Rick Stein believed to have pulled out of Eastbourne restaurant following Brexit
Rick Stein is thought to have pulled out of a plan to open up a seafront restaurant in Eastbourne.
Uncertainty around the result of the EU Referendum is thought to be behind the Stein family's decision, according to the Eastbourne Herald. A spokesperson for Eastbourne Borough Council, said; "In light of the result of the EU referendum the preferred operator has decided to withdraw from the process."
£1.2million was promised by the government to help Eastbourne recover after a fire broke out in July 2014 on the pier. Prime Minister, David Cameron and Chancellor, George Osborne visited the town of Eastbourne a few days after 80 firefighters were called to help put out the fire on the pier, that is over 100 years old. At the time, Cameron vowed his support to local businesses that were affected by the blaze.
The restaurant is to be located on the Wish Tower site along the Eastbourne coast and the council had been in ‘advanced negotiations with a preferred operator.' Stein was one of three fish restaurant operators that were shortlisted for tender at the site. His name was mentioned together with fellow celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver, although Rick Stein was thought to have been chosen on the basis of his ‘superb' presentation.
The local council in Eastbourne anticipated the long-awaited construction of the building, starting in January 2017 and an opening date expected in Easter of 2018. However, with Stein pulling out of the deal, it is not yet known how this schedule will be affected.
A spokesperson for the restaurant group said: "I can confirm that with the decision to Brexit, the economic climate will be very uncertain, and as a business we have decided to curtail our exposure to taking on further restaurant leases. Marlborough restaurant will be opening at the end of September 2016."
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