Ziba

Let’s step back for a moment and take a look at the Ainscough family business, which runs not only this restaurant but also a deli on Falkner Street called Number Seven and the Eagle and Child, a pub in the village in which I grew up — Parbold. No lie. And I’m so going back there to review it knowing this, not because one-​of-​my-​old-​best-​friends-​who-​I-​no-​longer-​speak-​to-​and-​has –a-​gazillion-​kids used to manage it, but for my Unilocalic duty. Yes, I travel to the Greater Manchester and Merseyside equivalent of the Outer Hebrides so you don’t have to.
But we shall take a look at Ziba. First of all, upon my Friday night visit it was a wee bit worrying to see the place looking… well, kind of empty. Have not enough people heard of it or something? Well, it’s tucked away in the Racquet Club hotel, that could be one reason. Hotel-​based restaurants often suffer from the disinterest of non-​guests. And it’s certainly pretty enough, it more than looks the part with its spacious bar and dining area, huge doors and tall ceilings. It used to live in Berry Street and was ridiculously popular, but doesn’t seem to be faring quite as well here.
The food can be a bit pick n’ mix in terms of its quality, and it’s a little worrying that they don’t boast about where it’s from or how seasonal or organic it is. Meat-​eating companions assure me that their lambs and steaks are spot on, but I have heard complaints about the pigeon being tough. When I myself ordered salmon there was nothing wrong with the texture or temperature, it just felt a little… meh. Flavour was lacking in serious quantities. And the puddings can be a little rubbery in my experience.
Perhaps because of new strings being added to the bow of the Ainscough chain, Ziba’s becoming a bit overlooked. It needs to make more of its lunchtime menu considering it’s located in the business district, which from experience with Spinningfields restaurants in Manchester, I know can be a curse when it comes to getting the evening revellers in. It could do with a bit more zest, a splash more life and slightly better service, but all in all it has the makings of a very good restaurant.

An excellent place to eat in the heart of Liverpool.
The restaurant is set in the Racquet Club, which is a splendid old building with much history. It makes an excellent setting for a first-​class restaurant. I had the good fortune to eat there about six months ago, and I can heartily recommend the experience to anyone else looking for somewhere to eat in the city.
The food was outstanding. There wasn’t a huge amount of choice on the menu, but there was enough; and the quality of what arrived, both in terms of taste and presentation, was fantastic. The service was very discrete, and all in all it was a memorable evening for all who went along.
The only minor downside was the price; eateries of this quality do not come particularly cheap. But then it wasn’t unreasonable, and I came away thinking they could have actually got away with charging more than they did (but don’t tell them that!).
In short — highly commended.

I had never been here until a few weekends ago when I went to wedding reception. it is an absolutely beautiful building, a real gentlemans club. it was an interesting venue for a reception as the rooms that were used were all small rooms linked to each other which is what the bride had wanted rahter than just a soul less big room. So there were places to sit and chat as well as a dance floor. We went on a bit of an explore and found another function room downstairs and a gentlemans room upstairs with pool tables, couches etc. the food was lovely and apparently they also have a few rooms if you wish to stay the night.

Ab Fab darling!!! a wonderful experience, great food in a great atmosphere, not expensive and not pretentious. Amention must go to the doorman who is exceptional in every way and is a great ad the the restaurant. We loved it.

The Liverpool Racquet Club was founded in 1874. A site was chosen in Upper Parliament Street, in those days one of the most exclusive areas in Liverpool.
In 1877 the club was opened with two racquet courts and an American bowling alley, the latter being converted in 1894 into two fives courts, one Eton and one Rugby. By 1902 members began using the Rugby fives court as a squash racquet court.
Between 1918 and 1936 a large area of the Club was re-​developed until there were three squash courts and a covered lawn tennis court.
In 1941 various parts of the club were destroyed in the Blitz and were re-​built after the end of the war.
During the morning of the 6^th July 1981 the Club and all records were totally destroyed by fire during the Toxteth disturbances.
Many sites in the city were examined to find a suitable new home and Hargreaves Buildings were purchased in November 1982. After extensive alteration and renovation the club re-​opened on the 20^th May 1985.
An absolutely wonderful place to dine in fine surroundings with great service and an excellent menu.

Lovely restaurant with sleek modern interior and traditional british food but with plenty of creativity in the presentation.