Food travel experts SSP UK launch pub at London’s Liverpool Street Station

Representing an investment by SSP worth £1.2m, The Merchant of Bishopsgate has been developed with the purpose of totally transforming the drinking and eating experience available at the station. Dishes on the menu include homemade free range Scotch eggs with black pudding; mini Lincolnshire Poacher Welsh rarebit on crumpets; and cocktail Cumberland sausages with Colman's mustard mayonnaise dip. Vegetarians are also well catered for with options such as roasted carrot and red onion tartlet or mini baked cheese and onion potatoes. Cold 'grazers' include homemade cheese scones with smoked Scottish salmon and lemon crème fraiche; pork pie wedges; and homemade giant pork scratchings. Sarah Jezard, chief marketing officer at SSP UK, said: "Following research into the key requirements of station and local pub customers, The Merchant of Bishopsgate brings a unique and fresh identity to Liverpool Street Station, offering something completely unexpected and excitingly different to that of other outlets typically found at stations around the UK. "Customers to The Merchant of Bishopsgate will notice a 'real' personality. Its new and unique character will translate into every element of the customer experience, from the communication and service style to the environment and ranges. "The cask ale range includes local, regional and national choices, which will be available with rotating guest ales interspersed throughout the year. Ale sampler 'flights' offer added choice, with one third of a pint glass allowing customers to sample and experiment with something new. "The introduction of Enomatic wine machines also follows this theme, as it allows customers the freedom to either help themselves, or ask the dedicated wine staff to help them choose something new. She added: "At SSP we are constantly looking at ways to connect with and welcome new customers. The Merchant of Bishopsgate is an impressive addition which does exactly that, sitting elegantly in SSP's portfolio and representing the best of what we offer in the UK. A visit to The Merchant of Bishopsgate offers style and panache and creates a real sense of occasion without being intimidating, ensuring a tasty passage for all customers."