Paddy Byrne was a leading figure in the city for more than five decades
Paddy Byrne was one of the Everyman Bistro’s co-founders(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.”
Tributes were paid to Paddy from those who knew him, praising his famously warm character and decades of service transforming the city’s hospitality industry.
Claire Hamilton said: “Oh this is sad news! I interviewed Paddy for a radio documentary “Liverpool’s 3rd Cathedral” about the Everyman Playhouse when it closed for the refurb. He was such a gent, and the Everyman bistro the scene of many legendary nights + great food.”
Peter Kavanagh’s pub said: “Paddy will be missed by so many he was a LEGEND. Love and deepest sympathy to his family, from all of us in Peter Kavanaghs x.”
Rob Fisher said: “RIP, condolences to all that knew Paddy.” The Denbigh Castle pub said: “Heartbreaking news. Much love to the family.”
Roberta Peak said: “So sad to hear this news. Paddy was a lovely man. He was always eager to share his knowledge and wisdom onto you. I remember him well from his holiday cover for Guilda and John at Peter Kavanagh’s when I was a young barmaid to his Everyman days in the 1970’s. RIP Paddy.”
Ruth Hoyte said: “This is such sad news. Paddy was a wonderful human being. A true gentleman and a legend. RIP Paddy you will surely be missed. Condolences to you all and to Paddy’s family.”
Paul Hoyte said: “Such sad news! He was such a lovely and interesting man. So pleased I could call him a friend and will miss our chats. RIP Paddy, you will be missed by so many.”
Bez Kellet said: “Such sad news our memories go back over 40 years .Sadly missed.” Andy Jenno said: “RIP Paddy, A gentleman, who always had time for everyone. I had some amazing times with him in the EB & The Pen.”
X user Philkinsella said: “Very sad news, to say legend doesn’t really cover this man’s contribution to cultural life in the city RIP Paddy.”
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.
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.