Five popular businesses located in Liverpool's Baltic Triangle are set to close their doors this weekend as the summer season comes to an end. The venues, which include outdoor bars and food pop-ups, have announced final events for customers before they cease trading for the winter months.
The closures affect Picante, Sub Rosa, Burner, Botanical Garden, and Pizzoteca. While most are seasonal closures with plans to return, the operators have scheduled a series of farewell events to mark the end of a busy period for the area's hospitality sector.
Key Takeaways
- Five businesses in the Baltic Triangle are closing this weekend for the winter.
- Affected venues include Picante, Sub Rosa, Burner, Botanical Garden, and Pizzoteca.
- Most closures are seasonal, with several operators indicating plans to return next year or in new locations.
- The venues are hosting final events to give customers a last chance to visit.
Planned Seasonal Closures Underway
As autumn approaches, several outdoor and pop-up venues in Liverpool's creative district are preparing for their annual winter shutdown. This is a common practice for businesses that rely on outdoor space and favourable weather to operate successfully.
The affected businesses have been a significant part of the Baltic Triangle's vibrant social scene throughout the spring and summer. Their temporary closure marks a seasonal shift in the area's hospitality landscape, with a focus moving towards indoor establishments.
Picante Concludes Summer Pop-Up
Picante, a Mexican food and drink venue, will close after a successful summer run. The business opened in March in the former Dockleaf site within Cains Brewery Village. It was established as a temporary pop-up from the outset, with the intention of trading only during the warmer months.
The venture was a collaboration between several well-known figures in Liverpool's hospitality industry. The team included Joe Wild, formerly of Taco or Don't, Kate from Gin Journey, Sally Jo Whitlow of Jenn's Bar, and Danny Murphy from Berry & Rye. The two-floor venue aimed to replicate the atmosphere of a Guadalajara cantina, serving classic Mexican dishes like tacos and nachos alongside a range of margaritas.
Management has confirmed that the closure was always part of the business plan and has hinted at a possible return. In a response to a customer online, the business stated the situation.
"Yeah, it was always a pop up till the end of September. We are in talks though so might be back next year."
This suggests that while the current iteration is ending, the brand may reappear in Liverpool in 2026, depending on the outcome of ongoing discussions.
Sub Rosa and Burner Announce Winter Break
Another pair of venues closing this weekend are the outdoor cocktail bar Sub Rosa and its resident food kitchen, Burner. Located on Kings Dock Street, Sub Rosa has been a popular spot since its launch in 2021.
The venue is known for its distinctive design, which features a bar constructed from a shipping container and seating areas made from repurposed trolleys. Its large event space has made it a go-to destination for outdoor gatherings in the Baltic Triangle.
In a message to customers, the team behind Sub Rosa expressed their feelings about the temporary closure.
"Closing down always breaks my heart but I guess there is no permanent state and there’s enough life admin to keep us all stacked till next year."
This sentiment reflects the bittersweet nature of seasonal hospitality work, balancing the success of a busy summer with the necessity of a winter hiatus.
Burner's Final Service
Operating from within Sub Rosa, the food pop-up Burner will also be serving its final customers this weekend. Burner gained a following for its constantly evolving menu, which changed on a weekly basis.
Offerings ranged from simple chip and dips to more substantial items like 'Burner buns' filled with pork, beef, fennel, and chilli meatballs. This dynamic approach kept the menu fresh and encouraged repeat visits. The Burner team thanked their host venue for the season.
"Thanks @subrosaliverpool for a summer of goodness with the best people."
The closure of both Sub Rosa and Burner represents a significant, albeit temporary, change for their shared space on Kings Dock Street.
End of an Era for Botanical Garden and Pizzoteca
Long-standing gin bar Botanical Garden is also closing for the season. The New Bird Street venue, which is a sister business to Sub Rosa, has been a fixture in the area for a decade, having first opened its doors 10 years ago.
Known for its relaxed outdoor setting, Botanical Garden is a well-established part of the Baltic Triangle's social fabric. Following this weekend's closure, the venue is expected to return for the 2026 season.
Pizzoteca Hints at Permanent Future
Joining Botanical Garden in its seasonal closure is its latest food partner, Pizzoteca. The pizza pop-up has been serving customers throughout the summer but will now cease trading at this location.
However, the team behind Pizzoteca has suggested this is not the end for their brand. They have teased plans for a new, permanent venture. In a social media post, the business shared its future intentions.
"It’s been real, it’s been delicious... but all good things must take their final bow. After this weekend, Pizzoteca will not return to the gin garden, but something else is being born. @chin.zanolpl is stirring once more. A permanent home for the brand that is Chin-Zano."
This announcement indicates that while the pop-up is ending, the operators are planning to launch a permanent restaurant under a different brand name, Chin-Zano, in a new location.