Aiden Byrne
Aiden Byrne | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1972 |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation(s) | Chef, business owner |
| Known for | Ownership of The Collingwood; Michelin star recipient |
| Notable work | Made in Great Britain (book) |
Aiden Byrne (born 1972) is a British chef and business owner, recognized primarily for his ownership of multiple venues, including The Collingwood, a combined bar and dining establishment located in West Kirby.
Career
Byrne first gained recognition through his management of The Collingwood pub in West Kirby and was formerly the proprietor of The Church Green in Lymm, Cheshire. Additionally, he oversees operations at the British Grill within the Macdonald Hotel, Craxton Wood, situated near Chester.
In 2002, Byrne was awarded a Michelin star while working at The Commons Restaurant in Dublin. His formative professional experiences involved positions at Roscoff Restaurant under Paul Rankin and at Peacock Alley with Conrad Gallagher. Prior to departing in 2009 to run his own pub in Cheshire, he served as head chef at the Grill Room of the Dorchester Hotel in London.
At Adlards in Norwich, Byrne became the youngest chef to receive a Michelin star by age 22. He held executive chef appointments at Danesfield House and Spa near Marlow, Buckinghamshire, where he managed both the Oak Room and The Orangery dining venues. Furthermore, he was Head Chef at Tom Aikens’ Michelin-starred restaurant and worked alongside Tom Aikens as sous chef at Pied à Terre. In 2008, Byrne appeared on the television program MasterChef.
His debut publication, Made in Great Britain, was released in September 2008, accompanied by a video podcast series sharing the same title.
Between 2013 and 2014, Byrne initiated Manchester House, an ambitious £3 million restaurant project based in Manchester. This endeavor was featured on BBC Two’s documentary series Restaurant Wars: The Battle for Manchester, which also highlighted Simon Rogan's The French.
In August 2024, Byrne revealed plans for a new dining establishment located in Knutsford.
Personal life
Byrne wed his spouse Sarah in 2013 during a ceremony held in Mauritius. Together, they have three children.
Charity
Each year, Byrne designates a charitable organization for his restaurants to support. In 2013, he successfully raised £4,380 for Brainwave through a gourmet fundraising event. He has also contributed to the 'Movember' campaign as well as The Prince's Trust charity initiatives.