DEAR FOODIES we've had some news from Tim Bacon and Aiden Byrne (Bacon is on the left above, Bryne on the right).
So we learn that Aiden Byrne is teaming up with the formidable talent at Living Ventures. Can the partnership deliver a star though?
Here's the official statement.
'Tim Bacon, Managing Director of The Living Ventures Group, recently responsible for helping Allied London to energise the dining scene in Spinningfields with Australasia, The Alchemist and The Oast House, has made a clear declaration of intent by forging a joint venture with renowned chef Aiden Byrne, the youngest chef ever to be awarded a Michelin star in the UK.
'Byrne will join Bacon and his business partner Jeremy Roberts as a shareholder and director of the new venture.
'Their vision for a multi-level, world class dining experience will be realised with The Restaurant and Lounge @ Manchester House located in Tower 12, Avenue North, Spinningfields, the building was formerly known as Manchester House and acts as the inspiration behind the name.
'The goal is to create a restaurant that embodies Manchester and its people, celebrating the history and culture, with a strong desire to bring a Michelin Star back to the city centre after losing its only star back in 1974.
'“It is incredible that a city of Manchester’s size and pedigree does not have a starred restaurant, there should be 3 or 4 at least and we at Living Ventures would like to get the ball rolling. I invite other chefs and proprietors to join in the endeavour.” says Bacon
'Due to Open March 2013- more detailed information will be available late 2012.'
Confidential has been following Byrne's progress in the north west. The Kirby-born chef has headed up several kitchens since moving back from London.
He returned with his own establishment, as chef-proprietor, at The Church Green in Lymm in 2009. The talent was clear as soon as he opened, less certain was the fit of British fine-dining with a former pub in a commuter town.
Previously to Lymm as a 22-year-old heading up the kitchens at Adlards in Norwich he became the youngest chef to gain a Michelin star. After that achievement he ramped up the pressure on himself by becoming head chef at the Grill Room at The Dorchester Hotel. Clearly he's not a man afraid of a challenge.
Recently there have been several rumours about his ambitions to bring a Michelin starred restaurant to Manchester, including a strong one that would have seen him taking over the kitchens at the MacDonald Townhouse Hotel on Portland Street.
Instead we learn he's teaming up with the formidable talent at Living Ventures - indeed this has been an open secret for a while.
Can the partnership deliver a star though?
The omens aren't great for companies and individuals who state stars as ambitions in Manchester. Anybody remember Establishment and Ian Morgan - now Gordo's favourite restaurant Rosso?
Still, that doesn't mean we shouldn't aspire in the city to Michelin stars. Confidential wishes Bryne, Bacon, and Living Ventures the best of luck. This is a team that stands as good a chance as any, a well-resourced company, a highly talented chef and a good location. It might work.
Reservations now being taken online at www.manchesterhouse.uk.com or call 01565 622312.
You can follow Jonathan Schofield on Twitter here @JonathSchofield
Manchester House During Conversion Last Year
