Celebrity Chef Raymond Blanc _180
WORLD-RENOWNED chef, Raymond Blanc, will no longer be opening a restaurant in the heart of Grosvenor’s £1bn Paradise Street project in Liverpool, because his company is “too posh for the precinct”.
In June, it was announced that the French-born culinary king had signed up to create a stunning terraced restaurant in the new-look shopping and leisure development.
At the time, the announce- ment of attracting a Michelin-rated chef was seen as one of the biggest coups for Grosvenor.
But last night Brasserie Blanc confirmed to the Daily Post it would not be opening in the new Liverpool One development.
Managing director John Lederer last night said: “I hate saying it, we are slightly too posh for a precinct.”
He said the company was still looking to open in the city but in a period property more in tune with Brasserie Blanc’s ethos.
The company traditionally restore and refurbish buildings previously used as restaurants.
At Liverpool One, it would have been a venture into a purpose-built restaurant as part of a new “dining terrace” in South John Street close to Chavasse Park.
Last night, Grosvenor said it was a “shame” the company had pulled out, but said that it should not have any problems finding a replacement.
Neil Barber, head of retail leasing at Grosvenor, said that Wagamama will be added to the restaurants already signed up. The Asian noodle house joined Yo! Sushi, a second Café Rouge for the city, along with Italian chain Zizi and South American newcomers Las Iguanas.
Zizi, Las Iguanas and Café Rouge, which already has a venue in Metquarter, will all open on the upper floor terrace at South John Street.
Last night, Mr Lederer said: “The issue we were playing with was whether we wanted to be in a shop-ping precinct, that was the main reason we turned away. I hate saying it, we are slightly too posh for a precinct.” He said the prob-lems with restaurants in shopping areas was that they were used by people to “refuel”. “What people don’t do is spend an hour and a half relaxing, that was my biggest concern.”
He said in Leeds the company had opened a restaurant in a Victorian canal house. “I think it’s important our places look old, that goes back to the idea of people trying to escape to relax a bit. It’s not just about food.”
He said the chain was still committed to opening in Liverpool. “We can be patient, I am quite picky.”
He described the Liverpool One development as “fantastic” but just wrong for the company. “May I live to regret the decision? Absolutely. Right now I think it’s the right decision, something will come up in Liver-pool. It is not short of stunning places.”
Mr Barber said: “They had a change of direction, they told us a few weeks ago.
“It is a shame but we will be able to get some one else to replace it.”
