Couple 'determined' to launch Southport business after trying it in Liverpool
Two local business owners have been hard at work preparing for the launch
Work is underway to convert the former Casablanca bar in Southport into "something new and exciting." A new Turkish restaurant and bar is preparing to open within the coming days, offering locals a traditional taste of Turkey.
Nazar is a joint venture from local business owners Luminita Maranda and her partner, Radu Ivan, who also oversee the Sapori Italian restaurant next door.
Luminita and Radu completed a refurbishment of Sapori earlier this year and are now turning their full attention to getting Nazar ready to open over the next few days.
Nazar will have 80 covers, with an initial team of six members of staff. The restaurant will offer a traditional menu of hot meze, cold meze, charcoal grilled meat, salads and Turkish drinks such as raki and Turkish wines.
Luminita said: "The word ‘Nazar’ comes from a concept deeply embedded in Turkish culture, and it refers to surveillance, sight and attention. We thought it was the perfect name.
“Radu and I love eating Turkish food when we go out. We often go out to great Turkish restaurants in Ormskirk or Liverpool. We wanted to add something new and exciting to Southport’s thriving dining scene. Turkish food is so beautiful.
“There is so much choice in Southport. You can go out and eat Italian, Thai, Vietnamese; Mexican, Chinese, French - you can eat all around the world in this town. Visitors have so many different places they can try.
“But we wanted to add a new Turkish restaurant so people can come and try something new. It’s a perfect way to eat, which allows you to try different dishes and share with friends."
Luminita added: “We are determined to be open in time for the school Easter holidays, which we hope will be a busy time in Southport. The days have been getting warmer and we have been seeing some sunshine. We have the perfect spot on Lord Street with Nazar and Sapori. We have some lovely outdoor seating, which is a real suntrap.”
"Since we opened Sapori, we have built up a very loyal following of customers. They are fascinated to know what is happening at Nazar, what it will be like and when it will be opening! We hope lots of people will come and see for themselves.
“It was great having the Casablanca bar, but the huge kitchen that has been here since the Casa Italia days is such a superb asset, and we thought it is too good to waste it.
“We are keeping Casablanca, just relocating it. We are currently in the process of looking at different sites in Southport where we could reopen it.”
An opening date has been teased for early April, in time for the Easter school holidays.