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Nestled amongst the fine dining restaurants and offices belonging to barristers and bankers in Liverpool is a Hooters diner.
While it may seem out of place, some could say it was intentionally opened there to draw in high-brow clientele.
It’s hard to say if that has worked though as when Daily Star reporter Billie Schwab Dunn visited lunchtime on a Wednesday, there were only a handful of customers.
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For those who don’t know, Hooters is a controversial American chain that features a hearty food menu, extensive drink options and staff known for wearing skimpy uniforms made up of hot pants and tank tops.
The restaurant and bar has faced a variety of backlash, as prior to opening in Liverpool, many believed it to be unsuitable for its spot on Water Street.
Labour Councillor Maria Toolan launched an online petition opposing the controversial plans, describing Hooters as “an archaic and chauvinistic brand”.
Its arrival also sparked a noise row with a family business owner who claimed the new restaurant was 'affecting trade' thanks to its noise pollution.
Now it was my turn to see what all the fuss is about. Stepping inside, everyone’s head instantly turned in my direction – and no, it wasn’t because of my impressive good looks and impeccable charm.
Being the only female customer (and alone) it was clear I stuck out like a sore thumb. Nevertheless, I was met by an incredibly bubbly waitress who was more than eager to seat me at the bar.
Once I was sat, I started to feel like I was in an episode of Black Mirror as a waitress was perched at the window seat tempting passersby to walk inside.
I had actually noticed her the first time I walked by the restaurant but had assumed she was a mannequin showing off the restaurant's merch as the concept just seemed so bizarre.
The young woman was also filming TikToks (the spot did have the perfect amount of sunlight, after all) and other women in the restaurant were busy taking selfies when not serving customers.
In all honesty, I respect the hustle – work on that personal branding whenever you can – but it did feel like I was interrupting and it felt incredibly awkward… at least I did.
While there were around six or seven women working, I had to chase them down to take my order.
Having a vegan eat at a Hooters might not seem like the smartest idea in the world when their menu focuses heavily on meat, but I did manage to order a bowl of Tater Tots washed down with two glasses of their finest soda water.
If you are of the meat-eating persuasion, the American-inspired cuisine on the menu includes the restaurant's speciality chicken wings, as well as Hooters classics such as the Mile-High Burger and Twisted Texas Melt.
Once my order was taken, I was left to my own devices as I took in the surroundings.
Large windows at the front let in gorgeous light and high ceilings sit above you while ginormous televisions flank almost every wall. The decor inside is… kitsch. Not my vibe personally but definitely lives up to the Hooters name.
While the young women were friendly, there was one manager who death-stared me for my order and skilfully ignored any of my attempts to get her attention.
It was clear their focus was on men and not female customers, as they regularly rushed to their aid while often ignoring me – and I can’t blame them.
I know the waitresses heavily rely on tips and the men were hanging onto the young women’s every word, enjoying their flirtation.
One waitress did tell me the impressive building was the biggest Hooters in the world – it can seat 300 guests across two levels – and while that’s easy to believe, it is moments like my visit where the size does it a disservice.
Regardless of the theme, a venue this big needs to be busy to create the right vibe and when I visited, there were more staff members than customers.
Although I can’t fault them for working hard to create an upbeat atmosphere and occasionally dancing, the vast emptiness worked against them.
At this end of Liverpool, I can't see how they'd ever fill the restaurant unless a shipful of American sailors was in port.
While they were picking banger after banger on the jukebox (Jump by Girls Aloud was a great choice) and dancing along, it wasn’t enough to create the right vibe with so few people there. Some of the men were lapping it up but it felt forced and a bit contrived.
I was particularly pleased though when I heard Edge of Seventeen by Stevie Nicks come on as I was instantly transported to that incredible scene from School of Rock.
You know the one I'm talking about, the scene where Jack Black and Joan Cusack go to a dive bar and when the song plays from the jukebox Joan begins to dance in her seat and sing along… Just me then? Okay… moving on.
The young women certainly sounded like they were having fun though and squealed when a group of men ordered shots.
I could also hear them regularly giggling with customers and, while that’s part of the job, they really did seem genuinely interested in what they had to say.
Heck, they turned their charm on me when I was paying my bill as they were wowed by my Australian accent and were curious as to why I was in their neck of the woods.
They even suggested I come back when the football was on as they said that’s when the restaurant was most enjoyable.
When it was finally time for me to go my eyes popped out of their socket though when my total came to £6.69. As my card hit the machine I winced at having to pay almost seven quid for previously frozen pieces of potato.
It seems reviews agree with me, as a handful of people have complained about the restaurant's prices.
“Food was about 6/10. Don't bring your children, it definitely isn't child friendly. Super expensive, not worth the food you're getting,” one person wrote.
Another added: “I popped in for a quick pint. I fully regretted my decision after being charged £7.37 for a pint of Madri. I have never even paid that for a pint in London.”
At the end of the day, Hooters Liverpool was definitely an interesting experience and most of the girls were lovely.
Would it have been better to see it in all of its glory when the sport is on? Possibly. Will I ever be visiting again? Definitely not.
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