Inside Liverpool ONE's new restaurant as it opens tomorrow

The restaurant has six famous faces behind it

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A new Liverpool ONE restaurant is opening tomorrow from YouTube sensations The Sidemen. Earlier this year, the ECHO reported on the group’s ambitious plans to expand its Sides fried chicken chain with 15 more restaurants in 2026, including a new branch in Liverpool.

The brand said it planned to further commit to the UK after witnessing “incredible momentum” and to open sites in new international markets. At the time, the YouTube collective consisted of Olajide "JJ" Olatunji (KSI), Harry Lewis (Wroetoshaw), Simon Minter (Miniminter), Vik Barn (Vikkstar123), Josh Bradley (Zerkaa), Ethan Payne (Behzinga) and Tobi Brown (TBJZL), and has 22 million subscribers. However, KSI has since announced his departure.

They launched the brand in 2021 in partnership with Scottish-based food franchise firm Hero Brands. Since then, Sides expanded to five restaurants across the UK, in Essex, Manchester, London, Kent and Birmingham, and launched its first international site in Singapore last year.

The hot chicken specialist said it is planning to open new restaurants across Scotland, as well as in Cardiff. Earlier this month, Ethan Payne took to social media to reveal the city location. In a post shared to Instagram, Ethan said: “Gravity Max. Liverpool. We’re coming. Delectable, lovely chicken from The Sides.” In a questionable Scouse accent, he adds: “We’re coming, lads.”

The Sidemen added: “We are seriously hyped to take this next step and bring even more people into our Sides journey. For us, it’s always been about bold flavours and great food, good energy and sharing moments that go way beyond, and this is honestly just the start. We can’t wait to take you all along for what’s next.”

Gravity MAX Liverpool offers a wide range of attractions, including electric go-kart racing, augmented reality bowling, digital darts, urban street golf, virtual reality experiences, batting cages, shuffleboard and arcade games.

It is already home to a number of food vendors, including Wendy's, Benni’s Pizza Joint, Jones Burgers and Birdies. The restaurant will officially open to the public on Tuesday, June 30 with the ECHO getting a first look before it does so. You can see inside the restaurant in photographs captured by the ECHO’s Colin Lane below.

Michael Harrison, chief growth officer at Gravity, said: "We're delighted to welcome SIDES to Gravity MAX Liverpool and to partner with one of the UK's most exciting and fastest-growing food brands.

"Gravity MAX Liverpool is designed to bring together the very best in entertainment, gaming, food and drink, creating a destination where guests can spend an entire day or evening under one roof. With experiences including e-karting, AR bowling, immersive gaming, digital darts and competitive socialising, SIDES is a perfect addition to the venue and a natural fit for our customers.

"Their bold flavours, strong brand and loyal fanbase complement the energy of Gravity MAX, giving guests even more reasons to visit, stay longer and enjoy everything the venue has to offer. We're excited to bring this partnership to Liverpool and look forward to welcoming guests to experience the ultimate eat, drink and play destination.”