcoming environment. Look out for a review when we return for a meal in the very near future.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Kay, Kate and the team for a lovely evening and wish them every success in the future. We feel sure that Cromwells will thrive in its new home.

Image: ©LDS Tourism Services Ltd, 2010