Aiden Byrne takes over Steven Gerrard's Vincent Café in Liverpool

Chef Aiden Byrne has taken over the Vincent Café and Cocktail Bar in Liverpool, formerly owned by footballer Steven Gerrard, with plans to relaunch it as the Metropolitan Bar and Grill Rooms later this year.

The restaurant will be Byrne's second, joining Restaurant MCR in Manchester's Spinningfields, which the chef returned to the helm of after leaving D&D London's 20 Stories last year.

He said: "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."

Byrne has taken on the Liverpool site with the backing on Medusa Hospitality. Ownership of the site has transferred today (2 April), but the restaurant will continue to trade in its current guise for the Grand National weekend, before relaunching later in the year.

Paul Adams, who had co-owned the site with Gerrard, 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."

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.

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