Five years ago, some people doubted Pina Loca would survive. Today, the colourful Mexican small plates restaurant on Allport Lane is celebrating its fifth anniversary after becoming one of the Wirral’s most talked-about dining destinations, earning hundreds of five-star reviews and being voted the second-best restaurant in Merseyside by La Vida Liverpool readers.
FOR THE MENU AND TO BOOK VISIT THE WEBSITE OR CALL 0151 245 3938
What started as a leap of faith has grown into a thriving independent business that continues to draw diners from across the region with its creative food, innovative cocktails and vibrant atmosphere. Despite being tucked away slightly off the beaten track in Bromborough, Pina Loca has built a fiercely loyal following thanks to owner Babul Miah’s determination to offer something genuinely different.
FOR THE MENU AND TO BOOK VISIT THE WEBSITE OR CALL 0151 245 3938
Walking through the doors, it’s immediately clear why so many people keep coming back. Colourful décor, a laid-back vibe and a carefully curated soundtrack create an atmosphere that’s as lively as the food itself, making it equally suited to relaxed lunches, family meals and evenings with friends.
FOR THE MENU AND TO BOOK VISIT THE WEBSITE OR CALL 0151 245 3938
Rather than traditional starters and mains, the menu is built around Mexican-inspired small plates, encouraging guests to order several dishes to share and discover a variety of bold flavours in one sitting. From tacos packed with vibrant fillings to loaded nachos, sizzling grilled dishes, burritos and street food-inspired bites, every plate is designed to be full of colour, texture and punchy flavour.
FOR THE MENU AND TO BOOK VISIT THE WEBSITE OR CALL 0151 245 3938
Fresh ingredients, smoky spices and creative combinations ensure there’s plenty to discover, whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth. The sharing concept perfectly suits the restaurant’s relaxed style, allowing diners to mix and match dishes while experiencing a menu that feels playful and modern without losing sight of authentic Mexican influences.
FOR THE MENU AND TO BOOK VISIT THE WEBSITE OR CALL 0151 245 3938
Of course, no visit would be complete without exploring Pina Loca’s impressive cocktail menu. The drinks are every bit as creative as the food, featuring colourful, fruit-packed serves alongside expertly mixed margaritas, tequila-based creations and tropical cocktails that perfectly complement the vibrant dishes coming out of the kitchen.
FOR THE MENU AND TO BOOK VISIT THE WEBSITE OR CALL 0151 245 3938
Pina Loca is celebrating its 5th birthday with the launch of a new menu too. A few new fascinating dishes have joined the refined selection of small plates, nachos, tacos, bowls, burritos and a sharing platter. Check out the early doors offers too — such as any three small plates for £22, burrito or bowl with soft drink for £17.50 and any three tacos for £22.
Reflecting on five years in business, Babul said: “Five years… where has that gone? Five years ago we took a chance on Pina Loca. Plenty of people thought we’d fail. I still remember standing outside while the shop was being built and hearing someone say, ‘It’ll be closed in six months.’ Whoever you are, thank you. Those words stayed with us and, if anything, made us even more determined to make it work.”
FOR THE MENU AND TO BOOK VISIT THE WEBSITE OR CALL 0151 245 3938
Babul had been heavily involved in his family’s Indian restaurant, Karma, for many years before going on to work in senior roles at top hospitality businesses such as Gusto and Mowgli. When he decided to take the plunge and open his open restaurant in 2021, just after Covid, he asked locals what they wanted — many requested Mexican and he came up with something even better and it’s certainly paid off!
That said, like many independent hospitality businesses, Pina Loca has weathered its fair share of challenges. “It’s definitely not been easy,” Babul said. “The first few years were hard. We’ve had some incredible highs and some really difficult lows. Along the way we welcomed our two beautiful daughters into the world, which made life even crazier, but also reminded us why we had to keep going.”
FOR THE MENU AND TO BOOK VISIT THE WEBSITE OR CALL 0151 245 3938
Babul is keen to thank people for the restaurant’s success: “We’ve made friends for life, been through challenges that have changed us, and had moments we’ll never forget.” he said. “The biggest thing we’ve learned is that you can’t do this on your own. Pina Loca is only here because of our family, our friends and everyone who’s had our back. Thank you for believing in us, even when we didn’t always believe in ourselves.”
He continued: “The teams at Pina Loca and Poco Loco, our Mexican takeaway concept, are more than staff to us — they’re family. We’ve laughed together, argued together, grafted together and celebrated together. We’ve built more than businesses; we’ve built a home, and I hope we’ll all still be part of each other’s lives for years to come.”
FOR THE MENU AND TO BOOK VISIT THE WEBSITE OR CALL 0151 245 3938
Surviving in today’s harsh hospitality landscape is not an easy task, especially when the restaurant is located off the beaten track, but when the reputation is strong enough it works. With literally hundreds of five star reviews on all platforms and glowing coverage from multiple media outlets, Pina Loca continues to stand the test of time and defy the odds.
Babul summarises: “We genuinely love hospitality,” he said. “We love seeing families come in every week, couples on date nights, birthdays, celebrations and even people just popping in because they fancy a burrito. Being part of those moments is something we’ll never take for granted. We honestly couldn’t imagine doing anything else. And finally, Bromborough….thank you. You’ve welcomed us with open arms from day one.”
FOR THE MENU AND TO BOOK VISIT THE WEBSITE OR CALL 0151 245 3938
In an era when independent hospitality businesses continue to face rising costs and increasing pressures, Pina Loca’s milestone is about much more than longevity. It’s proof that originality, passion and genuine community spirit can still thrive. Five years on from opening its doors, the colourful Bromborough restaurant remains one of the Wirral’s standout dining destinations.
Piña Loca / 24 Allport Lane, Bromborough, Wirral, CH62 7HP / 0151 245 3938
FOR THE MENU AND TO BOOK VISIT THE WEBSITE OR CALL 0151 245 3938
