Aiden and Sarah Byrne did a 10-day countdown on Instagram and social media to promote the crowdfunding campaign with a little help from renowned chefs.
AIDEN left the gastropub, Church Green pub in Lymm, Cheshire, in May after 16 years.
The couple plan to open a 35-cover fine dining venue called Li-Ly (pronounced ‘Lee-Lee’) at 48 King Street, Knutsford by October with help from the public.
The name Li-ly is Danish for small and “we are opening a small restaurant,” Aiden said on Instagram.
It is also the name of the river in Knutsford named by King Canute, King of England in 1016, whilst he was making his way up the country.
“The outpour of love and response has been absolutely amazing, thank you so much,” he said.
“I am really impressed with and, quite overwhelmed, humbled by the support from the other restaurants and bars in Knutsford and their support before we have even got in there. There is a desire for small independents to come in.”
Formally the Kampai Sushi Bar and Grill, the 300-year-old Grade II-listed building has stood vacant for a year. It needs a complete overhaul hence the crowdfunding appeal.
Aiden was the youngest chef to gain a Michelin Star for Adlards in Norwich in 2022.
He has appeared on telly including the Great British Menu and MasterChef: The Professionals.
His career includes solidifying two Michelin stars for London’s 5-star The Dorchester, launching Manchester House, Manchester, around 2010 before taking over as chef-patron at 20 Stories, a rooftop destination.
The campaign launched at the end of August and will run into the autumn (October to early November).
On Saturday, August 31, Aiden and Sarah hosted a crowdfunding event at micro-herb and vegetable producer Field28 in Daresbury. Byrne will use the supplier’s greens at the new venue.
The dinner was attended by 65 people, who tasted a seven course menu providing a snippet of the British cuisine menu.
Dishes included: Field28 sourdough with roasted chicken butter, Goats curd and fig, lamb loin, grilled broccoli and milk and honey, a caramel and lemon parfait, milk sorbet and crisp frozen bubbles.
Those who contribute to the campaign will be privy to a number of rewards including lunch and cookery masterclasses.
Chefs including Liam McKay of The Chefs Table Chester are doing a collaboration tonight, September 3.
And September 11, Sō-lō Restaurant, in Aughton by Chef Tim Allen will be holding a fundraiser event.
Byrne also called out for staff: “I am looking for a pastry chef and sommelier. He envisages four-to five members of staff running the kitchen and four-to-five in front of house. Sarah is looking for her No.2 for the four-day operation to work on a” beautiful product in a beautiful building.”
The restaurant service will be split into lunch and dinner and, despite falling into the fine dining category, both menus will be available for under £100.
Plans include a six-course menu at lunchtime that will change monthly and an eight-to-nine-course menu in the evening. The price will be around £60 for the lunch menu and £90 for the dinner menu.
“We are fortunate enough to be able to invite some amazing chefs to our new restaurant next year. You can book your favourite chef on the crowdfund page,” said Aiden.
Chefs include Tim Allen (Sō-lō) Michael Wignall (The Angel at Hetton), Kenny Atkinson (House of Tides), Lisa Goodwin Allen (Northcote) Chef Calum (self-styled pie master) and Mark J Poynton (MJP@The Shepherds).
Gary Usher (Elite Bistros), who successfully ran his own crowdfunding campaigns also supported the crowdfunding campaign on insta.
And Gary “Mani” Mounfield, ex Stone Roses and Primal Scream base player also did an insta post to support the launch.
Go to: Li-ly Crowdfunding page
In two day’s (as we go to press) the crowdfunding campaign hit £16,389 of the £175,000 target and has 27 days left.