Tributes paid to 'pioneer' Byrne who transformed city's food and drink scene

LEGEND AND CO-FOUNDER OF ORIGINAL EVERYMAN BISTRO AND PEN FACTORY DIES

- By CHRISTOPHER MEGRATH ECHO Correspondent

TRIBUTES were today paid to Paddy Byrne, the legend behind some of Liverpool's most famous food and drink venues, after his death was announced.

The Toxteth-born food and drink industry hero was a leading figure in shaping the city's cultural and culinary landscape for more than five decades.

Paddy was co-founder of the original Everyman Bistro on Hope Street and more recently the driving force behind the neighbouring Pen Factory, which he sold to new owners last year. He was remembered by colleagues as an innovator, a mentor and a beloved figure at the heart of Liverpool's creative community.

Announcing his death on social media yesterday, the Pen Factory said: "With great sadness, we're letting you know that the legend Paddy Byrne passed away yesterday.

"A wonderful friend & mentor to both Dom and Fiona (Dominic and Fiona Hornsby, the bar's new owners) & to so many in the city centre. He spent 54 years in hospitality on Hope Street, the Everyman Bistro and later the Pen Factory

"His attention to detail was unmatched in our Industry & he had a genuine warmth for everyone he met. A true pioneer of hospitality, a wonderful raconteur and a dear loved friend by so many. We never did find out which legs were his in the opening scene of Chariots of Fire.