Redmond's set to reopen in capital

By Sarah-Jane North

Chef Redmond Hayward, forced to close his Michelin-starred Cheltenham restaurant in 1993 after running into financial difficulties, is to set up in business again.

Backed by two former customers of the Gloucestershire restaurant, Mr Hayward is opening a new 50-seat eaterie in East Sheen, west London, at the end of May. The new restaurant will sport the same name as his previous business, Redmond's.

Mr Hayward and his wife Pippa ran the Cheltenham restaurant from 1988, gaining a Michelin star, three AA rosettes and a star from Egon Ronay's Guides along the way.

However, the couple found it hard to make the restaurant profitable and were forced to place it on the market for £250,000, leaving them both homeless and without jobs.

Mr Hayward has spent the past few years working as head chef at a variety of London restaurants, including Sonny's in Barnes.

"I always intended to go back into running my own restaurant, even though we lost everything before. It was just a question of securing the finances," said Mr Hayward.

He told Caterer his past experiences of running restaurants had taught him some valuable lessons for his new business.

"It's a small venture but a good start. The new restaurant will be simpler, less formal. We are hoping to make it more accessible," he said.

Menu prices at the restaurant reflect this aim. Whereas a three-course meal at the Cheltenham Redmond's cost £32, East Sheen diners will be paying just £16.50.

The menu will consist of modern British dishes, with a two-course meal costing an average of £13.50.