THE finishing touches are being made to The Botanist which opens to the public on Monday, December 2.
It will be the first business to open in the £142.5million Time Square development and our photographer Dave Gillespie was invited for a sneak peek today, Tuesday.
The 10,000sq ft restaurant will have space for 170 diners on two floors and capacity for around 100 people at the bar. There will also be a private dining space for up to 10.
It is themed around a secret garden hideaway with plant adorned walls, cosy seating nestled among the greenery and a 6m-high waterfall which cascades behind the main bar as its key feature.
Those familiar with The Botanist’s restaurants will find the brand’s signature antique trinkets while the Warrington branch will also have a bandstand and grand piano that can be seen as you walk in.
Liam Wood, head of new openings for The Botanist’s parent company New World Trading, said: “We’re lucky enough to have spent the past week on site getting the final bits ready for our launch.
“We’ve hired a fantastic team and they’re ready to put their skills to the test. We’ll be aiming to take things steadily for the first few weeks, so bear with us while we work to get everything right. The venue itself though is stunning and we can’t wait to show it off.”
The Warrington restaurant will be the Knutsford-based New World Trading Company’s 19th Botanist and one of its largest venues.
The plant life will be contrasted with industrial-style large block frames that cover plaster and bare brick walls for effect while also showcasing the venue’s high ceilings.
Eamonn Cochrane, from The Botanist Warrington, added: “Each of our Botanists is as beautiful and unique as the next, but there really is something special about our newest venue in Warrington.
“The space brings together the best elements of the traditional pub – reinvented for today’s crowd with its botanical twist and breathtaking interiors. We are so excited to opening in Warrington, a vibrant town with so many brilliant things happening.”
Chris Hill, chief executive of The New World Trading Company, added: “As the first site to open to the public at Time Square, we are pleased The Botanist will forge the path for this exciting foodie, leisure and retail scheme.
“Along with the bar and restaurant offering, The Botanist will also offer guests live music and a range of brilliant masterclass experiences, making it a go-to destination for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating something special or keeping it casual, we’re excited to welcome guests and make memories at The Botanist Warrington.
“We look forward to introducing the concept to Warrington, and welcoming neighbouring operators in the near future.”
The Botanist restaurants are known for their botanical cocktails, craft beers and ales and champagne and wines and the management team are even adding Warrington’s own 3 Pugs Gin to the drinks menu.
Meanwhile, a diverse of comfort food for all diets is available from hanging kebabs to the Moving Mountains vegan burger.
This Christmas a limited edition turkey hanging kebab is also being introduced with maple and cranberry glaze and all the trimmings.
