Picante, a temporary Mexican restaurant in Liverpool's Baltic Triangle, has closed permanently. The venue, located in Cains Brewer Village, opened last March offering a classic range of Mexican food including nachos, tacos and a variety of margaritas. It has now confirmed there are no plans to reopen.
A temporary venture comes to an end
Picante was always intended to close after the summer months. However, last week, the team announced the venture would come to a permanent end this year. The restaurant was set across two floors in the former Dockleaf site and "conjured the essence of Guadalajara and its bustling cantina scene".
The business was adapted from Joe Wild's previous venture, Taco or Don't, with the help of Kate, a managing partner of Gin Journey. The team was completed by Sally Jo Whitlow and Danny Murphy of Jenn's Bar and Berry & Rye respectively.
Owner thanks supporters
A statement on Instagram said: "Today is our last day. That’s right today will be the last day of Picante. We have loved the past two years and sharing our love of all things agave and tacos. So today’s you last chance eat the tequila drink the tacos…..or don’t." Picante confirmed in the comment section it "won't be coming back" next year.
In another statement issued today (October 3), Joe thanked the customers and community who supported the business over the years. He said: "Picante is now closed, and I want to say a huge thank you to every single guest, team member and friend who has trusted us over the past two years.
"Taco or Don’t started in a bin alley in Aigburth during lockdown, after a Covid-enforced redundancy from a dream job I genuinely loved. At the time, it began as a bit of a laugh and something to throw myself into but looking back at the journey from Taco or Don’t to Picante, I’m incredibly proud of what we built and the people I built it with.
"Hospitality is a tough industry. Surviving is hard enough, never mind growing or evolving. Doing it alongside old friends who care as much as I do about food, drink and giving people a good time has been something very special.
"Taco or Don’t is still going strong and we’ll be back at some point in the future when, where or how we have no idea at the minute. And if you want to hire us for a tequila tasting or to cater your thing. send us a message. Thank you again."
