Belgo owners branch out

Mussels, chips and Belgian beer are soon to hit London's Covent Garden, following the letting of an 11,000sq ft property to the owners of Belgo restaurant in north London.

André Plisnier and Denis Blais, the restaurant's Belgian owners, have taken a lease on the former Smith's restaurant occupying a large triangular site in Neal Street, owned by Christina Smith.

An annual rent of £225,000 was negotiated through restaurant property agent Trevor Shelley of Shelley Sandzer & Co, who described the figure as a fair rent for the space and location.

A rent-free period has been negotiated during the construction of what should prove to be one of London's most stylish restaurants.

Ron Arad Associates has been retained to help design the restaurant, which, according to Mr Blais, will be similar to Belgo's Belgian brewery hall concept but on a larger scale.

Mr Blais said the restaurant, called Zentraal, would offer the same type of food as Belgo but with more recipe dishes and at similar, affordable prices.

Work has started on the 350-cover restaurant and an opening date of 25 March 1995 has been set.