‘We must have been to the tip 100 times but it’s really coming together’

Couple’s business brainwave is transforming iconic former fishing shopShannon and Layton Kane, owners of All Day Poke on Smithdown Road in Liverpool(Image: Liverpool Echo)

Locals to the Smithdown Road area might have noticed that the site of Bob’s Angling, Tackle and Bait has recently seen a major transformation. The former shop at number 495 was thought of by some as equal parts social club to fishing shop.

But after 25 years in business, former owner Robert Harrison has handed over the keys. The shop is now home to two new owners, one of whom wasn’t even born when the former shop started its life.

With a full refurb already in the works, the shop is set to reopen in July as a Poké bowl business. Named All Day Poké, it is the vision of Liverpool couple Layton Kane, 24, and Shannon Dalrymple, 26.

Starting off catering to friends and with their first public sales only in March this year, the couple decided it was time to take the plunge and have since been working hard to transform the space into their dream first venue.

Layton said: “It was hard work – we must have been to the tip 100 times. But it’s really coming together and we can’t wait to open.”

Shannon and Layton Kane, owners of All Day Poke on Smithdown Road in Liverpool(Image: Liverpool Echo)

The new shop is set to be painted yellow inside with a fun and tropical feel.

There will be various seating arrangements including benches and breakfast bars.

Despite taking the bold step to open a food business at such a young age, both Layton and Shannon had very different careers beforehand.

The former Bob’s Angling Tackle & Bait on Smithdown Road(Image: Liverpool Echo)

Alongside starting the business, Layton is a professional MMA fighter and Shannon works with children in care.

Layton said: “I did personal training so I’ve always been health-conscious and obsessed with food.”

Layton noted a surge in popularity in acai bowls on social media and also hopes that the business will attract local students looking for a healthier food option.

All Day Poké will sell the popular Hawaiian cuisine to eat in or take away.

In an unintentional nods to the shop’s history, the venue will have plenty of fish on offer, with options of smoked salmon and tuna as well as other fresh ingredients such as falafel, edamame, mango and cucumber.

Poké bowls by All Day Poké(Image: @thesocialnetwork____ via Instagram )

Their menu will also feature acai bowls – a popular sweet dish originating in South America and consisting of blended berries, topped with other ingredients like fruit, seeds or granola.

Customers will be able to order food by filling in a paper menu in which they can choose their own base, protein, toppings, sauce and garnishes for Poké bowls.

“Poké bowls are also great for fussy eaters because you know exactly what you’re getting,” says Layton.

The new shop is set to open on July 5.

It can be found at 495 Smithdown Road, Liverpool, L15 3JJ.