Xavier Rousset to open London restaurant
Master Sommelier (MS) Xavier Rousset has this week revealed that he is to open a new venture in London's West End in May.
Rousset, who won the Wine & Spirit Ambassador Award at the Cateys last year, said he would be opening a 40-seat casual Mediterranean restaurant located near New Bond Street with a "highly professional and passionate team".
The co-founder of Texture and 28°-50°, who left the businesses he created with chef Agnar Sverrisson to pursue other projects last May, said the restaurant would have an emphasis on ingredients and be "simple" in its format.
Rousset, who became the youngest MS in the world when he passed the exam aged 23, added that he was excited to be back in central London.
After creating such a successful business with Sverrisson, the restaurant industry was shocked by news of Rousset's departure last spring. The pair won the Newcomer Award at the Cateys in 2011 and a Michelin star in its guide book the same year.
At the time of his departure, Rousset commented: "With 28°-50° and Texture growing so successfully over the last nine years, I believe that now is the right time for me to step down and pursue a new challenge."
Sverrisson added: "Xavier has made a huge contribution to the success of the business. I would like to thank him for his tremendous contribution over the last nine years and wish him every success in the future."
After launching Texture in 2007, the pair opened their first 28°-50° Wine Workshop & Kitchen on Fetter Lane in London in 2010. It was followed by a second London site, in Marylebone, in 2012, and in September 2013, Rousset and Sverrisson opened the 28°-50° Wine Workshop & Kitchen in London's Mayfair.
Xavier Rousset interview with David Moore >>
Xavier Rousset leaves Texture and 28-50 >>
