Est Est Est sites to become Bar & Grills
Restaurant and bar chain Living Ventures is expanding its Bar & Grill brand across the country and launching a new restaurant concept.
Managing director Tim Bacon revealed the group would be converting Est Est Est sites in Manchester and Chester into Bar & Grill-branded outlets under its subsidiary Blackhouse group.
Following the successful launch of its Hale Grill in South Manchester and The Grill in London, the 180-seat Grill on the Alley will launch in Manchester at the end of July and a 120-seat Newgate Grill will open in Chester in October.
Bacon also revealed the group is to launch a new branded concept, currently still under wraps, in Newcastle later this year. A second site will open in Islington, north London, in late summer.
Average spend at Blackhouse restaurants, which focus on surf'n'turf-based menus, is £35-£40 with drinks.
Living Ventures acquired the 18-strong Est Est Est portfolio in April last year as part of a deal in which The Restaurant Group bought a 40% stake in the company for £7.7m.
It also operates the 12-strong Living Room brand.
