Tavern Social is scheduled to open in September 2026 at New Zealand House, 18 Water Street, transforming the prominent ground-floor commercial premises previously occupied by Hooters. Created by the founding team behind The Tavern Co on Smithdown Road, an independent South Liverpool institution trading since 1990 and twice awarded Best Breakfast in the UK, the venue introduces a spacious 200-cover bar, diner, and sports lounge to the Commercial District.
What Tavern Social does
The concept merges all-day American diner hospitality with high-end sports broadcasting and craft beer culture. Designed to serve the city’s business district, waterfront tourists, and sports supporters, the layout accommodates early-morning breakfast diners, midday business lunches, and lively evening social groups. The interior features deep leather booths, an expansive central island bar, polished wood and brass accents, and custom lighting that transitions from daytime dining to an energetic evening cocktail lounge.
The kitchen: Tavern Co breakfasts and American diner classics
The food menu is directed by The Tavern Co’s experienced culinary brigade, importing thirty-five years of breakfast and diner expertise into the city centre:
- Award-Winning Breakfasts and Pancakes: Towering stacks of fluffy American buttermilk pancakes drenched in Canadian maple syrup with crispy streaky bacon, eggs Benedict, Tex-Mex breakfast burritos, and the signature Full English platter.
- Smash Burgers and Buns: Aged British beef patties smashed thin over flat-top griddles, topped with American cheese, pickles, and house burger sauce in toasted brioche buns.
- Slow-Smoked BBQ Ribs: Tender pork baby back ribs dry-rubbed and slow-smoked until tender, glazed in sticky bourbon barbecue sauce and served with seasoned skin-on fries and house coleslaw.
- Buffalo Wings and Sharers: Crispy chicken wings tossed in Louisiana hot sauce or sweet honey barbecue, alongside loaded corn tortilla nachos and molten cheese dips.
Craft beer, bourbon and cocktails
The bar focuses on cold draught beers, American whiskey, and refreshing cocktails:
- Draught lagers, craft IPAs, and pale ales from local Merseyside and American microbreweries.
- Curated Kentucky bourbons, rye whiskeys, and American sipping spirits.
- Frozen margaritas, spiked lemonades, boozy milkshakes, and craft cocktail pitchers.
Live sports broadcasting
A central feature of Tavern Social is its dedicated sports broadcasting infrastructure. High-definition 4K screens are mounted throughout the dining room and bar areas, strategically angled so every booth and table enjoys an unobstructed view. Multiple satellite feeds allow the bar to screen concurrent Premier League football, international rugby fixtures, NFL Sunday games, Formula 1, and golf championships.
The story behind New Zealand House on Water Street
18 Water Street has a long commercial history, with New Zealand House representing post-war commercial architecture along one of Liverpool's oldest civic thoroughfares. Following the controversial tenure and eventual closure of American franchise Hooters, the arrival of a respected local independent operator in The Tavern Co team marks a welcome return to Merseyside-rooted hospitality on Water Street.
Prices and visiting tips
Pricing is structured for approachable, generous dining (checked September 2026):
- Signature pancake stacks and cooked breakfasts: £8.50 to £13.50
- Smash burgers with skin-on fries: £11.00 to £14.50
- Half and full racks of BBQ baby back ribs: £14.50 to £22.00
- Pints of draught lager and craft beer: £4.80 to £6.00
- Cocktails and frozen margaritas: £8.50 to £11.00
Advance table reservations can be booked online via the official website, with generous space reserved for walk-in drinkers and diners. Large party booth bookings are available for major sporting fixtures and private celebrations.
Around Water Street and the Waterfront
Water Street runs from Liverpool Town Hall down to the Royal Liver Building and the Mersey waterfront at Pier Head. The venue sits adjacent to the commercial district’s leading dining spots, two minutes from James Street station.
To explore more dining choices across the city centre, read our City Centre guide and our guide to where to eat in Liverpool by area.
