American-style restaurant could be coming to St Helens town centre

The new eatery will be based in the former Hudson Smokehouse in the Savoy Building, Bridge Street, which closed its doors in 2016.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported back in August that St Helens Council was working with a proposed tenant to open up a new restaurant at the venue.

Details of the new business have now been revealed through a new premises license application, which will be heard by the councillors on the licensing committee on Thursday.

The newly established company, 66 Bar and Restaurant Ltd, headed up by Kane McQuade, is behind the venture.

A supporting statement from Mr McQuade said the restaurant will have a focus on steaks, burgers, hotdogs and ribs.

He said the eatery can accommodate more than 100 people and will feature an open kitchen so guests can see their meals being prepared.

Mr McQuade said: “Offering American-styled hot and cold food within a rustic and contemporary setting, the primary aim of the restaurant is to bring an alternative to the predominantly Turkish and Indian food-led cuisines within the St Helens area.

“66 Br and Restaurant Ltd will cater to all ages including young children and those from different economic and social backgrounds, bringing affordability and quality to the food that St Helens has to offer.”

Mr McQuade said his primary aim for the eatery is to establish it as the company’s “flagship” restaurant.

Hudson Smokehouse in Bridge Street is currently vacant

The restaurateur plans to open up more American-styled restaurants in the surrounding areas, such as Wigan and Warrington.

Mr McQuade said the name of the restaurant will be different to the registered business name as to not confuse people with it being a drinking premises.

The licensing application due to be heard on Thursday seeks permission to open the premises seven days a week, between 12pm and 11.30pm.

It also seeks permission for the supply of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises between 12pm and 11.30pm, seven days a week.

Currently, a Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) is in force across the Town Centre ward.

CIAs allow local authorities and its partners to have a greater say when reviewing licensing applications for licensed premises.

Mr McQuade said the restaurant will operate in a similar fashion to other restaurants in the town centre such as The Chinese Buffet, Ba’Bursi or The Sheesh.

He said “vigorous measures” will be in place to ensure the restaurant does not add to the cumulative impact of alcohol in the town centre.

Mr McQuade said: “Make no mistake that this business’ prime focus is to bring American-styled food to St Helens and alcohol is a minor focus within this business.

“Vigorous measures will be in place to ensure that this eating establishment does not add to the cumulative impact that alcohol brings to the town centre, measures such as the Challenge 25 policy, CCTV coverage and only serving alcohol to those that order food within the premises.”