The business closed in September hoping to return
The business closed in September hoping to return
A Mexican-inspired cantina is returning to Liverpool after closing in September last year. Set across two floors, in the former Dockleaf site in Cains Brewery Village, Picante “conjured the essence of Guadalajara and its bustling cantina scene”.
Joe Wild, once owner of Taco or Don’t, adapted his Mexican food business into Picante 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.
Picante was a temporary venture and always intended to close after the summer months, with the final operations falling on September 27. The business told a follower online at the time: “Yeah, it was always a pop up till the end of September. We are in talks though so might be back next year.”
The team has confirmed Picante will return for a second season and launch on Friday, March 13. Danny Murphy said: “Our debut season with Picante exceeded all of our expectations – we absolutely loved introducing our Mexican cantina concept to the city in 2025 and genuinely we were blown away by how much people loved it.
“The feedback has been truly wonderful since day one and we can’t thank everyone enough for their support for Picante. And now for 2026, we’re coming back bigger and better, with new dishes and cocktails to try, monthly Tequila Tasting Fridays sessions, Kate’s back with her Margarita masterclasses and we will have day parties up on the Más terrace.
“We’re bringing back the high energy, fiery fun and warmly welcoming Picante vibes, perfect for the forthcoming spring and summer seasons – and hopefully we get lots of sunshine, too!
“Don’t forget Picante means spicy in Spanish, and that’s exactly what we’re all about, bringing the heat to Liverpool again from Friday March 13th.”
In July, the venue launched Late Night Más, a rooftop tequila bar with live Latin music located on the top floor. The terrace is back for 2026 with day parties planned alongside bottomless brunch, wing Wednesdays and weekly happy hour deals.
After the launch weekend, Picante will be open every Wednesday to Sunday until the end of September.
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