Member Article

Graffiti Spirits Group directors mark new consultancy arm with opening of Pilgrim

Graffiti Spirits Group directors Matt Farrell and John Ennis have announced a new consultancy arm of their business with the arrival of Pilgrim restaurant that will officially opening this summer.

The duo, who individually boast years of experience in hospitality, will mentor budding restaurant and bar owners, helping them to become successful in Liverpool’s thriving and very competitive food and drink industry.

Matt, who first met the directors of Pilgrim whilst filming for BBC2’s My Million Pound Menu and later secured investment in the restaurant that is inspired by Camino de Santiago pilgrimage’s leading routes, manages the culinary aspects of Graffiti Spirits Group’s ever-growing portfolio.

Meanwhile, John takes the lead on the beverage and design elements across the group which now operates seven different sites in Liverpool city centre including Santa Chupitos, Santa Maluco, Salt Dog Slims, 81 Ltd, El Bandito, Bold Street Coffee and the new Castle Street Coffee which has taken a permanent residency at Santa Maluco.

The group’s latest venture Duke Street Market’s opening is imminent, with the market set to become the ideal place for groups of friends, couples and families to congregate to dine and drink.

It will showcase Pilgrim as the 60-cover showpiece restaurant, six street food vendors and a sushi bar, with a live-fire grill taking centre stage. Also part of the market’s offering is a variety of artisanal produce and speciality drinks that are largely made up of leading independent local brands.

Pilgrim’s opening will signify the beginning of the group’s new consultancy service, with both Matt and John keen to help businesses like Pilgrim to develop, giving them life-changing opportunities and providing them with the invaluable knowledge the pair have accumulated following decades of experience.

Both Matt and John are passionate about mentorship and following their joint success with Graffiti Spirits Group, they’re keen to nurture up-and-coming brands, or help restaurant enthusiasts to develop a unique and creative concept that will contribute to Liverpool as a leading food and drink destination.

Commenting on the new consultancy element of Graffiti Spirits Group, Matt said: “Myself and John have been advising businesses and brands for many years and with the opening of Pilgrim, it seems only fitting that we now officially offer this service.

“It’s very exciting to work on new concepts and be able to guide and advise businesses, helping them to navigate around the ever-changing food and drink industry, which is something that will be really beneficial.

“We want to drive tourism in the city and really encourage restauranteurs to open in Liverpool, which is bursting with a burgeoning food and drink offering and concepts that are full of character and creativity.”

John added: “Whether it’s a concept that is just coming into fruition or an established brand that would like some fresh ideas, myself and Matt will be able to help them flourish.

“We have a proven track record for delivering exciting and quirky concepts, but every idea is different and we’ll really relish in helping people get off the ground or give them an extra boost.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Richard Ellis .