Viner opening is called off
Former National Chef of the Year Kevin Viner has pulled out of the deal to relaunch his Michelin-starred restaurant, Pennypots, in the Greenbank hotel in Falmouth, Cornwall (Caterer, 14 February, page 63).
In a joint statement released by Viner and the hotel's directors, structural problems postponing the opening of the eaterie to autumn 2001 were cited as the reason for the chef and hotel parting company. The restaurant was originally scheduled to open its doors in April.
"I've already spent six months out of the kitchen and I've got to the stage of just wanting to cook again. Another year out of the kitchen is too long," commented Viner. He added: "I had a package - a consistent, quality restaurant - and nowhere to go with it."
Viner is currently undertaking consultancy work in Cornwall and is understood to be looking for backers to relaunch Pennypots in the county. "I'd love the opportunity to stay in the south-west. My heart is in the industry - training youngsters and producing a good product," he said.
