Elif Castle Street

A banking hall reborn

The building opened as Parr's Bank and later became a NatWest branch, closing in 2017. Elif restored it over about five months, keeping the central stained-glass dome, plasterwork ceiling and dark wood panelling, and adding velvet chairs, marble tables, a botanical centrepiece, fountains and chandeliers. It is the most dressed-up of the Elif restaurants, which also run on Bold Street, Lark Lane and in Childwall.

What to eat

Start with hot and cold mezze, then move to the grill. Signature dishes include guvec, a stew baked in a clay pot; iskender, grilled meat over bread with yoghurt and tomato butter; and izgara kofte, chargrilled meatballs in a tomato, pepper and garlic sauce. Fish and seafood are on the menu too, and there is a private dining room for around 14 to 16. Sharing several mezze plates is the best way to try the range.

Castle Street evenings

Castle Street is lined with restaurants, so Elif sits among Gaucho, Hawksmoor and The Ivy within a few doors. It suits a celebration meal or a group dinner, and the Town Hall and the waterfront are both an easy walk away for a stroll afterwards.

Highlights

• Grade II listed former Parr's Bank building
• Original stained-glass dome and plasterwork
• Turkish mezze and chargrill
• Signature guvec and iskender
• Private dining room for 14–16

Good to know

• Popular since opening; book ahead
• Private dining room seats around 14–16

Frequently asked questions