Lifestyle

NEW FACES IN LIVERPOOL

Geisha and Circo reviewed

Renowned for their innovatively themed bar/restaurants, Korova have just opened two new establishments: Circo on the Albert Docks and Geisha on Myrtle Street.

Geisha combines ebony, ivory and scarlet décor with projections and images of the Geisha logo. After perusing the extensive wine list and menu, I decided to try the Chef’s special Bento Box, sampling four of the starters of my choice. The Tandoori Chicken, Squid, Scallops and Wantons were all so fresh and more-ish, a fight almost broke out over the scraps. The Tamarind Trout was so tender I didn’t need my knife (or chopsticks). With sides, there was barely room on the table for our glasses of wine, let alone our elbows! To finish we had a strawberry and chocolate fondue with sweet ginger, definitely a dish meant for sharing!

Geisha was an instant hit for me; non-intrusive service, excellent choice for all tastes and generous portions. The bar downstairs also boasts arguably the best Mojito I’ve ever had. I will definitely be going back for seconds!

As a lover of afternoon tea, I decided it was high time to see what was on offer (in the way of cakes) at Circo. Ever the spectacle, it demands attention. A ‘speakeasy’ crossed with a circus, my eyes feasted on the number of oddities: murals of circus performers, mounted boar’s heads, a popcorn stand. A sneaky peek at the gothic dining room revealed life-size horses and a trapeze artist’s net.

With the same high standards (and prices) that we’ve come to expect from Korova, Circo is focused on authenticity of theme. I just wish as much effort could have been put into our afternoon tea. At 4pm, the venue was near empty, yet we were left to our own devices. When our food arrived, it sadly didn’t meet expectations. We were presented with a wooden board with finger sandwiches: Honey Roast Ham and Onion Confit, Egg Mayonnaise and Cocktail Shrimp and Cucumber. Although the fillings were flavoursome, the bread was bland and dry. Our freshly baked scone was to share, along with our ‘clotted cream’ (crème fresh), jam and two slithers of cake. For what it’s worth, the experience was memorable. How many people can say they’ve had afternoon tea in a self-certified ‘freak-show restaurant’? As more of a performance piece, Circo makes a statement that will be great for enjoying the steakhouse menu, cocktails and evening entertainment.

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