Chef Aiden Byrne acquires Liverpool site from ex-LFC legend Steven Gerrard

Renowned Liverpool-born chef, Aiden Byrne, backed by Medusa Hospitality, has acquired The Vincent Café & Cocktail Bar in Liverpool’s Exchange Flags from owners Paul Adams and former Liverpool FC legend Steven Gerrard, for an undisclosed sum.

The venue will trade seamlessly under the new management from today, April 2, in time for the Grand National weekend, and will then relaunch as The Metropolitan Bar & Grill Rooms later in the year.

This will be the second restaurant that Aiden 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 Aiden’s relaxed grill rooms concept and his unique menu.

Aiden 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.”

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.”

Aiden has been one of the UK’s leading chefs for more than two decades since receiving his first Michelin star aged 22.