Keith McNally hoping to open Balthazar in London

25 October 2010 by
Keith McNally hoping to open Balthazar in London

Keith McNally has confirmed that he is hoping to open a London version of his famous brasserie Balthazar on the site of the former Theatre Museum, Covent Garden.

The trend-setting New York restaurateur has also not ruled out the possibility of opening an additional local restaurant in London.

He told Caterer: "I am moving back to London for a few years regardless and it's possible I'll get a rundown place in Notting Hill where I'll be living and do something much rougher, more low-key as well."

The Theatre Museum site was acquired some time ago by London-based hospitality tycoon Richard Caring, whose British portfolio includes Soho House, Strada, the Ivy and Le Caprice as well as Annabel's nightclub. Caring also co-owns with McNally the New York restaurant Pulino's.

McNally commented: "Richard has the site and has submitted plans but they haven't been approved, so that's as far as it goes at the moment. I think the planning and building, if it comes off, will take a while."

New York's 180-seat Balthazar was opened by Bethnal Green-born McNally in New York's SoHo district in 1997 and, if it goes ahead, its Covent Garden sibling will seat 150 diners.

McNally's restaurant empire in New York numbers eight businesses. Besides Balthazar it includes Pastis, Schiller's Liquor Bar and the Minetta Tavern.

Richard Caring plans to open Ivy hotel alongside legendary London restaurant >>

Richard Caring prepares court battle over Birley nightclub >>

Caterersearch.com 100: Richard Caring >>

By Joanna Wood

E-mail your comments to Caterer News here.

If you have something to say on this story or anything else join the debate at Table Talk - Caterer's new networking forum. Go to www.caterersearch.com/tabletalk

Caterersearch.com jobs

Looking for a new job? Find your next job here with Caterersearch.com jobs

[Newsletters For the latest hospitality news, sign up for our e-mail newsletters.
The Caterer Breakfast Briefing Email

Start the working day with The Caterer’s free breakfast briefing email

Sign Up and manage your preferences below

Check mark icon
Thank you

You have successfully signed up for the Caterer Breakfast Briefing Email and will hear from us soon!

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.

close

Ad Blocker detected

We have noticed you are using an adblocker and – although we support freedom of choice – we would like to ask you to enable ads on our site. They are an important revenue source which supports free access of our website's content, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.

trade tracker pixel tracking