AIDEN Byrne is going up in the world. The former chef at Manchester House with its 12th floor bar is to take over the kitchens at the upcoming 20 Stories restaurant at the top of No.1 Spinningfields, which bizarrely is on the top floor, the 19th. Still, at 100 metres up in the sky, a recipe for a nosebleed.
It’s the city’s most eagerly awaited opening of 2018 (though Michael O’Hare might query that), but Aiden, 45, is used to pressure – self-inflicted in the case of Manchester House where the sheer longing for a Michelin star from its opening in 2013 became an albatross around its neck.
No one’s mentioning the dreaded M word in connection with the ambitious 300-cover 20 Stories, due to launch in February, but operators D&D hold stars at two of its London restaurants – Angler and Launceston Place (though they inherited the latter’s when they bought over from Sir Terence Conran).
For the moment Aiden – who at 22 was the youngest chef in the UK to win a star, at Adlards in Norwich – is just relishing the latest challenge.
He told us: “I am thrilled to become part of the D&D family in January. The space will have something for everyone, with a restaurant, grill and cocktail bar all in one place – and food will have a real focus on the local produce that has always been close to my heart.”
Note, though, that he does have a track record in Michelin kitchens. At 22 he was the youngest chef to win ine in the UK at Adlards in Norwich – a far cry from his Liverpool roots.
He recently stepped down at Manchester House to take up an exec role overseeing other players in the Living Ventures fold such as Australasia, Grand Pacific and Artisan.His protege, Nathaniel Tofan, 28, took over as head chef, earning glowing reports.
Now, out of the blue, there’s a new hands-on challenge as Chef Director in an even more glamorous setting, boasting a living green wall, silver birch trees and an opulent gold leaf ceiling.
The menu will be modern British, celebrating local produce with suppliers sourced, where possible, from no more than 50 miles from the city. Alongside the restaurant, a more casual brasserie will serve dishes mainly from the grill while the bar will offer modern cocktails and craft beers.
Outside BBQs and al fresco fireplaces are dotted along a terrace in the sky, providing a 360 degree panorama of the city. Pressure? It’s a long way to fall. The very best of luck, Aiden.