Chefs line up to take over Peacock Alley

There has been a rush of bidders for the Michelin-starred Peacock Alley restaurant in Dublin's Fitzwilliam hotel, which had been run until last month by chef Conrad Gallagher.

Gallagher, who recently lost his job at the London restaurant named after him, lost the Dublin restaurant because of rent arrears.

The city's Fitzwilliam hotel, which housed the restaurant and licensed it to Gallagher, announced on 16 March that it had ended its agreement with him and taken back possession of the property.

A hotel spokeswoman said offers had come from "several top chefs", including a Michelin star holder. Those expressing interest are from Ireland, the UK and the Continent.

She added that the owner, a company named Ampleforth, was anxious to have Peacock Alley reopened and would be deciding on Gallagher's replacement soon.

None of the bidders have been identified, but Irish restaurateur Michael Deane has acknowledged his interest.

Deane, of the Michelin-starred Restaurant Michael Deane in Belfast, said he had approached the hotel some two months ago expressing an interest in the restaurant in the event of Gallagher moving.

Another Irish chef being mentioned is Kevin Thornton, whose Dublin restaurant Thornton's also holds a Michelin star. He is reported to have had talks with the hotel some time ago.

According to the Fitzwilliam spokeswoman, guests at the hotel have not been affected by the Peacock Alley closure.

Gallagher, meanwhile, is reported to be in the USA. He is due to go on trial in Dublin in the next few months on charges connected with the theft of paintings belonging to the Fitzwilliam.

He has claimed that the charges arise from a misunderstanding.

by Anthony Garvey

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 18-24 April 2002