Tributes were paid to Paddy Byrne, who spent 54 years in hospitality on Hope Street
14:47, 16 Nov 2025Updated 14:54, 16 Nov 2025
Paddy Byrne was one of the Everyman Bistro’s co-founders. He is pictured here in the Pen Factory, which he sold in 2024(Image: Dan Haygarth / Liverpool ECHO)
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 today 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 today, Sunday, 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.
“He will be so sadly missed by so many. We are sending much love to his family and friends at this time. The family have asked if people would like to drop any cards etc to us and we will ensure they’re all passed on.”
Paddy Byrne, founder of the Everyman Bistro and The Pen Factory(Image: Angie Sammons)
Paddy grew up in the years after WWII in an era when food was still rationed. He previously said in those days restaurants were very formal and mainly populated by the middle classes. It was travelling to Europe on a student grant that opened Paddy’s eyes to a different world.
He saw an entirely new approach to food and drink – something modern, accessible and informal. He wanted to bring that approach back to Liverpool and wasn’t quite prepared for the impact it would make.
Paddy and his business partner Dave Scott set up The Everyman Bistro in 1970 when they were young graduates. Founded in the basement beneath The Everyman Theatre, on Hope Street, in Liverpool city centre, the bistro developed a legendary reputation as the epicentre of the city’s arts scene. It blazed a trail in the hospitality industry before it closed in 2011 when the theatre was refurbished.
The Everyman Bistro’s philosophy was to offer an informal approach to food and drink, serving continental-style dishes in a communal environment, largely made up of long benches.
Talking last year about establishing that philosophy, Paddy told the ECHO: “This area of Liverpool had a lot of cultural echoes of Soho in London. A big influence would have been the arts college. That was really meaningful. You got Adrian Henri, Sam Walsh, Jeff Nuttall, Arthur Ballard in. So there was a mix of creatives. It was lively and people wanted to be around those characters.”
Paddy went on to open The Pen Factory in 2014 as a continuation of the Everyman Bistro. Just like its predecessor, The Pen Factory soon became a gathering spot for Liverpool’s creative crowd, with actors, artists and students from nearby theatres and colleges dropping in for food or a drink.
After Paddy stepped away from the Pen Factory last year, the venue issued a heartfelt statement on his legacy. It said: “Where to start with this man. Mr Hope Street. Thank you for the years of kindness, honesty, help and advice. After a total of 54 years on this street, it’s time to enjoy being a punter.
“Paddy has been an inspiration for us since opening our doors as 26 year olds in 2019. His story in our city is a famous one. Paddy took the leap on when he too was 26 and worked tirelessly to give a platform for local artists to meet, share ideas and try out new projects whilst also delivering a quality hospitality experience. He turned the Everyman Bistro in to a hotbed of creative activity, hosting countless big names and personalities. Many a famous creative tale in this city will mention Paddy.
“In the hospitality world, his eye for detail is incredible, whether that be with service, decor, table layouts, menu design, the lot. Constantly looking for ways to improve, develop and fine tune his offering. He welcomed us with open arms in to The Pen Factory, as he has with everyone when we crossed the road for a Friday night pint.
“He watched from across the road as we took over our site on Hope Street. He was drawn over by the noise and colour. He made sure to look after us, support where he could and make sure our teams came together to help one another (much more them helping us).
“We have shared a few nights, drinking a negroni, talking of times gone by and what is to come and we know through those nights he saw in us a glimmer of what he was doing many moons ago. Paddy, your legacy on this iconic street will be unmatched. Thanks for all the time and support you have given us. See you soon for a negroni.”