Rumours confirmed as D&D release statement confirming chef's departure
It's a rumour that has refused to go away in recent months, but today it has been confirmed that chef Aiden Byrne is to leave 20 Stories - the rooftop bar and restaurant opened in No.1 Spinningfields in March.
In a statement released by D&D London, CEO Des Gunewardena said: “We are really pleased with what we have created at 20 Stories; it got off to the most incredible start and every day goes from strength to strength. Revenues have been way above our expectations.
"Aiden has obviously played a significant part in the success of 20 Stories and we would like to thank him very much for his contribution. We offer him our very best wishes for the future.”
The rumour now is that Byrne might be eyeing up the old Manchester House spot
Byrne left Manchester House - the fine dining restaurant with Michelin star aspirations he launched alongside late Living Ventures boss Tim Bacon in 2013 - at the end of last year to join D&D as chef director.
However, Byrne's fine dining menu failed to take off at 20 Stories, and word began circulating that the chef - who last scooped a Michelin star over two decades ago - was soon for the off.
The rumour now is that Byrne might be eyeing up a move back to the space recently vacated by Manchester House - which closed suddenly in October following "poor summer trading". The timing does seem coincidental.
Still, one question lingers: what ever happened to that painting?
