Local residents and independent business owners gathered on Smithdown Place on Thursday evening for the official launch of twenty.
Twenty founders Laura McCumiskey and Anna Forster welcomed guests inside the transformed former Liverpool Savings Bank building for an evening of food, drink, floristry and a first look at the independent brands and businesses now operating within the space.
The launch event marked the culmination of an 18-month renovation project which has seen the historic bank building reimagined as a lifestyle destination centred around hospitality, independent retail, floristry and community.
The newly installed wine window, complete with bell, proved to be an instant hit as guests received their drinks and soaked up the late evening sunshine.
Opening to the public on Saturday, 16th May 2026, twenty combines food, drink, floristry and independent retail, all under one roof.
Open from 8:30am until late, customers can expect an immersive, sensory experience. Offering carefully curated natural wines, seasonal small plates, year-round floristry, and a rotating collection of quality brands, twenty is designed for discovery, connection and time well spent.
Laura, founder of Laura’s Deli & Wine in Mossley Hill, co-developed the twenty concept after seeing both the limitations of traditional retail and the increasing pressure on independent businesses.
Co-founder Anna Forster, founder of Mary Mary Florals, brings floristry to the space as part of the overall experience.
Twenty is housed within the former Liverpool Savings Bank, built in the 1930s and later operated by TSB.
The building also forms part of the area referenced in the Penny Lane, written by Paul McCartney in 1966, adding to its cultural significance within the city.
Throughout the 12-month renovation, the project generated significant interest from the local community, with passersby regularly stopping to ask about the future of the building.
Moving From Transaction to Connection in a Historic Penny Lane Landmark
Ahead of the launch, twenty took to social media to invite people to share their memories of the building, which has stood as a familiar presence on the South Liverpool high street for more than 90 years.
The response unearthed a collection of personal stories spanning generations, from first bank accounts to everyday moments. Local resident Jess McQueen said:
“I started my career at 20 Smithdown Place when I was 17, I’m 31 now, working as a cashier on Saturdays.
“My mum worked for Lloyds TSB for over 25 years, and spent a lot of that time at what we knew as ‘Heathfield Branch’.
“There was a quick deposit box by the secure door.
“I used to write silly messages and draw pictures on the envelopes, posting them for the cashier to find the next day.
“Smithdown Place holds such a special place in my heart. I can’t wait to see what it becomes next.”
Independent Founders Unite to Bring New Life to an Iconic 1930s Bank
“For us, it’s about moving from transaction to connection,” says co-founder Laura McCumiskey.
“If you want people to come back to the high street, you have to give them a reason to stay.”
Laura, founder of Laura’s Deli & Wine in Mossley Hill, co-developed the twenty concept after seeing both the limitations of traditional retail and the increasing pressure on independent businesses.
Laura said:
“We wanted to create something that supports other independents as well as our own businesses.
“A space where quality, experience and community come first.”
Co-founder Anna Forster, founder of Mary Mary Florals, brings floristry to the space as part of the overall experience, she said:
“When something is made with care, people feel it straight away,”
“That’s what we’re building here, something that feels real and connected.
“Running a business can be challenging and isolating, what we’re creating with twenty is something more collaborative, where independent businesses can support each other and grow together.”
Laura added:
“We feel honoured that we’ve got this iconic building, in a beautiful location and we can create something that is valuable to the community.”
Twenty is set to host a series of workshops, panel talks, flower markets, tastings and live music experiences in the coming months.
Twenty opens to the public on Saturday, 16th May 2026 at 20 Smithdown Place, Liverpool.
You can find out more about the upcoming twenty events here.
