Gerrard, now the manager of Rangers, and his business partner Paul Adams agreed to sell the Exchange Flags venue to leading Merseyside-born chef Aiden Byrne. Tony McDonough reports
Former Liverpool FC star Steven Gerrard has sold the Vincent Café & Cocktail Bar in Liverpool to renowned Merseyside chef Aiden Byrne.
Gerrard, now the manager of Rangers, and his business partner Paul Adams agreed to sell the Exchange Flags venue to Mr Byrne for an undisclosed sum. It will trade seamlessly under the new management from April 2, in time for the Grand National weekend.
Later in the year it will relaunch as The Metropolitan Bar & Grill Rooms. This will be the second restaurant that Mr Byrne has opened, backed by a group of investors who joined forces to open restaurant MCR in Manchester’s Spinningfields in December last year.
Located at the heart of Liverpool’s Commercial Business District, the focus for the new venue will be to ensure a warm welcome with his relaxed grill rooms concept and his unique menu.
Mr Byrne said: “We are keen to have a seamless takeover as we run into the Grand National Festival. Our patron’s experience remains as always the focus for me and my team.
“I have built my reputation with a fine dining tasting menu, however, I have always wanted to deliver a high-end grill rooms concept. The realisation of The Metropolitan Bar & Grill Rooms is a lifetime ambition to pay my respects to legendary venues like The Savoy Grill and The Grill at the Dorchester, who have set the standards for all to aspire to.
“The menu will be classic, honest food, delivered really well by the best team of chefs around, and a front of house that you can expect incredible service as standard.”
Mr Byrne has been one of the UK’s leading chefs for more than two decades since receiving his first Michelin star aged 22.
Paul Adams added: “Steven and I are happy to have brokered a deal that will see the venue go from strength to strength. We are truly proud to pass on the reins to Aiden and his team and wish them continued success. We would also like to thank our loyal patrons, knowing that they are in great hands.”