The Merchant — Restaurant in Liverpool

I went to this place one rainy Saturday afternoon. Originally an old boozer, which now has an outdoor area, and a pizza kitchen attached to it next door. The place was quite full, with it had mainly a younger crowd. The owners certainly hadn't splashed out on the decor, they'd obviously skimped by ripping everything out. There were bare metal beams on show, with unfinished plaster work, cork tiles, a bare wooden floor, and no ceiling, with a few hanging plants by the bar. The seating was either a hard wooden bench or a wooden stool, the tables were also wooden. I couldn't help notice how dark and cold the place was, and this was at the end of June, it's not what you call nice and homely, and it's a bit industrial. Considering the cost of going out these days, I think people deserve better, and personally I think the 'rough and ready' look has had its day. As for the drinks. I ordered two double gin and tonics, I was shocked at the price of £17.60—and that was for the house gin! I wonder what the good stuff costs? Sadly, this very expensive—hotel priced—house gin was of poor quality, and had little favour. The tonic also came out of a bar button hose drinks dispenser, it was not the more expensive bottled tonic which is far nicer. It was certainly not worth the price of nearly £9 a drink, and you had the feeling that you'd been ripped-off. I, for one, won't be going back, it was a bit of a let-down, and there are plenty of other nicer places to go to. If you like a decent quality drink, try out The Shipping Forecast down the road at 15 Slater Street. I had the best gin and bottled tonic I've had in ages just before I went into this place. It was cheaper, and they have huge leather armchairs so you can enjoy your drink in comfort, not hard...

I recently had the displeasure of encountering a pair of bouncers at the merchant who were rude, ignorant, and seemed to have let their power go to their heads.

I arrived at the venue early to secure a spot in line and was waiting patiently when one of the bouncers approached me and demanded that I move. When I asked why, he simply told me to "just do it" without offering any explanation. I complied, but was left feeling frustrated and disrespected.

As the night went on, I witnessed these bouncers belittling and disrespecting other patrons as well. They seemed to think that they were above everyone else and could do no wrong.

It's one thing to ensure the safety and security of a venue, but it's another thing entirely to treat people like dirt just because you have a bit of power. These bouncers need to remember that they are there to serve and protect, not to bully and intimidate.

I would never set foot in a venue that employs such rude and ignorant bouncers again. They have completely ruined the experience for me and I would strongly discourage anyone else from subjecting themselves to their disrespect. These are two older men who seem to judge people completely on their appearance and from what I observed how ‘scouse’...

Shocked to say the least by the rude doorman....who insisted that although we had tickets to there halloween event ....was advised quite rudely ....no fancy dress makeup was allowed ..not even a stitch.....dont get It!! We know it's not a place that doesn't welcome knob head groups of hen/ stag do's......but were regulars.....and we specifically come for the Horse Meat disco and the good vibe! ruined a birthday night out with a good bunch of mates!! Very disappointed! Don't think I can revisit tbh!! �I think that doorman hasn't quite grasped the door rules......or he's just a general *anker in life!! Boooooo ���this should have been stated on the tickets...