Two new restaurants will open in the Cunard Building, one of the city’s iconic Three Graces, Liverpool City Council has confirmed.

Upmarket Manchester restaurant Australasia will open in the ground floor of the historic building, where it will serve Pacific-style dishes in its restaurant, as Your Move reported earlier this year. The venue will also include a cocktail bar and music from resident and guest DJs.

The first floor of the building will be occupied by Cunard House, a new restaurant and bar that will be led by Aiden Byrne, a former head chef at the Dorchester Hotel in London and the youngest chef to win a Michelin Star.

Cunard House will also operate as a training academy for young chefs.

The new restaurants will be owned by Living Ventures, which owns the likes of Gusto and Smuggler’s Cove in Albert Dock.

Tim Bacon, CEO of Living Ventures, says: “I am delighted to introduce Australasia and Cunard House to Liverpool, it has always been a city very close to my heart and I am sure people will love these two new dining experiences – each will bring something totally new and dynamic to the Liverpool dining scene.”

“Aiden is also very excited to be returning to his home town, Cunard House will be a showcase for the amazing food Aiden produces and the training academy will give him the opportunity to pass on his knowledge and experience to aspiring young chefs who could not ask for a better mentor.”

Liverpool City Council bought the Cunard Building last year for £15 million and its offices are based in the upper floors. It was originally considered as a venue for a cruise terminal but cost and logistical issues prevented it from being used. The Cunard Building was used as a pop-up restaurant for the visit of the Three Queens, Cunard’s three liners, in May.

Planning permission will be sought for both new venues and if successful, Australasia will open in April 2016 and Cunard House will open in September 2016.

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