New name for troubled Les Saveurs

CHEF Jean-Christophe Novelli is changing the name and image of his flagship London restaurant Les Saveurs, which has lost £150,000 since he took over in 1997.

From June, the restaurant will be called Novelli at Curzon Street and will be marketed as a restaurant for couples.

Les Saveurs was the chef's sixth restaurant opening in just three years - he owns eight restaurants, including the newly opened one-Michelin starred Gordleton Mill in Hampshire.

Novelli said he had been forced to go back into the kitchen at Les Saveurs three months ago in a bid to raise bookings, and he had had to cut the kitchen brigade to four in order to save money.

He said he did not previously have time to do anything about the losses at Les Saveurs.

Since he took over in the kitchen again, bookings have risen 75% and the restaurant is now making money.

Novelli has also been plagued with health problems, including an attack of shingles eight months ago. But he says he will continue to open new restaurants - two more are due in Britain by the end of the year.

l A full report on Jean-Christophe Novelli and his operation at Gordleton Mill will appear in the Chef section next month.