Inside hidden restaurant where customers cough up £1,000 before they even eat

When lifestyle writer Paul McAuley visited this restaurant for lunch last month, an Italian Caprese sandwich set him back £8.95 and a side of triple cooked chips was priced at £5.95 The exterior of private members club The Athenaeum Liverpool

Tucked away opposite Primark in Liverpool city centre is one of the country's most exclusive restaurants , where diners have spent £1,000 before even taking a bite. Only a handful of people have ever dined in the The Athenaeum, despite it existing since 1797. ‌

And those that have will have forked out anywhere between £324.50 and £1,045 to join. But their menu is more budget-friendly , with a lemon and Cajun spiced chicken breast setting you back £18.95. ‌

Its roast red pepper and Jerusalem artichoke tartlet and fish and chips cost t