Member Article

Football legend John Barnes opens restaurant in Liverpool

Former England, Liverpool and Newcastle United star John Barnes is opening a new restaurant in Liverpool 8, in partnership with Rumal Rackley, son of musician and activist Gil Scott-Heron.

The official opening of Marley’s Restaurant Bar and Grill in Lodge Lane was attended by John Barnes and Rumal Rackley with Liverpool Deputy Mayor, Councillor Ann O’Byrne.

Marley’s has been created by two local men, Kareem Desmond and Marcus Temple, who have converted the former Masonic Arms into the restaurant which celebrates Liverpool’s Caribbean heritage.

Councillor Steve Munby, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and chair of the 1578 partnership, said: “Marley’s is a fantastic new venture. We have been encouraging new businesses, especially food outlets, to open in the Lodge Lane area – it is really becoming a haven for foodies.

“It is really encouraging that it is two local men who have opened this new restaurant which adds to the vibrancy of a rapidly-improving area.

“And they are determined to provide employment for local people helping in the regeneration of this area.”

Val Watson, manager of Marley’s added: “As Bob Marley said ‘We can make it work by coming together - let’s make it work.’”

Rumal Rackley is visiting Liverpool for a programme of events centred around International Slavery Remembrance Day.

This includes the screening of the film “Who is Gil Scott-Heron?” at Fact and a Liverpool International Music Festival Commission, “The Revolution Will Be Live: a tribute to Gil Scott-Heron” at St George’s Hall on 27 August.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .