A historic former bank on Smithdown Place has opened as a new independent lifestyle destination as founders Laura McCumiskey and Anna Forster launch Twenty.
Combining food, drink, floristry, and independent retail under one roof, the venue opens on Saturday 16th May from 8:30 am until late to offer customers an immersive and 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.
Co-founder Laura McCumiskey said:
“For us, it’s about moving from transaction to connection, if you want people to come back to the high street, you have to give them a reason to stay.”
“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.
Anna 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.”
Preserving Heritage in a Beatles Landmark
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 Beatles song ‘Penny Lane’, written by Sir Paul McCartney in 1966, adding to its cultural significance within the city.
Throughout the 12-month renovations, the site has gathered a lot of interest, and 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.
A Space for Community Memories
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.”
Both Anna and Laura are advocates for local business and community, and believe collaboration is key to building a more resilient high street.
Anna said:
“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, opening to the public on 16th May.
