Aiden Byrne returns to Manchester House to save ailing restaurant

Chef Aiden Byrne has announced plans to save ailing restaurant Manchester House after leaving D&D London's 20 Stories.

Living Ventures-owned Manchester House closed in October and was placed in administration following a "period of difficult trading".

Byrne was chef-proprietor of the restaurant in Spinningfields between 2012 and 2017 when he joined D&D London.

Announcing that the restaurant would reopen early next month, Byrne said: "I'm hoping Manchester House will once again confirm itself as a staple on the Manchester dining scene, exactly where it belongs. I feel like this is the perfect time and place for me to continue my craft. I'm extremely excited by the opportunity.

"Manchester House has always been about pushing the boundaries, delivering a unique fine dining experience and staying true to that endeavour. It belongs to Manchester, an institution in its own right and we want our customers to feel as if they belong here too.

"There will be changes to come but at the moment we are keen to get the restaurant open for trading."

The chef will return to the restaurant following a deal with private investors who will fund the relaunch.

Byrne's departure from 20 Stories, eight months after its launch, was announced earlier this month.

Commenting on the departure he said: "20 Stories was an incredible challenge and I'm extremely proud of what we've achieved."

Byrne was the youngest chef in the UK to be awarded a Michelin star when in 1994 Adlards Restaurant in Norwich received the plaudit, when he was 22.

Aiden Byrne leaves D&D London's 20 Stories in Manchester>>

Living Ventures closes Manchester House and Artisan placing both into administration>>

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