RAISING THE BAR: NICHOLAS DEMETRIOS TRANSFORMS WIRRAL ' S HOSPITALITY SCENE
W L
RAISING THE BAR: NICHOLAS DEMETRIOS TRANSFORMS WIRRAL ' S HOSPITALITY SCENE
Nicholas, what led you to open NYX Bar in Heswall— and how has it evolved since launching? When my dad retired after 40 years in hospitality, I knew it was time to step up. He passed on a strong work ethic, a passion for people, and a real understanding of what makes venues work. My brothers had previously run Paradox, but with our 10-year age gap, we hadn’ t really worked together until this point. After studying Business Management at the University of York, I earned QTS and a Master’ s in Spanish Teaching. But the timing felt right to go my own way. NYX began as a sports bar, but I quickly realised Heswall needed more of a weekend destination. So we adapted— and the local support has been incredible.
You recently won the Wiral Life“ Young Entrepreneur of the Year.” What did that mean to you? Technically, the award had my name on it, but it never felt like it was just mine. My team has been with me from day one— supporting my“ crazy” ideas and sticking by me through everything. This award belongs to them just as much. We’ re aiming even higher next year.
You’ ve opened multiple venues since NYX. Tell us about your newest additions. Alongside NYX, we’ ve launched Onyx Function Suite in Heswall, which caters to private events and celebrations with a more exclusive feel. We also recently opened The Little Gem Function Suite in Greasby, a beautifully intimate space for smaller functions. Both venues were created to meet growing demand for flexible, local event spaces— and they’ ve been really well received.
What inspired you to take on the Queen’ s Royal in New Brighton? New Brighton means a lot to me. I grew up coming here— going to the cinema, visiting my uncle who’ s run the Mediterranean Sea fish and chip shop for over 20 years, and watching shows at the Floral Pavilion. The Queen’ s Royal has always been iconic, and it was sad to see it derelict for six years. Originally, we planned to restore the whole site— including the hotel rooms— but then the opportunity to take on the Master Mariner came along. So we decided to phase the Queen’ s Royal project, starting with reopening the main bar and community areas. We’ re also excited to be opening the function suite at The Queen’ s Royal from September, offering another fantastic space for private events and celebrations.
What’ s your vision for the Queen’ s Royal and its role in the community? We want to bring back elegance— live bands, saxophonists, Sunday roasts— aimed at a slightly older, more refined crowd. But at its heart, it’ s about community. We want locals to feel proud of it again and see it as a space they’ re welcome in.
How did your experience with NYX shape your approach to the Queen’ s Royal? Adaptability is the biggest lesson. You can open with one vision, but your customers often show you what they really want. At NYX, we listened, adapted, and thrived— and that same approach is guiding everything we do at the Queen’ s Royal.
The Master Mariner has had a mixed reputation in recent years. Why take it on? There was a lot of speculation about its future, and I saw a chance to step in— partly to avoid future competition, but also because the building has real potential. I’ ve had fantastic support from landlord Anthony Fox at LSF Estates, which has helped move things forward quickly.
How are you addressing concerns around the Master Mariner’ s appearance? We’ ve already begun making changes, with more to come. While I can’ t reveal all the plans yet, locals will definitely see and feel the difference. We want to bring it back to life with care and quality.
What’ s your vision for the Master Mariner long-term? It’ s about creating a relaxed, welcoming venue— screens for sport, a laid-back vibe, and a great beer garden that makes the most of the seafront location. We want it to be a go-to destination, where people naturally gather when they’ re in New Brighton.
With multiple venues now open, is there a unifying vision behind your work? Yes— it’ s called“ Wirral Functions.” The idea is to offer a range of venues across the area, each with something unique— sea views, accessibility, late-night options— so we can cater to any event within a five-mile radius. Because we own and run each venue, we can customise everything to the client’ s needs.
How do you ensure quality and consistency across such a diverse portfolio? Each venue has its own brand and feel, but our standards are consistent: great service, attention to detail, and memorable experiences. From uniforms to training, we make sure every guest gets the same highquality experience— whether they’ re in Heswall, Greasby, or New Brighton.
What’ s been the most surprising reaction from the community so far? In New Brighton, it’ s the deep emotional connection people have with the Queen’ s Royal and the Master Mariner. Locals talk about these buildings like they’ re part of their identity. That loyalty and pride really inspires us to do them justice.
36 wirrallife. com