Wheeler’s of St. James’s will open in November at the Pullman Hotel and the brands famous patrons have included artists Francis Bacon and Lucien Freud as well as Walt Disney. Tony McDonough reports

It’s the 161-year-old fish restaurant brand that has counted artists Francis Bacon and Lucien Freud as well as Walt Disney among its famous diners – and it’s coming to Liverpool.

Now owned by top chef and restaurateur Marco Pierre White, Wheeler’s of St. James’s is to serve diners at Liverpool’s Pullman Hotel.

The Pullman is part of the ACC Liverpool complex which includes the ECHO Arena, BT Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre Liverpool.

The 120-cover eatery is due to open in November and Marco said: “The Wheeler’s brand carries with it certain standards, and certain connotations.

“It’s about the highest quality of oysters, the freshest seafood and a memorable experience. This is exactly what I want to bring to Liverpool.”

The chef already operates another Liverpool outlet in the Hotel Indigo in Chapel Street, called the Liverpool Steakhouse Bar & Grill.

He added: “I can see from the success of my Liverpool Steakhouse Bar & Grill that the people of this city have an appetite and a desire for high quality restaurants, and with the amazing location paired with a menu which I take great pride in, locals and tourists alike will find this to their taste.”

The Wheeler’s brand was established in 1856.  Marco has kept the original recipes at the heart of the menu, adding his renowned flair and originality to the seafood offerings.

Oysters are a signature of the restaurant but the menu also includes Marco twists, like the lobster macaroni with black truffle and mango and coriander fish curry.

Neil Brailsford, general manager of Pullman Liverpool, added: “We are thrilled that Marco Pierre White, a world-renowned chef, has chosen to bring his first Wheeler’s restaurant outside of London to Pullman Liverpool.