Pioneering Belfast chef-restaurateur Michael Deane will next week open his latest venture, mrDeanes Bistro Bar and Social, in the city centre premises formerly occupied by his restaurants Deanes Eipic and Love Fish.

Michael closed his flagship Eipic last December, citing the rising cost of living as customers opted for lower-priced options for eating out. Long regarded as one of the best restaurant in Northern Ireland, it was regularly rated highly in the annual Harden’s guides.

He said: “I’m very invigorated for the launch of mrDeanes. Our new concept harnesses much of what we’ve been well known for over the 27 years we’ve been in business in the city.

“There will be a nod to our legacy operations from Deanes Brasserie, Deanes Deli and Love Fish. I firmly believe it will excite our existing loyal customers as well as attract new diners to Deanes.

“In terms of the business my overall aim is to underpin sustainability and secure jobs going forward. The restaurant will consistently serve top quality ingredients, skilfully cooked as well as an extensive selection of drinks, in fresh, contemporary surroundings. That’s what we’ve set out to do.“

Born in Lisburn, Michael trained at Claridge’s in London before returning to Northern Ireland in 1993. He took over the Howard Street premises in Belfast city centre four years later, and has been a fixture there ever since with several concepts under the same roof.

Now 63, he recently revealed that he is almost completely deaf after so many decades spent in noisy kitchens.

mrDeanes Bistro Bar and Social is scheduled to open on 31 May, and is named in tribute to Michael’s late father, Ted.