Open Restaurant Group has acquired Liverpool restaurant Wreck Bistro from chef Gary Usher, with the Ropewalks venue set to change hands following its final service on Sunday 4 October.

Founded by Sam Morgan and Liverpool-born chef Andrew Sheridan, the group operates a number of restaurants across the North West.

The Wreck deal follows its acquisition of Hispi in Didsbury, another restaurant previously operated by Usher.

Wreck will continue trading until its final service on Sunday 4 October, before closing for a short period while the site is prepared for its next chapter.

Open Restaurant Group has confirmed that all existing Wreck staff will be retained as part of the takeover, with no job losses planned. A new restaurant concept for the site is expected to be announced ahead of its reopening.

The group already operates in the Liverpool City Region, including Sheridan’s restaurant 8 on Liverpool’s Cook Street, which holds three AA Rosettes and is listed in the Michelin Guide, as well as Daise in Oxton.

Gary Usher says: “Wreck has been such an important part of our journey over the years, so choosing the right people to take it forward was really important to us.

Chef Andy Sheridan

“Following the success of the Hispi acquisition, we know Andy and the Open Restaurant Group team will give Wreck the same care and attention, and importantly, they’ve shown that they understand how important the people behind a restaurant are by retaining the existing team. I’m really excited to see what they do with the site and know it’s going to be in good hands.”

Sam Morgan, chief executive of Open Restaurant Group, adds: “We’d like to pay tribute to Gary and his team for everything they’ve created with Wreck.

“It’s become a much-loved part of Liverpool’s independent restaurant scene and we’re very conscious of the responsibility that comes with taking on a restaurant with that history. This is another really exciting step for Open Restaurant Group. Liverpool is an important part of our story and we’re looking forward to bringing a new chapter to this brilliant site.”

Andrew Sheridan, chef and co-founder of Open Restaurant Group, adds: “Wreck is a brilliant site in one of the best parts of Liverpool, and there’s a huge amount to work with.

“Gary and the team have built something that people really care about, so we want to respect that while giving the space a new direction. It’s an exciting challenge for us and we’re looking forward to showing people what we’ve got planned.”

Wreck first opened as Wreckfish in October 2017, converting a derelict building on Seel Street into a 90-cover bistro via a successful crowdfunding campaign, before being renamed Wreck in September 2023. It has formed part of Usher’s Elite Bistros stable alongside Sticky Walnut, The White Horse and Usher’s Bakehouse.

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