The Victoria Street venue is said to generate over £2 million per year
City centre bar and restaurant Zenn has been bought by hospitality boss Chris Carline and business partner and co-owner Paul Egan.
Despite the change of hands of the 10,000 sq ft multi-floor venue, all staff members have been retained and ‘business as usual’ will continue, meaning guests can still enjoy its Pan-Asian dining, Sunday roasts, bottomless brunches and DJ-led night life.
“We like what it does, and it does it well. That’s why we bought it,” admitted Chris. “It’s a plush, premium brand.
“But with any venue, you can always see gaps and ways to do things even better. We want to maintain what it offers already and drive it forward.”
Chris, grandson of Liverpool football legend Bill Shankly, has a wealth of hospitality experience. He is co-owner of the White Star Line Hotel which he bought and launched with Brian Gamble in summer 2025, and he created and founded The Shankly Hotel which he ran for more than 10 years.
He said: “When I was at The Shankly we were forever being asked by guests where they could go for a great night out, and we frequently said Zenn.
“It’s already right up there as Liverpool’s premium late-night location; it’s already part of the conversation - and we want to make it the definitive answer to the question.”
A new a la carte menu is already in the works along with plans for a relaunch next month, with entertainment from local singer Bethany Webster to develop things further.
From this Spring onwards, the rooftop terrace will be utilised more too, meaning the venue could increase its opening days and hours from its current schedule of just Friday to Sunday.
“To be able to say I co-own the city’s premier restaurant and bar is a huge thing for me, that’s why I’m passionate about driving it forward,” added Chris.
See zennliverpool.com for more information.
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