Marco Pierre White to put his name to Aughton and Chester restaurants

Nov 12 2009 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

THREE regional restaurants are to become the first in the North to be taken over by celebrity chef Marco Pierre White.

The West Tower and Swan Inn venues in Aughton, West Lancs, and the Doubletree in Chester, will boast the Hell’s Kitchen star’s name – and the “romantic environment” he says many restaurants lack – from early next year.

The first, Marco Pierre White at the West Tower, will open in early January 2010 as an exclusive wedding and private hire property.

The grand unveiling will follow an extensive investment and refurbishment programme.

Two restaurants will then open later that month, with Marco Pierre White at The Swan Inn in Aughton and Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, Bar & Grill at the Doubletree by Hilton Chester.

Yorkshire-born White – at one time the youngest chef ever to be awarded three Michelin stars – says he believes his new venues will be open to all, and that the future of eating out is “affordable glamour, straightforwardness, back to basics”.

He said: “This marks a new chapter in my career.

“I’ve never lost my northern roots and I can’t wait to bring the next generation of cooking to the region.”

The fiery chef’s own previous employees include Gordon Ramsay and Heston Blumenthal.

He added: “It’s about the occasion, about being with your family and friends, the experience as a whole.

“Romance is what it’s all about in this industry, it’s what customers look for, but this is what a lot of modern-day restaurants lack.

“Romance is the only thing that never dates – so I will invite my guests to step into a romantic environment.”