Eat & Drink near MLEC
Pre-show dining, post-show drinks, and everything in between — Southport's restaurant scene is ready.
Terry's Take
People underestimate Southport's food scene. Lord Street has quietly built a genuinely good selection of independent restaurants over the past few years — nothing like it was a decade ago. My honest recommendation: book a table on Lord Street, take your time over dinner, then walk to MLEC along the Promenade. That's the perfect MLEC evening. And when the venue opens, The Light Fantastic water show on the way back? Bonus.
Dining by Area
The Promenade & Seafront
The stretch of the Promenade around MLEC will have the MLEC's own signature restaurant and lakeside café as anchors. Existing seafront options include fish and chips, casual cafés, and ice cream — ideal for a relaxed pre-show snack or a quick post-show something sweet. Expect the dining offer on the Promenade to expand significantly once MLEC opens and footfall increases.
MLEC Signature Restaurant
Lake views, full-service dining — inside MLEC itself. Opening 2027.
MLEC Lakeside Café
Coffee by day, bistro by night. Year-round, no event required.
Seafront fish & chip shops
Classic British seaside — grab and go, or sit down.
Promenade cafés & kiosks
Coffee, ice cream, light bites — good for pre-show casual.
Lord Street & Town Centre
Lord Street is Southport's main dining and drinking strip, and it's genuinely excellent. Independent restaurants, national chains, cocktail bars, traditional pubs — you'll find something for every taste and budget. The walk from Lord Street to MLEC takes about 10–15 minutes along the Promenade, which is easy to factor into your pre-show timing.
Independent restaurants
Wide range of cuisines — Italian, Indian, Thai, modern British, and more.
Cocktail bars & wine bars
Several quality cocktail bars on and around Lord Street for post-show drinks.
Traditional pubs
Classic Southport pubs with good food menus and real ale.
Coffee shops
Multiple independents and chains for pre-show coffee.
Birkdale Village
Birkdale village has quietly become one of the best dining destinations in Southport. A cluster of quality independent restaurants and bars on Liverpool Road, with a genuinely local, unhurried feel. If you're staying in Birkdale, have dinner here before getting a taxi to MLEC rather than trying to rush back into town.
Independent bistros & restaurants
Several quality independents along Liverpool Road, Birkdale.
Local pubs with food
Village pub dining — relaxed, good portions.
Takeaway options
Pizza, Indian, and chippy all within the village.
What You'll Find in Southport
Modern British
Fine dining and gastropubs doing seasonal menus. Lord Street and town centre.
Italian
Several solid Italian restaurants across town, from casual pizza to proper trattoria.
Indian
Strong Indian restaurant scene — Southport has several long-standing quality spots.
Fish & Chips
Mandatory at the seaside. Multiple award-winning chippies within a mile of MLEC.
Thai & Asian Fusion
Growing selection of Thai, Japanese, and Asian fusion restaurants in the town centre.
Bars & Cocktails
Lord Street has a strong cocktail bar scene for pre and post-show drinks.
Brunch & Cafés
Southport's café culture is strong — ideal for matinée days starting with brunch.
MLEC Dining
MLEC's own signature restaurant (lake views) and lakeside café from April 2027.
Pre-Show Dining Tips
Allow 90 Minutes Pre-Show
If you're eating out before a show at MLEC, allow at least 90 minutes from sitting down to getting to the venue. 60 minutes for dinner, 30 to walk to MLEC and find your seats. Don't try to rush it.
Book Ahead on Event Nights
When MLEC opens, popular shows will mean the whole of Lord Street fills up. Don't assume you can walk into your favourite restaurant at 6pm on a Saturday show night. Book ahead — at least a week in advance for big events.
Promenade Walk = No Stress
Eating on Lord Street and walking to MLEC along the Promenade is genuinely enjoyable — flat, well-lit, and pleasant. Build the walk into your evening rather than rushing it.
Post-Show Drinks
MLEC's lakeside café will likely be open for post-show drinks. Lord Street bars are a 10–15 minute walk. If the show finishes late, have a plan — taxi apps can have surge pricing after big shows.
MLEC Has Its Own Restaurant
From 2027, you'll be able to dine in the MLEC signature restaurant with 180-degree lake views. Book this for special occasions — it will be the most dramatic pre-show dining experience in the town.
The Promenade Walk at Night
Post-MLEC opening, the Promenade at night will have The Light Fantastic water show as a backdrop. Even if you're just grabbing a coffee on the way home, it's worth stopping. Factor this into your evening — it's free to watch.
Browse All Southport Restaurants
Full directory of restaurants, bars, cafés, and takeaways in Southport — all within reach of MLEC.