The new lounge club and restaurant – a collaboration between the owners of popular Nonna's, Cubana and Takapuna – is due to open in the former AUEW offices in Furnival Gate.

The venue will be known as Livielli: "It means 'levels', not just the different levels of the building but taking the experience to another level," says key player Gian Bohan. But first comes a 24-week build to transform the office block into a building designed to appeal to the sophisticated 30-something market.

The ground-floor steak room, with its open kitchen, will be linked to higher floors by a glass lift. A mezzanine will feature a glass-fronted wine tasting room, with a table for private dining, while the top level will be a lounge club, with a stage for live music from salsa to jazz.

"We want an international feel to it," says Gian. "Steak houses are the darling buds at the minute, everywhere from Vegas to New York. It's going to be very cool, very slick, very sexy."

Steaks will come from various cattle – not just Aberdeen Angus and Herefordshire Shorthorn but Argentinian, American and Italian breeds, too – and the team has already begun sourcing its suppliers.

Specialities will include made-at-the-table sauces. Fish and veggie options will complete the menu. Work is due to begin next month with a view to opening next February.

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