NI restaurateurs may join mainland group

The Restaurateurs Association of Northern Ireland (RANI), with 45 members, is discussing whether to join forces with the Restaurateurs Association of Great Britain.

Nick Price, chef/proprietor of restaurant Nick's Warehouse in Belfast, and chairman of RANI, said: "We've always been affiliated and we're exploring the possibility of coming under their wing. I desperately want it to continue.

"It would give us more central leadership and a bit of organisation from London so we might get more done."

Price is currently expanding his business into a neighbouring garage and no longer has time to run RANI. His restaurant's development, which should be finished in December, will add 2,000sq ft, including a new kitchen.