Scott's for sale as Clivaz is forced out

Mayfair restaurant Scott's is up for sale for £2m following the forced resignation of managing director Brian Clivaz from both the restaurant and its sister establishment, Home House.

Clivaz, who set up the renowned private members' club and restaurant seven years ago with directors Neville Abraham and Laurence Issacson, resigned last week.

A source said he stepped down after a boardroom coup at which primary shareholder Richard Farley, chairman of holding company Berkeley Adam, outvoted directors against him.

Clivaz said he and the board had made a "business decision".

"Home House and Scott's are doing well and are profitable but it's time for me to go on and start something else. I already have three different projects in the pipeline," he said.

Sources say, however, that the restaurant has been losing money for some time, despite refurbishment and attempts by executive chef Michael McEnearney to update its image.

Luxury French hotel and restaurant group, Costes, made an offer of £1.8m last week, which was rejected.

Clivaz refused to confirm Scott's was up for sale. But he admitted that if the company received the right offer it would be prepared to sell.