The Ivy is set to open a branch in Liverpool city centre.
Two offshoot branches of the luxury London-based restaurant have already launched in Manchester but a third is now planned for the city’s Castle Street.
The former Bank of England building will host The Ivy’s latest spin-off with the Grade I listed structure described as a ‘masterpiece of Victorian Architecture’.
Liverpool City Council signed off the plans to convert the building into a dining area last August but the identity of the proprietors was shrouded in secrecy.
A submission by Troja Restaurants, who own and operate The Ivy, confirmed plans to install signage and public menu boards synonymous with the brand.
The council’s planning assessment outlined the building’s architectural signficance, stating: “Its scale and powerful design language evidences the importance of Liverpool as a highly influential centre of commerce and trade which led to the founding of this first regional outpost of the Bank of England outside of London.
“Internally the building has an austere character, a contrast with many other banks of Liverpool where wealth is flaunted with fine marbles, gilding and lavish decoration.”
The site has been unused for two decades but was occupied in 2015 by the Love Activists, who called for it to be used as a homeless support centre.