LIVERPOOL captain Steven Gerrard has bought a share in his favourite restaurant, it was confirmed yesterday.

The football star now plans to reopen it with a New York theme, his spokesman said.

Gerrard teamed up with hotelier Paul Adams to relaunch the Warehouse Brasserie, in Southport.

The venue, which has a Michelin Bib Gourmand rating, is due to reopen in time for the World Cup as the Warehouse Kitchen & Bar.

Gerrard, 29, said: “If you look back at any interviews I have done where they have asked me about my favourite restaurant – and I have done a lot over the years – I have always said the Warehouse.

“I have been eating there for years because I love the food and the atmosphere, so it is genuinely exciting to become its co-owner with Paul.”

The father-of-two said he was determined to be more than just the “celebrity face” of the business, but added that football remained his priority.

He said: “This is not a theme bar, it’s about great food, great surroundings and making it a place that people really want to come back to.

“This is my first venture in the restaurant trade, but I think it’s important to also say that my priorities are, and always will be, on the football pitch.”