Deli Fonseca is one of the few places that makes me wish I was loaded…read more A fab independent deli in Liverpool's business district, it's packed floor to ceiling with all kinds of mouthwatering goodies. The gigantic counter displays a myriad of delicious cheeses, hams, olives, pates, anti-pasti and salads whilst the nearby baskets display fresh sticks and loaves of bread. To top it off, they have dozens of wooden shelves groaning with all kinds of lovely store cupboard treats from organic granola, cereals and cookies to oat cakes, chutneys, olive oils, vinegars, sauces and spices. Now, where did I put that darn lottery ticket?

This review is for the upstairs restaurant area - and sadly it is not a good one. One Saturday…read morelunchtime, I popped in for a light lunch. Nothing complicated - in the end, I ordered a Greek salad and a plate of Serrano ham rather than the pricier mains on the blackboards. I'm not sure how two really basic things could be so disappointing. I think it's because on the surface, this looks like a place that prides itself on sourcing and attention to detail. On the specials during my visit were such items as hand foraged local samphire, Cumbrian lamb and Pink's award winning sausages. So why was the Greek salad about 50% raw onion? Why did it feature those mealy crunchy supermarket basics tomatoes, cold from the fridge? Even the black olives mentioned on the menu were green. And they clearly did have black olives in the kitchen, because my four slices of Serrano ham (almost £6) came topped with a single olive. They boasted it was "20 month aged" - most of it had clearly been in their fridge, as it featured a faint tang of refrigerator and managed to be unpleasantly rubbery. Not sure how Serrano ham can even go rubbery but there you go. If you've boasting of excellent ingredients then it's unacceptable for the basics to fail so badly. I wouldn't bother returning.

Clarke's Richmond Deli is a really decent sandwich and salad take-away. They sell a wide range of…read moredifferent sandwiches from standard barms, panini's to baguettes. Their menu's offer delicious combinations of fillings so there is usually something that suits everyone's taste. The food is all of a healthy nature and even their burgers are great quality. I ordered a burger (freshly cooked in a couple of minutes) with raw onions and mayonnaise for just £2 which was served in a large plain white bun; that definitely filled me and I would go back again whenever I'm in need of a convenient lunch. Since they boast such a wide variety of ingredients such as various pre-cooked meats, sliced salads and other condiments, the choice is really yours. In addition, they sell jacket potatoes which sound mouth-watering and tempting (especially on a cold day)! Clarke's Richmond Deli is much better than your average sandwich bar. Plus, the lovely aromas that are emitted make you want to go even more.

Big. Big butties. Big potatoes. Just big pieces of meat and non of this namby pamby modern lark…read morejust big food so get it down yer neck! If that could be a motto or brand slogan for a deli - sorry butty shop! - then that might be a good one for Clarke's. It seems to denegrate them some what but this succint description of a fine sandwich emporium is meant entirely in the best possible way. There seems to be little mucking about with things like rocket - which I hate, it is horrible no matter how many chefs and foodies use it these days, it's a weed! - Clarke's serve good, some might say traditional sandwiches, in a straightforward manner like roast beef, ham - just ham nowt fancy done to it - and various chickens - coronation and tikka basically - and all at very cheap prices - usually below £3 - for a good size butty.

Gillions in Crosby is an odd sort of place. From the outside, it just looks like a glorified…read moreconvenience store, larger than usual and generally a bit more open. When you enter though, you realise that it's more like the Selfridges food court than the local One Stop. In here, they stock various different types of goods, including bread, freshly cut meats, drinks and other home essentials. The 'essentials' might not always be your usual kind (a bit more upmarket), but they're essential nonetheless. As it's an independent store, the prices are a bit steeper than if you went to your local supermarket, but by buying from there you are supporting a local business, something which Crosby is struggling to uphold currently. The staff in there are friendly enough and attentive, but I did find the layout of the shop a bit confusing when it comes to paying; the till by the door was unmanned and the only other staff were behind the deli counters, meaning I was unsure where to actually pay for my goods. One member did eventually come over however, crisis averted. They also do catering for events, which I have had the pleasure of sampling (though not paying for, thankfully).

With all the "SHOP LOCAL" propaganda of late, I will guiltily admit that I very rarely shop here,…read moremainly because I am not the main household shopper and anything I need house-wise is usually in the cupboard waiting for me! However. I was in need of a christmas gift for a dear grandmother of mine, rather desperately as I had left shoppng rather late, and just days before the big day, I popped to Gilleons delicattessen. Some months earlier I had purchased some unusual cheeses from a delicattessen in lake district and, as Granny had polished those off delightedly, I thought a nice cheese board would go down well over a game of Christmas scrabble or during Poirot. The cheeses were quite unusual, stilton and blueberry and camembert with something, nuts or raisins.. anyway it went down extremely well, Granny even thought I'd been back to the lakes for it, which shows the quality of the produce sold here! I must say I was surprised by the interior of the store, Gilleons has always appealed from the pavement with it's striped window canopies and chalk board it looks so quaint and inviting, inside however it's a little minimartish, it's clean and stocks a good deal of essentials and extras, but it lacks character. Also, the staff were suprisingly inattentive, the cheese deli server was decidedly miserable and the cashier continued a conversation over my head, barely acknowledging my presence or purchase: no bag and no 'thankyou'. A little rude.

This deli is amazing. Their bagels and cream cheese were stunning…read more The staff are just lovely too. Seriously amazing, can't recommend more highly

We had a wonderful dinner here last Thursday night. The COVID-19 measures were firmly in place and…read morethat made us feel very comfortable. The restaurant has a beautiful, relaxed vibe and is flooded with light at sunset. The food was excellent, as always, and the staff were warm, welcoming and efficient. Can't wait to go again. Thanks to Tom and his colleagues for making our family dinner -- our first meal out since lockdown -- a night to remember.

Everything here is top notch. The fresh turkey baps are…read moredelicious and are fully loaded with meat and salad. The steak and sausages are the best around, we bought several times for the BBQ and were delighted each time. I live in Florida so only visit once a year, so see you in 2026

Delicious sausages and Welsh beef burgers Good lunch menu…read moregreat variety Highly recommend

A really lovely little deli. The best place I've found in town to get lots of little knick knacks…read moreto try out at home. They sell all sorts of exotic foods and jars of jams and chutneys and pates and lots of other delights. There is also a cafe on site where you can sample their home made sandwiches and cakes which are absolutely delicious. The service is great and the people really know their stuff. Its a little pricey but no more than you would pay elsewhere and definitely worth it for the occasional splurge.

This isn't just a deli where your grandma gets her crackers from! Palm's is a well established…read morelocal deli selling a wide range of locally sourced snacks and supplies! From water biscuits through to Pringles, this place is a gem of an alternative if you fancy sampling some local delights. They are one of few places in West Kirby and indeed locally that serve Patchwork Pate, a luxurious Pate in several flavours which is locally cherished! They release limited edition seasonal pates which are to die for! Palms also sell a large selection of breads and cheeses, this is a perfect shop to stock up for nibbles to go with wine or if you're throwing a posh party. They also stock great coffee beans that you can't get anywhere else in West Kirby, which is great for a coffee connoisseur! Be warned, this shop if quite pricey and is often inhabited by pensioners, so if you're in a rush, be prepared to take some sloooow time in the queue!