Rhodes wants to go all the way to the Admiralty

Chef Gary Rhodes has confirmed that he has been in talks with Restaurant Associates, the fine-dining arm of Compass, about extending their liaison beyond Rhodes Twenty Four.

Rhodes told Caterer that further talks had taken place regarding Restaurant Associates' Admiralty restaurant at Somerset House, but that nothing would happen until next year.

Compass declined to add any more detail. "We are talking to Gary about other projects, but there is nothing to say about them yet. Gary's focus is firmly on Rhodes Twenty Four at Tower 42," a Compass spokeswoman said.

Whatever the final outcome, the deal makes sense. The catering giant bought the Admiralty off Oliver Peyton in April last year for a price tag of up to £6.6m and Rhodes's influence can be spotted in recent changes at the restaurant.

Robert Spencer is the new head chef at the Admiralty, following the departure of Morgan Meunier in September to set up his own restaurant. Spencer worked with Rhodes at both his previous Michelin-starred London restaurants Rhodes on the Square and City Rhodes.