The Ivy is planning to open in Newcastle in the Grade II listed 104-108 Grey Street currently occupied by Byron.

The plans to bring one of the biggest names in fine dining to the city rest on gaining planning permission for three separate applications submitted to Newcastle City Council, which, if approved, would pave the way for the existing restaurant to be transformed into The Ivy Newcastle Brasserie.

It is understood that Byron does not want to leave Newcastle, however, and would look for a new base in the city if The Ivy took over the Grey Street site.

Planning applications have been made by Troia (UK) Restaurants Limited. It says that a three-floor Ivy restaurant – with seating in the basement, ground and first floors – would create 130 full time jobs and potentially open from 8am to 2am.