Aiden Byrne leaves D&D London's 20 Stories in Manchester

Aiden Byrne is to step down as chef director of D&D London's 20 Stories in Manchester, eight months after its launch.

The venue, which comprised a 104-cover fine-dining restaurant and 80-cover grill, opened to much fanfare in the city's Spinningfields in March.

Des Gunewardena, chief executive of D&D London, 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."

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.

The agreement to join D&D London to open 20 Stories had been intended to see him involved in all current and future northern restaurants under the group's umbrella.

Mad for it: Aiden Byrne on his new Manchester restaurant, 20 Stories>>

2019 Acorn Scholarship open for entries: nominate your high-achiever now!