Liverpool, lunch and Lunya

Liverpool has so many great places to eat and drink that whenever I’m there I feel a bit spoilt for choice. I work in the city and love walking round on my lunch breaks, shopping in Liverpool One – trying not to spend too much! – or having a quick coffee or lunch with a friend.

There are lots of great places in the main shopping areas – there are the chains like Jamie’s Italian, Byron’s, Wagamama and now the Mexican which I’m dying to try, Wahaca. There are also the really special lunch venues like Leaf on Bold Street and The Quarter up on Falkner Street.

My favourite though would have to be the Catalonian restaurant and deli, Lunya. I’ve spent so many happy times there – lunches or nights out with Rog, early dinners before Florence was born when Sam would devour the meatballs and garlic bread, it was even the venue for my hen night.

I remember a couple of years ago on Valentine’s Day when Rog wasn’t well enough to go out, he phoned Lunya and asked if they would deliver some cheese and a fab bottle of pink strawberry gin. I remember answering the door that evening and I’m sure it was the owner himself who delivered the parcel on his way home! That service is the kind of personal touch you can expect at Lunya.

As for the food, it’s probably the best tapas I’ve ever tasted, and as I am a huge fan of tapas I’ve tasted a few. The selection of cold meats and cheese are fantastic, and the hot dishes are always spot on too. My favourite things to order are the Garbanzos (a spicy chickpea stew), the padron peppers, and the paella.

If you go don’t forget to pick up a few things in the deli, especially the fig and almond cake, perfect with a cheeseboard, or a bottle of Spanish wine.

So if you’re looking for a quick bite, a leisurely lunch, family meal or first date, you’ll find the perfect setting at Lunya.

This post was written in collaboration with Travelodge, who asked me to tell them more about my hidden gem in Liverpool.

It features on their Evolving Cities site too – why don’t you take a look? It’s a really good guide to the city.