It has been eight months since the second phase of Liverpool One, the 2.4m-sq ft development in the city centre, opened its doors. Linking the traditional retail core with the Mersey waterfront, Liverpool One represents the very best of urban regeneration. It combines 160 retailers, residential apartments, office space, leisure and extensive foodservice provision, all overlooking the Chavasse Park public space. A truly mixed-use project and one which Coverpoint took great pride in working on during the development phases.

On a beautiful sunny day, we diverted from a meeting in Manchester to view the most recent foodservice opening, Thai restaurant Chaophraya. This latest opening joins the growing list of quality casual dining offers, the majority of which are located on the scheme’s leisure level, supporting and supported by the 14-screen Odeon Multiplex. Liverpool One has combined national brands such as Café Rouge, Yo! Sushi, Zizzi and Wagamama with ‘local’ Northern operators such as Barburitto, Pesto and Dinomat.

Chaophraya opened in June in a 9,500-sq ft unit, combining the brand’s third Thai restaurant (with sister sites in Leeds and Manchester) and the first of its Palm Sugar Bar offers. The units are stunningly presented, both internally and externally. The use of extensive floor-to-ceiling glazing gives great views over the park, and combines external terrace seating areas at both ground and balcony level. Internally, aquariums and water features emphasise the Chaophraya namesake – the river that runs through central Thailand.

The food ordered included Yum Nau Yang Sara (£8.00), a spicy salad of marinated and chargrilled beef with lemongrass and grapes, and Gaeng Sii Rudue (£9.00), a creamy prawn curry with pineapple, Kaffir Lime leaf and Thai basil. Both dishes were beautifully presented, the taste was authentically hot, sweet, sour and salty, exquisitely balanced, and the service was friendly and attentive.

Chaophraya is an excellent addition to the foodservice line up at Liverpool One and the fledgling Palm Sugar Bar has raised the bar (pardon the pun) for the “see and be seen” crowd. Both concepts are sure to be on the target list for any future quality development.

Food ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩

Service ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩

Value ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩