A city centre bar and restaurant has been bought by the grandson of Liverpool FC legend Bill Shankly.
Zenn, located on Victoria Street, was purchased by hospitality boss Chris Carline and business partner Paul Egan, who are keeping on all of the venue’s 30+ staff members.
The site, which is said to generate more than £2m per year, spans 10,000 sq ft across three floors and includes a ground-floor restaurant, mezzanine lounge, temple-themed garden and rooftop terrace.
Chris, who is the grandson of the Liverpool football icon, explained: "We like what it does, and it does it well. That's why we bought it. It's a plush, premium brand.
Zenn, Victoria Street.placeholder image
Zenn, Victoria Street. | Image: Zenn via Instagram
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“But with any venue, you can always see gaps and ways to do things even better. We want to maintain what it offers already and drive it forward.”
The restaurant will continue to offer its Sunday roast, as well as a brand-new a la carte menu and revamped brunch.
From Spring onwards, more will be made of the incredible rooftop terrace which has panoramic views across Liverpool, including branching out into the corporate world which would mean opening the venue an increased number of days, instead of just the current Friday to Sunday.
Chris is also co-owner of the White Star Line Hotel which he bought and launched with Brian Gamble in summer 2025, and he created and founded The Shankly Hotel which he ran for more than 10 years.
Zenn, Victoria Street.placeholder image
Zenn, Victoria Street. | Zenn
He said: “When I was at The Shankly we were forever being asked by guests where they could go for a great night out, and we frequently said Zenn.
“It’s already right up there as Liverpool’s premium late-night location; it’s already part of the conversation - and we want to make it the definitive answer to the question.”
Chris added: “There’s a nostalgic element too for someone born and bred in the city. I can remember sitting in the classroom at West Derby Comp and looking out at the Liverpool skyline with St Johns Beacon and the cathedrals, and being so proud to be from this city, and desperate to get involved.
“To be able to say I co-own the city’s premier restaurant and bar is a huge thing for me, that’s why I’m passionate about driving it forward.”
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