The Tavern Co Social, an award-winning breakfast and brunch brand, is set to take over the former Hooters site on Water Street in Liverpool city centre. Posters have gone up at the venue, promising customers a famous breakfast and brunch offering, along with 'great food, freshly brewed, live sports, good vibes, friends and family'.
Background of the Hooters Closure
Hooters, a restaurant and sports bar chain, opened at New Zealand House on Water Street in November 2022 but closed in January 2026. The venue faced a turbulent journey, including complaints from staff that their tips and service charges were being retained by the company to pay bills. Director Barry Morris, who took over after the original operator went into administration, confirmed the franchisee restaurant would close on Sunday, January 11.
Morris initially planned to introduce a new concept at the site, telling the ECHO: 'After a very difficult year for the business, including the loss of key signage and the disruption around Liverpool parade day, I stepped in to take over day-to-day control in an effort to stabilise the venue. As a Scouse family man, I want the venue to better reflect Liverpool — its people, its culture, and its love of sport and hospitality. I believe now is the right time to move away from the Hooters brand and create a more inclusive concept that locals can be proud of.' However, on Thursday, January 29, Morris confirmed that no concept would come to fruition under his leadership.
The Tavern Co Social: A New Chapter
The Tavern Co Social is already established on Smithdown Road, where it was twice named the UK’s Best Breakfast for its full English offering. The brand was founded by Keith Gurney, who moved to Liverpool from the USA in 1986. He first travelled to Europe with university friends on football scholarships from Liverpool. The business opened in 1990 as just a bar area, which today serves as the waiting area for the restaurant. Over three decades, it has evolved into an award-winning restaurant.
In September 2023, the lease for the Smithdown Road building was taken over by the JSM Group, also known as the Pub Invest Group. Following the acquisition, the restaurant was refurbished and relaunched under new ownership. Now, the brand is expanding to the city centre, bringing its celebrated breakfast and brunch offerings to a new location.
