The launch of Casa de la Pasta and exciting plans for Bold Street

March was a busy month at Liv Organic and Natural Food Market. We've been gearing up to the full launch of our new organic, vegan pasta offering Casa de la Pasta. We were honoured to have The Lord Mayor Cllr Malcom Kennedy formally open it on 27 March. I was proud to gift the Lady Mayoress a very unique, vintage vinegar hamper with which she was delighted. I would like to thank everyone who attended including local businessmen from Bachich and Kasbah and KO Grill; Independent Liverpool; liverpool tv and the Echo. 

The Lord Mayor's visit was timely in light of LCC recent announcement plans to Pedestrianise Bold Street.  

I must say I wholeheartedly welcome this move. When I was scouting potential sites for this store, what attracted me to Bold St was its bohemian vibe and thriving independent scene. It is a forward thinking, creative and inclusive area and this is reflected in its offering which is a welcome antidote to the homogeneity and commercialism of other parts of the city. That’s why I opened in 10,000 sq ft Art Deco venue and have revived this disused building. 

This is a once in a generation opportunity for Bold St to live up to its name and be bold, daring and original.  I challenge the council to put health and sustainability at the heart of its vision. This year is the 10th Anniversary of the European Capital of Culture under the slogan “world in one city”. Bold St is the home to many global food retailers and fusion food restaurants so it makes sense to reaffirm the City’s commitment to make Bold St a truly global destination which I’m sure it can be. In many cities the independent high street is under threat so we need to cherish what we have on Bold St. When you look at the areas and initiatives in Liverpool where an independent retail business district has worked,  it has always been through a grass roots approach: when local businesses have driven the agenda and been at the heart of the process. 

The council need to invest in the social and human assets of the street:  its local businesses, shoppers, visitors and commuters. The scope of the project needs to consider issues that affect Bold St such as litter, homelessness and a lack of healthy food alternatives to the many fast food outlets.

I would propose that part of the money goes towards addressing these issues. My recommendation is that the council invest in compost bins and education initiatives to encourage recycling and healthy eating. We also need community activities to support the homeless. We have been running initiatives in all these areas including the national Wake Up to Organic Campaign and funding the Homeless Games but more support is required in these areas. 

Looking forward to April, we're eagerly awaiting the next edition of Good Taste Magazine which will feature an editorial on Casa de la Pasta. There will be further in-store changes including greater nutritional information on key products and recommendations on levels of consumption to aid a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Additionally, we will be preparing to install a wood fire so we can cook bread and pizza in the most authentically Italian way. We will also be planning some of our educational and  philanthropic campaigns: Wake Up to Organic and Homeless Games- more about them next month. 

As ever we at Liv Organic and Natural Market are grateful for your continued support. Please follow us on social media if you're not already. 

Yours in organic service 

Hassan