Well-known Cheshire-based chef Aiden Byrne and his wife Sarah have launched a crowdfunding campaign to open an “intimate” fine-dining restaurant near their home in Knutsford.

Due to launch in October, the restaurant will be called Li-Ly and will open for three lunches and four dinner services a week – “creating a work-life balance for us, our family and our team”.

Merseyside-born Aiden came to prominence at The Commons in Dublin and returned to the northwest to head the kitchen at Manchester House. He also launched 20 Stories in Manchester, while he and Sarah ran The Church Green gastropub in nearby Lymm for 16 years until this spring.

Launching the crowdfunder, he said he had found a suitable Grade II listed building to accommodate the 35 cover Li-Ly. “We have a small pot of money but we need your help to raise the funds to make our dream come true and bring this beautiful building back to life.“

The crowfunder page lists rewards including your name on the wall for £30; a 6-course £60 lunch for 2 at £100; a cookery class and lunch for £120; and a private 8-course dinner at home for up to 8 people at £3,000.