Only days after opening its doors, the much-anticipated, The Viking Pub & Bakehouse, has been targeted by thieves.
Merseyside Police were called after the pub, which is owned by celebrity chef Simon Rimmer, was broken into in the early hours of Monday morning.
Police spent much of yesterday carrying out forensics at the pub, which is has now re-opened for business as usual.
A spokeswoman for Merseyside Police said: “Detectives are investigating following a burglary at a pub in West Kirby in the early hours of Monday 27 June.
“Staff at The Viking pub on Black Horse Hill contacted police at 6.30am after discovering unknown offenders had gained entry to the premises.
“Damage had been caused to the pub and a quantity of cash has been taken. CCTV and forensic opportunities are being explored and an investigation is ongoing.”
The Viking, which is on the site of The Hilltop, on Blackhorse Hill, has undergone a £1million refurbishment.
The gastropub will follow a similar concept to its highly successful sister venue, The Elephant Pub & Bakehouse, in Woolton Village, Liverpool.
The Viking and The Elephant are part of the Flying Pig & Lobster group, of which Simon is a director along with his friends Roy Ellis and Neil McLeod, who also founded the Revolution chain of vodka bars.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 0151 777 2263 or the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.
