Leading Liverpool chef Dave Critchley is teaming up with GSG Hospitality for the new dining concept opening at The Plaza in Liverpool. Tony McDonough reports

Lu Ban executive chef Dave Critchley is to play a key role in a new dining project at The Plaza office building in Liverpool.

As part of a £3.7m upgrade of the St Paul’s Square building by Bruntwood Works, GSG Hospitality has been brought in. It will create a ‘destination restaurant’ and bar at the site.

GSG operates Bold Street Coffee, Duke Street Food and Drink Market, Salt Dog Slims, 81 Ltd, Slim’s on Bold Street and Santa Chupito. It has already opened a branch of Bold Street Coffee in The Plaza.

Dave Critchley has turned Lu Ban into one of Liverpool’s most successful restaurants. He is joining the project on a consultancy basis. He has won multiple awards and has appeared on BBC’s Great British Menu show. Last week he won a Visit England’s Taste of England award.

Dave will be bringing his expertise in Asian cuisine to the new concept. He said: “It’s fantastic to be teaming up with GSG Hospitality. I’m really looking forward to working with the team and adding Asian influences to the menu development. It’ll be a very exciting and unique destination in the city.”

GSG is aiming to open the new venue in the winter. They are also talking to Dave about a future role. Director John Ennis added: “We have huge ideas for this space. Dave’s experience will add another dimension to the concept development.”

And his fellow director Matt Farrell added: “I have known Dave for a long time and he shares the desires of sustainability and social values that we share at GSG.

“He’s spent years fine tuning his skills, knowledge and expertise to an outstanding level. We’re looking forward to sharing more details of the restaurant-bar that will open later this year.”